Rep. Ellison Statement on the Passage of House Joint Resolution 76

Statement

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) released the following statement today following the passage of H. J. Res. 76:

"I support the Iron Dome and have voted in favor of appropriations of over $1 billion to Iron Dome since its inception," Rep. Ellison said. "I repeat my condemnation of Hamas' indiscriminate rocketing of Israeli civilians, and I am grateful Iron Dome has been there to protect them. I voted against H. J. Res. 76 because I believe in the midst of a hot war with so many casualties, the US government needs to be prioritizing a ceasefire between the two sides.

"The Palestinians of Gaza remain vulnerable. Recent reports suggest close to 1,500 dead, three quarters of whom are civilians. Congress should show compassion for both sides, and should also be working to fund humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

"In the end, there is no military solution to this conflict. I urge Congress and the Obama Administration to work together with the international community to intensify efforts to bring about a ceasefire, an end to the blockade of Gaza, and a resumption of final status negotiations."

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