Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024

Floor Speech

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Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, let me first thank the gentleman from California, Chairman Calvert, for his leadership in drafting this critical bill, along with Chairwoman Kay Granger and the leadership for bringing this forward.

Mr. Speaker, as Mr. Calvert just said, yes, there has been genocide, but the genocide has been from Hamas.

If the world needed yet another reminder of the importance of Israel as a safe haven for the Jewish people, then the attacks of October 7 should be that wake-up call.

This is not that complicated. I have been disgusted and shocked by some of the things we have been hearing, including the sheer glee displayed in celebrations even in this country because of the murders on October 7.

Remember, those grotesque celebrations and demonstrations happened before Israel even began its military action to defend Israelis in Gaza.

Let's be clear: Those demonstrations, those statements, those celebrations were and are in favor of the terrorist group Hamas. The despicable anti-Semitism which has dramatically increased since October 7, that we have even seen here sometimes on this floor, has to be condemned and has to stop.

Israel is on the front line in the battle against terrorism--the terrorists of Hamas, Hezbollah, ISIS, you name it. All of them continue to wait for an opportunity to strike at Israel, as they have, just like they want to strike here at the American people of the United States.

Israel and the United States do not want violence, but the problem is that the terrorists do, and they are the ones who have killed and butchered and maimed innocent Israelis.

Last November, the House passed another Israel security supplemental, which was fully offset by a rescission of the IRS funding, and that was the reason why the White House claimed that they opposed that bill.

Now, there are zero excuses to oppose this bill. This bill does one thing, Mr. Speaker. It provides urgently needed funding for our friend and ally, Israel, to defeat the terrorists that they are dealing with. The United States must stand with Israel to eradicate terrorism.

This is not that complicated. You can use every excuse in the world with the purpose of supporting Hamas and justifying the murders. This bill stands with Israel--no ifs, no ands, no buts.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to Chairman Calvert for bringing this important piece of legislation, and I wholeheartedly support it.

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