U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) and U.S. Reps. Young Kim (R-CA), Dave Joyce (R-OH), and David Valadao (R-CA) joined more than 400 of their colleagues in introducing a bipartisan resolution stating that the United States stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists.
“Now is the time to show the world the United States firmly stands with our friend and ally Israel in our condemnation of this heinous attack by Iran-backed terrorists,” Rep. McCaul said on Tuesday. “I expect this bipartisan resolution to be one of the first, if not the first items considered on the floor once we elect a new speaker. And I expect it to receive overwhelming bipartisan support.”
Rep. McCaul on Oct. 11 sponsored House Resolution (H.Res.) 771 alongside 414 members of Congress to condemn the unprovoked attack on the Israeli people by Hamas terrorists, who on Oct. 7 launched a massive, unprovoked war on Israel by air, land, and sea, including firing thousands of rockets, and began slaughtering Israelis and abducting hostages in towns in southern Israel, including children and the elderly, according to the text of the resolution.
“Growing up in South Korea in the aftermath of the Korean War, I remember well what it is like to live under constant threat. This feeling came back to me visiting Israel last year and seeing the threats faced each day by the resilient people of Israel,” said Rep. Kim. “I am praying for the loved ones of the victims tragically killed or injured, including at least 11 Americans and thousands of Israeli civilians.”
Rep. Kim added she is hopeful that members of Congress can show unified support during this time. “I will continue being a loud voice for our ally Israel and against the rogue Iranian regime backing these brutal attacks and supporting terrorism around the world,” said the congresswoman.
Rep. Valadao said that the stories and pictures coming out of Israel are devastating, and he’s “heartbroken” at the loss of American lives and hundreds of Israeli citizens at the hands of the Iran-backed terrorists.
“I stand with our friend and ally Israel as they defend themselves against unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists,” said Rep. Valadao. “The United States will continue to stand with our strongest ally in the Middle East. We must immediately elect a Speaker of the House so Congress can act swiftly to provide Israel with any additional resources they need.”
If enacted, the resolution would resolve that the U.S. House of Representatives condemns Hamas’ war on Israel and calls on all countries to do the same.
Additionally, the resolution would resolve that the House calls on Hamas to immediately cease its attacks and safely release all living hostages and return the bodies of deceased hostages; mourns those killed and wounded; and condemns Iran’s support for terrorist groups and proxies, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Among several other provisions, H.Res. 771 also would resolve that the House urges full enforcement of the Taylor Force Act and other restrictions in U.S. law to prevent U.S. foreign assistance from benefiting terrorists, directly or indirectly, and urges full enforcement of U.S. sanctions against Iran to prevent it from funding terrorist groups.
“The acts of terrorism unleashed upon Israel over the weekend are heinous and must be condemned in the strongest terms possible. This is a human tragedy beyond words,” Rep. Joyce said. “As members of Congress, it is our responsibility to provide our ally with the resources it needs to defend itself, defeat Hamas, and combat any other group that continues to threaten peace in the region or the existence of the State of Israel.
“The U.S. will not stand for this antisemitic violence perpetrated against innocent civilians,” he said. “I unequivocally stand with Israel.”