Rep. Schiff Statement on H.R. 6126
Washington, D.C. — Representative Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) released the following statement in opposition of H.R. 6126:
“During this time of crisis, when the Congress should provide bipartisan emergency assistance to Israel, Speaker Johnson has chosen to play dangerous political games instead. Today’s proposal conditions aid to Israel on a right-wing domestic priority — defunding the IRS — which not only destroyed bipartisan support for the aid package but also would make the deficit worse, not better. It also excluded desperately needed humanitarian support, requested by the Administration, for Palestinians living in Gaza and being used as human shields by Hamas. For these reasons and more, I voted no. Once rejected by the Senate, as it surely will be, I look forward to supporting a clean bipartisan bill, and one that aids our Ukrainian ally, as well.
“President Biden has said he would veto the bill if it ever reached his desk, and he would be right to do so. I firmly believe that we must stand with Israel at its time of maximum need and that it has a right and duty to defend itself. Like any other nation, Israel must adhere to the laws of war and make every effort to avoid and limit civilian casualties as it does so, even as Hamas demonstrates nothing but a murderous brutality towards the citizens of Israel, Americans and others, and a deadly disregard and indifference towards the lives of other Palestinians and the hostages it seized.
“The events of the last few weeks have been devastating to all who have hoped for lasting peace and a two-state solution. The massive scale of Hamas’ butchery and the wave of anti-semitism it somehow unleashed, the loss of the lives of Palestinians trapped in Gaza and the desperation of American families trying to get their loved ones out, have been deeply painful for all who believe in the sanctity and dignity of human life. Going forward, we must ensure that Israel has the material support it needs to replenish its defenses, not only against Hamas, but against Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and their Iranian sponsors, all of whom are endangering the lives of Israelis and threatening to widen the war.
“It is also critical that we do everything possible to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza, who are the victims of Hamas’ actions, by establishing humanitarian pauses for food, water and medical aid to get in, and for innocent civilians to get out. This is vital as a humanitarian matter, but also if there is ever to be a potential for lasting peace under a different kind of representation for the Palestinians in Gaza than Hamas terrorists.”
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