Lafayette Reporter

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) have joined forces to introduce the Israel Security Assistance Support Act. This legislative proposal aims to condemn the Biden administration's decision to pause arms transfers to Israel and demand a reversal of this decision.

"The Biden administration might be set on ending defense support for Israel, but Congress and the American people aren’t going to support the terrorists. The Israel Security Assistance Support Act would ensure America’s greatest ally in the Middle East can destroy Hamas," stated Kennedy.

Cotton echoed these sentiments, stating, "President Biden’s decision to impose a de facto arms embargo on Israel is a betrayal of one of our most important allies as it fights an existential war for survival. This bill will reverse Joe Biden’s arms embargo and withhold the salaries of officials who implement it."

Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.) has introduced similar legislation in the House of Representatives. He said, "President Biden’s decision to withhold a portion of the Israel security aid just passed by an overwhelming and bipartisan majority of Congress projects the very weakness that has become a trademark of his presidency. If President Biden will not release these weapons, Congress must act to enforce the United States’ support for Israel in its efforts to eliminate Hamas."

The proposed act outlines several measures including compelling prompt delivery of approved defense articles and services to Israel, withholding funds from key government departments until suspended defense articles are delivered, condemning the Biden administration's decision to pause arms as Israel faces threats from various groups, reaffirming Israel's right to self-defense, upholding Congress's financial power and oversight responsibilities, and requiring a report on actions taken by the executive branch that impede Israel's ability to defend itself.

Several other senators have also cosponsored this legislation including Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).

The full text of the resolution can be found here.