Florida’s two U.S. senators–Republicans Marco Rubio and Rick Scott–are backing a proposal “to require the executive branch to transfer the U.S. foreign assistance that the U.S. Department of State plans to send to Hamas-controlled Gaza and redirect it to resupply Israel’s highly-effective missile defense interceptors.”
Last week, U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., introduced the “Emergency Resupply of Iron Dome Act” with Rubio and Scott among the almost dozen Republican co-sponsors.
“In the wake of Iran-backed Hamas’ savage attack on Israel in which over 1300 people in Israel were murdered, including 30 Americans, and as Iran-backed Hamas terrorists continue to launch missiles and rockets into Israel, the American people have seen the images of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense systems repeatedly intercepting rockets and saving the lives of countless civilians. My legislation requires the Biden administration to halt U.S. foreign assistance from going to Hamas terrorist-dominated areas and instead to redirect these resources to help Israel resupply its life-saving Iron Dome interceptors. The United States should unequivocally support the right of Israel to defend itself from terrorists,” said Hagerty.
“Now more than ever, the U.S. must stand in support with our greatest ally in the Middle East, Israel. Instead of providing assistance to Gaza, the Biden administration must ensure any taxpayer funds are used to support Israel’s Iron Dome to defend its citizens from the savagery of Iran-backed Hamas,” said Rubio
“Israel must have every tool to defeat the Iran-backed Hamas terrorists that brought the sickening attack against thousands of innocent people, including 31 Americans,” said Scott. “Instead of sending millions of dollars in ‘aid’ to foreign countries that will end up in the arms of terrorists, this administration has an opportunity to support Israel with whatever they need, including their Iron Dome to defend themselves and destroy Hamas. I thank my colleagues for supporting this critical legislation and for standing in solidarity with the Israeli people as they bravely defend their homeland.”
The bill was sent to the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. So far, there is no companion measure over in the U.S. House.
Originally from Jacksonville, Kevin Derby is the editor of Florida Daily and covers politics across Florida. Reach Kevin at [email protected]
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