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WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) voted in the House to advance H.R. 8034, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, along with several other national security bills. His full statement can be read below:

“These four bills will collectively provide much-needed national security funding and humanitarian aid to our allies around the world. This includes more than $9 billion in humanitarian assistance for the crisis in Gaza and other war-torn regions, and replenishes Israel’s missile defense stockpiles, which I was proud to support.

“However, I remain extremely concerned about the delivery of additional offensive weapons to the Netanyahu Government.

“While I supported the overall package, I continue to call upon the Biden Administration to use its ample existing authority to scrutinize Israel’s conduct, as is done with any other country, and withhold certain military assistance if Israel is found to be in violation of the law. I look forward to reviewing the Administration’s assessment in the near future.

“In the meantime, the Netanyahu Government must heed President Biden’s call for an immediate negotiated ceasefire and allow for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.”