Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today released the following statement after voting against an amendment to H.R. 8595 that would halt foreign and humanitarian aid to Israel and Palestine.
“Under Prime Minister Netanyahu’s leadership, Israel has lost its way. His decisions have undermined Israel’s long-term security, strained our alliance, and made Americans, Israelis, and Palestinians less safe.
“Yet, as a Jewish refugee who fled oppression in the Soviet Union, I have long believed that Israel is a refuge for many families like mine.
“These convictions made this one of the most difficult votes I’ve cast because Israel needs to change course. However, I could not support an amendment as poorly written as this one that would eliminate key funding provisions that support Palestinian security forces, humanitarian aid, and defensive systems to protect innocent civilians.”
###