WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member on the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement regarding his decision to vote against H.R. 7217, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act.

“Israel has a right and duty to defend itself and ensure that Hamas is never again able to commit the atrocities of the October 7th terrorist attacks. Hamas is a violent, totalitarian ideology bent on the destruction of Israel, and I support continued funding for Israel so that they can degrade the threat of Hamas, which is important for the security of Israel and the broader Middle East.

“I also believe that it is equally important that Ukraine succeeds in stopping Russia in their brutal invasion. We should not abandon Ukraine. It is extremely problematic that there is no plan from the House Republicans to vote on funding for Ukraine. We need to vote on funding for both Israel and Ukraine, and passing funding for Israel takes pressure off House Republicans to move forward with a vote on funding for Ukraine.

“Given the emerging reporting on cooperation between Russia and Iran, Russia’s success in Ukraine would also strengthen Iran and place Israel at greater risk. Iran has provided weapons to Russia, and it is reported that Russia has promised to return the favor, which is a threat to Israel’s long-term security and the security of the region.

“Furthermore, there is no purely military solution for Israel’s security. The standalone bill fails to provide humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza who are suffering. Israel needs partners and allies, particularly in the Arab world. The long-term security of Israel and stability in the region is dependent on charting a peaceful future for the Palestinian people and providing for their humanitarian needs. To not do so, undermines Israel.

“I voted against the standalone supplemental bill for Israel today because I cannot support a national security supplemental that abandons Ukraine and fails to provide humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in Gaza. We are facing many national security threats across the globe. These challenges are increasingly interconnected, and we must advance a U.S. national security strategy that supports all these interests in lock step to be in the best position to succeed.”

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