WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 7217, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, which ultimately failed this evening by a vote of 250-180. The bill was considered under suspension of the rules, which requires approval by at least two-thirds of voting members.

“While I unequivocally stand with Israel, Congress should not — and doesn’t need to — borrow money to support our greatest ally in the Middle East,” said Clyde. “Given our dire economic situation and ballooning national debt, fiscal responsibility must be at the forefront of all government spending. Yet Washington continues to maintain the Swamp’s status-quo spending habits that worsen our nation’s financial crisis and further burden the American people. House Republican leadership must reverse course and send a fully offset Israel aid bill, like H.R. 6126 — which passed with my support, to the Senate. I ultimately would have voted in favor of this current legislation if it was fully offset by reductions in other spending, as I firmly believe that we can support Israel in its time of need without putting America further in debt.” 

Background

On November 2nd, 2023, House Republicans passed H.R. 6126, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, a $14.3 billion emergency supplemental aid bill that provides Israel with the resources needed to defend itself against Iran-backed Hamas terrorists. This legislation, which passed with Rep. Clyde’s support, is fully offset by rescissions from President Biden’s so-called “Inflation Reduction Act,” specifically the enhanced funding for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

In contrast, H.R. 7217, which provides $17.6 billion in military assistance for Israel, does not contain any offsets.