Hard Wire

Schumer Pledges Support For Israel

1.7k Views
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and the Democratic leadership speak to reporters about progress on an infrastructure bill and voting rights legislation, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has voiced his support for Israel amid a recent drone and missile attack by Iran. In a tweet on Saturday, Schumer stated, “As Israel is under attack from Iran, we stand with Israel and its people, and the United States will do everything we can to support Israel’s defense against Iran.”

However, Schumer’s support for Israel has been met with criticism from his Republican colleagues. They pointed out that the Democrat-led Senate has blocked a House-passed bill that would have provided $14.3 billion in emergency aid to Israel, while also cutting the same amount of funds meant for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

One of Schumer’s critics, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), tweeted, “Good! @SenSchumer. Then let’s vote on Monday on the emergency military aid for Israel bill that YOU blocked! And every single Dem senator voted with you. Let’s make it 100-0, that we all stand united with Israel.”

Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS), who also criticized Schumer, added, “We brought aid for Israel to the Senate floor FOUR TIMES since the unprovoked, brutal attacks on Oct 7th. Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats blocked our efforts every single time. Actions speak louder than words.”

Despite the criticism, Schumer has continued to push for a separate aid package that would provide support to Israel, as well as other countries like Ukraine and Taiwan. This bill, with a price tag of around $95 billion, was passed by the Senate in February but has not been taken up by the GOP-led House.

Republican Representative Beth Van Duyne (TX) also criticized Schumer, stating, “It’s been 163 days since the House GOP sent Chuck Schumer a standalone aid package to support our ally Israel. As the Biden White House appeases terrorists and undercuts Israel, Schumer is not just complicit, but has also refused to take up this aid package, emboldening Iran to unjustly attack Israel.”

She added, “Senator Schumer, as sirens are sounding in Israel, when will you stop holding aid to Israel hostage to your petty politics?”

While Schumer’s support for Israel has been met with criticism, other Democrats have also expressed their support for the country during this latest attack. For example, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) said, “The rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza are unacceptable and must end. The U.S. stands with Israel as it defends itself against these heinous acts of terror.”

Additionally, Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) stated, “As Hamas continues its wicked barrage of rockets into Israel, it is clear there can be no equivocation – Israel has the absolute right to self-defense. We must continue to support our friend and ally, Israel, in their fight against terrorism.”

As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, it is clear that while there may be political differences between Democrats and Republicans, both sides stand in solidarity with Israel in the face of Iranian aggression. Only time will tell if the Democrats will take action to pass the aid package and support Israel in a more tangible way.

Previous Trump Holds Rally In PA
Next Probe Begins Following Bridge Collapse