Brian Mast: “There was an accusation just made by the opposition that we should rebuild Gaza because if it is in the interest of…”

“There was an accusation just made by the opposition that we should rebuild Gaza because if it is in the interest of America to support the Israeli military, then it must, in turn, be in our interest to rebuild those that the Israeli military is fighting against. That, to me, seems very nonsensical. It seems very counterproductive, especially as much of what is being spoken of is going on in the midst of war. Madam Chair, I ask this body of Representatives--and of course, not all Representatives are present in this room--does anybody in here want to say that Gaza is America's ally? I don't hear anybody speaking up. I have asked this question before. I have not heard anybody on the floor of the House say that Gaza is America's ally. I doubt the opposition will stand up and say that Gaza is America's ally. They are absolutely at war with one of our major and best allies anywhere across the globe. The idea of rebuilding or building, even as we speak or in the future, our non-ally that is at war with our great ally, to me, is nonsensical, especially as our non-ally is currently holding Americans hostage and was very active and participating in killing Americans, killing Israelis, and killing others on October 7. This didn't begin on October 7. It has gone on for years and decades, and it is not likely to end anytime soon. Madam Chair, I say in closing that American tax dollars do not need to go to Gaza to rebuild it.…”