Chris Van Hollen: “I rise in support of the joint resolutions of disapproval that the Senate is considering today on the sales of certain…”

“I rise in support of the joint resolutions of disapproval that the Senate is considering today on the sales of certain offensive weapons to the Netanyahu government. To be clear, I do not support an arms embargo on Israel, but I do believe that the United States should pause the delivery of offensive weapons until the Netanyahu government meets the requirements of U.S. law and policy with respect to the delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza and the use of American weapons there. This is not about abandoning support for Israel; this is about making sure Americans' support for Israel complies with American laws and policies and values. We would not be on this floor considering these resolutions if that was happening today, and these votes will be the one opportunity that Members of the Senate have to send that message. I urge my colleagues to support them. Following the Hamas attacks of October 7, I have, as probably every Senator has, supported Israel's right to defend itself--in fact, argued that they have a duty to defend themselves--and end Hamas's control of Gaza, and I am steadfast in that support to this moment. There must be no more October 7ths. At the same time, U.S. taxpayer-funded assistance should not come in the form of a blank check, even to our closest allies. We need to ensure that U.S. interests, values, and priorities will be respected by foreign governments that receive U.S. assistance.…”