Ted Budd: “it has been more than 6 months since Hamas committed heinous acts of evil against innocent civilians. It was the worst…”

“it has been more than 6 months since Hamas committed heinous acts of evil against innocent civilians. It was the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Tragically, the attack included the murder and kidnapping of U.S. citizens. For the hostages still being held in Gaza, the terror continues. The hostages are being deprived of food, water, and medicine. They are being subjected to unbearable violence, abuse, and torture by Hamas terrorists. Think about the pain, the uncertainty, and the fear that has gripped the families day after day for more than 180 days. This is personal for Americans, but it is particularly important to those of us in North Carolina. One of our fellow citizens is among those still being held, Keith Siegel. Seeking the release of hostages demands strength, demands moral clarity. We demand it from our own leaders, and we should require it from our major allies. I believe it is time for our Nation to reexamine whom we can count on to be on our side and who stands on the side of the terrorists. The State of Qatar, for example, hosts Hamas leaders in their capital of Doha. Now, initially, Qatari officials claimed that they were exercising leverage on Hamas. Then, they publicly stated thereafter that they don't have any leverage. And now, they are promoting a cease- fire, regardless of the release of the hostages. After 6 months, the patience of the United States has run out.…”