WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on her vote against H.R.7217:
“On October 7th, 2023, Hamas launched a brutal attack on Israeli civilians that killed more than 1,400 men, women, and children. In the wake of that horrifying attack, I have been unwavering in my belief that Israel has a right to exist, every hostage must be returned, and Hamas must be dislodged — without destroying innocent life.
I have also repeatedly expressed my deep concern — for the men, women, and children in harm’s way, through no fault of their own, without adequate food, water, shelter, or medical supplies. This legislation contains no humanitarian aid for Gazans or Israelis.
These grave circumstances demand serious action — but this bill, hastily introduced by House Republican leadership, is, unfortunately, not that.
Instead of considering a bipartisan package addressing our border and immigration systems — in addition to our commitments to long term peace in the Middle East — House Republicans are once again using Israel as a political cudgel.
This legislation ignores our obligations around the world and omits desperately needed humanitarian aid.
For that reason, I voted ‘no’ on H.R. 7217.”
Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.
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