Castro on Israel Funding: “Do Not Reward a Wrongdoer”

Castro on Israel Funding: "Do Not Reward a Wrongdoer"

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) spoke on the House floor in support of an amendment from Rep. Thomas Massie (KY-04) to block $3.3 billion in taxpayer funding for Israel's military. Congressman Castro will vote in support of the amendment to H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027.

View Congressman Castro's remarks here.

Remarks as delivered below:

Madam speaker, Israel does not need, and quite honestly does not deserve, more American money for weapons. Prime Minister Netanyahu has taken Israel down an ugly path. The tragedy of October 7th has become a justification for the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. Self-defense does not include indiscriminately bombing homes, hospitals, churches, schools or refugee camps.

There were even credible reports of children intentionally shot in the head and chest. For decades, our nation gave Israel billions to facilitate peace and a two-state solution. Instead, Israel has chosen more war and more occupation.

Today, it occupies not only Gaza and the West Bank, but parts of Syria and Lebanon. If there are no consequences, why in the world would Benjamin Netanyahu change what he's doing? And words are not enough. Condemnations are not enough. If we hope to change Israel's behavior, we must use our leverage.

The American people have seen this tragedy with their own eyes. They have made their judgment. They do not support giving Israel more weapons. Do not reward a wrongdoer. Now it's up to us in this chamber to take action.

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