Amo Statement on Amendment to Foreign Affairs Appropriations Bill Limiting Funding to Netanyahu Government

Washington, DC - TODAY, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI) released the following statement after voting in favor of Representative Thomas Massie's amendment to H.R. 8595: The National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2027.

"The United States-Israel relationship should be grounded in shared democratic values, respect for the rule of law, and an aspiration for a peaceful future. Prime Minister Netanyahu's government, however, has repeatedly violated these principles. The rhetoric and actions of extremists, like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, make it impossible to defend the status quo.

The suffering of civilians in Gaza is unacceptable, the unchecked settlement expansion is reckless, and continued settler violence is unconscionable. President Trump's blank check to Netanyahu has allowed a dangerous course that undermines the prospect of peace.

Representative Massie's amendment is poorly constructed and overly broad, and I do not agree with many of the sentiments he's publicly expressed. But it remains abundantly clear that the United States government must begin charting a new course that upholds American values in the Middle East, protects our national security interests, and demands accountability for how U.S. taxpayer dollars are used.

I support Israel's right to exist. I will continue to support defensive efforts that save civilian lives, including Iron Dome, David's Sling, and the Arrow systems - none of which would be impacted by this amendment - while making clear that our dollars should not be divorced from our values.

This vote is not about abandoning Israel. It's about rejecting the false choice Republicans are presenting between a blank check for Netanyahu's extremist coalition and walking away from the Israeli people. I will continue to push for a different path that advances humanitarian relief, defeats Hamas, and achieves a just and lasting peace that provides security, dignity, and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians alike."

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