‘I remain steadfast in my belief that diplomacy is the answer,’ Ramirez Opposes H.R. 8369 Israel Security Assistance Support Act

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03)released the following video statement after voting NO on H.R. 8369, the Israel Security Assistance Support Act.

VIDEO STATEMENT HERE

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TRANSCRIPTION BELOW:

• For the last 222 days, my message has been the same - we must pursue peace and prioritize diplomacy.
• I have been consistent in my call for a ceasefire that would enable the release of the hostages, protect Palestinian lives, and prevent a regional war. 
• I have also repeatedly raised warnings about the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, particularly in Rafah, where more than 1 million displaced people are sheltering and starving.
• I have been clear I do not believe we should send the Netanyahu administration weapons of war.
• I voted against additional military aid, and the Biden Administration recently admitted it is likely that U.S. bombs have been used in ways that violate international laws and compromise our integrity. 
• Today, I voted no on H.R. 8369 - a dangerous and irresponsible bill that would cripple our diplomatic power, undermine U.S. and international law, and destroy the necessary checks and balances that govern U.S. arms sales.
• For months, those of us who have advocated for diplomacy have been met with the question: “What about the hostages?”
• Today, I asked my colleagues: “What about the hostages?”
• More Israeli captives have been released through diplomacy than rescued through war.
• Diplomacy has effectively returned 105 hostages home. 
• The diplomats from the State Department are working to secure the safe release of those still held in Gaza.
• Those same diplomats are who this bill would defund and punish should the White House seek to hold the Netanyahu Administration accountable.
• If we truly value the lives of those who are not yet home with their families, we must continue to support diplomatic efforts to negotiate their release.
• If we believe it is important to hold those who receive U.S. military aid accountable for how it is used, we cannot eliminate the important checks and balances.
• I remain steadfast in my belief that diplomacy is the answer and that we must continue to demand accountability, adherence to international law, and a ceasefire.