DeLauro Statement on President Biden’s Security Supplemental Appropriations Request

October 20, 2023
Press Release

House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) released the following statement on President Biden’s request for emergency security funding:

“We are at a pivotal moment in history. We will be judged on how the United States responds to ongoing crises, whether we honor our commitments to our allies abroad, and how we care for innocent people around the world caught in the wake of devastation. 

“Hamas’s attacks on innocent civilians in Israel, which include taking children, women, and elderly people hostage, are unconscionable and unprecedented. I am intent on ensuring we do everything feasible to provide the assistance Israel needs to recover from this devastation and continue to defend itself.

“Additionally, we must continue to stand against Putin’s attack on Ukrainian sovereignty and global democracy. Putin must be held accountable for Russia’s unwarranted invasion and for the pointless and bloody war that continues to claim countless lives.

“Supporting the defense capabilities of our global partners is critical to our national security. With half of the requested security resources aimed at replenishing the United States’ military stocks, honoring this request would also create jobs and boost our economy. We will pay a much higher price if we do not stand up now.

“Innocent civilians around the world are directly impacted by these wars. As we work to ensure Israel and Ukraine receive the resources they need to defend themselves, we must ensure innocent Palestinian and Ukrainian civilians quickly receive the humanitarian aid they need to survive. Failure to expeditiously provide resources to lessen the impact of these crises will have disastrous consequences.

“I also look forward to soon reviewing an additional supplemental request to address some of our most urgent domestic needs including child care, disaster relief, and access to broadband.

“Time is of the essence. American children and families, those affected by natural disasters, and our allies abroad do not have the luxury of waiting for our support. I look forward to continuing to review President Biden’s request, including that for much-needed resources to protect our border, and working with Democrats and Republicans in the House and the Senate to quickly draft and pass an emergency supplemental funding package.”

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118th Congress