McClellan Statement on the Israel Security Supplemental Package

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after she voted against H.R. 4821, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act: 

“For weeks, House Republicans sowed dysfunction and chaos as they exacted petty, partisan revenge on one another and stifled our body’s ability to legislate. House Democrats, on the other hand, stood ready and willing to put People Over Politics and pass a supplemental funding package that provides the necessary resources for Israel and Ukraine to defend themselves while delivering additional aid to innocent civilians in Gaza. Extreme MAGA Republicans rejected that opportunity and offered a package that fails to meet the national security needs of our allies or address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 

“The Biden-Harris Administration made abundantly clear that the United States has a moral and ethical responsibility to uphold American values, support our allies, oppose terrorism and dictatorships, and defend democracy around the world. However, House Republicans ignore that request and shirk commitments to our global allies and innocent civilians impacted by ongoing conflicts. 

“After careful consideration, I voted against this hyper-partisan supplemental package because it fails to meet the urgency of the moment, denies Ukraine the much-needed funding it needs to stave off Vladimir Putin’s unjustified invasion, and ignores the needs of Palestinians in Gaza. Furthermore, for the first time ever, this package conditions aid to our Israeli allies by demanding draconian funding cuts for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that would pave the way for billionaires and ultra-wealthy corporations to avoid paying their fair share while adding $26.8 billion to our deficit. 

“Speaker Johnson and House Republicans had an opportunity to cultivate bipartisanship as we work to address these international crises; however, they opted for a partisan approach that prioritizes special interests over our allies and innocent civilians. I commend the White House for its pledge to veto this harmful legislation. I look forward to reviewing the supplemental bill passed by the U.S. Senate, which has already refused to take up House Republicans’ deeply flawed bill.”