McClellan Statement on Speaker Johnson’s H.R. 7217 Political Stunt

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after she voted no on H.R. 7217: 

“For months, the Biden-Harris Administration and a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators worked to develop a supplemental aid package that comprehensively addresses the national security needs of our global allies and partners, meets Republicans’ demands for immigration reform, and delivers critical humanitarian aid to Gaza. At the behest of Donald Trump, congressional Republicans have largely withdrawn from negotiations and abandoned that bipartisan legislative process to aid the former president’s political endeavors. 

“I support Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law and condemn Hamas’ devastating terrorist attacks on October 7th. We must work to advance a comprehensive supplemental aid package that resembles President Biden’s October 20th request – a package that provides support to Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan and addresses the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. House Republicans’ alternative legislation, H.R. 7217, is nothing more than a cynical political stunt to further their own party’s interests. 

“After careful consideration, I voted against H.R. 7217. I could not, in good conscience, support legislation that fails to support Ukraine in its continued defense against Putin’s unjustified invasion, ignores Taiwan’s national security in the face of increased aggression by the Chinese Communist Party, and neglects the humanitarian needs of innocent Palestinians in Gaza.  

“I will continue to work alongside congressional Democrats to advance America’s national security priorities, support our allies and partners around the world, and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. I urge Speaker Johnson and House Republicans to stop the partisanship and political games and return to good-faith negotiations.”