Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) released the below statement regarding her vote in support of the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act:

“The attack against Israel by Hamas terrorists on October 7 was the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust, with roughly 1,200 Israelis killed and thousands injured. Hamas kidnapped hundreds of Israelis, dozens of whom are still being held hostage. These deadly acts of terrorism undermine progress toward a durable peace.

Today, I voted to ensure our ally Israel, the only democracy in the region, can defend itself against terrorist threats and keep working to free the hostages taken by Hamas. While today’s measure failed, I hope House leadership will engage in bipartisan, bicameral talks not only to support Israel’s defense, but also to secure our Southern Border, assist our ally Ukraine, and address humanitarian needs of innocent civilians in Gaza. I hope both chambers will work toward a bipartisan solution on all of these pressing priorities in the coming days.

Both Israelis and Palestinians deserve the right to live with dignity, freedom, and security, so I’ve urged the Biden Administration to take steps to prevent the conflict from escalating to other fronts, including to Israel’s north.  

I appreciate the constituents who have shared diverse viewpoints about the ongoing situation with me, and I remain committed to representing Southwest Washington as an independent voice in Congress.”