“The Trump administration has not provided sufficient assurances that these weapons will be used by the Netanyahu government in accordance with U.S. law and with appropriate protections for civilians. I therefore will not clear this sale at this time. This decision does not diminish Congressional support for Israel's legitimate defense needs; it reflects Congress's responsibility to ensure that U.S.-funded weapons are used lawfully, responsibly, and with meaningful safeguards for human life.
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GM
Representative • New York, District 5
Rep. Greg Meeks (D-NY-5) is Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Statements (13)
“I remain firmly committed to Israel's security and its ability to defend itself against serious regional threats. But the Trump administration's proposed sale of 40,000 2,000-pound bombs, some of the most destructive munitions in our arsenal, raises grave, unresolved concerns about how these munitions could be used in densely populated areas of Gaza and Lebanon.
“The administration has yet to demonstrate that seven months of war have produced a lasting strategic resolution to the threats posed by Iran.
“I'm here to speak in opposition to the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act -- a deeply flawed bill. … American families will pay the costs of this bill. Vladimir Putin will not. … The president already has the power to impose every single sanction or other form of transaction prohibition authorized by this bill. … Let's work to find a compromise that properly punishes Russia for its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, while protecting the American people from reckless, inflationary tariffs.
“The Senate is not superior to the House. We both pass bills, so we should be discussing both bills and making a determination what would be the best bill to support Ukraine.
“I am proud to welcome Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Mark Pocan and Wesley Bell to the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Their experience, commitment, and expertise will strengthen our work and help guide the committee as it addresses urgent challenges in national security and diplomacy.
“This bill’s sanctions still contain the broadest possible waiver authority for President Trump, who already has the power to impose these sanctions on Russia under U.S. law but has refused to do so.
“I oppose handing President Trump a Trojan horse for tariff authorities he has repeatedly abused.
“We strongly urge the Department to return its focus to a serious mission set that is definitionally apolitical, data-driven, and rooted in reality, instead of rubberstamping the political priorities of extremists within the Administration whose views and policies put U.S. national security — and the American people — at risk.
“Congress has followed the Constitution today — Democrats and Republicans said enough is enough. It is time to end this war. I am thrilled that we've had the opportunity to have some members from the Republican side stand up. I'm really thrilled and proud of my Democratic colleagues, because every Democrat, every single one voted for this.
“We had the votes without question and they knew it, and as a result they're playing a political game.
“Every day this administration hesitates to apply real pressure on Russia and fails to support Ukraine is another day Ukrainian soldiers don't get the tools they need to shoot down Russian missiles and drones targeting civilian infrastructure like hospitals, schools and power plants.
“DHS and ICE violence is out of control and Americans have died on her watch. She must resign or be impeached NOW.