Latest McCollum bill attempts to regulate aid to Israel
Five other members of Congress have signed on as co-sponsors so far
Preston Keres/USDA
Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) speaks during a hearing at the Rayburn House Office Building, in Washington, D.C. on April 9, 2019. By Share
A new bill sponsored by Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN), a longtime critic of U.S. Israel policy, seeks to add restrictions on U.S. aid to Israel.
The legislation, which was first reported by
The Hill on Wednesday and has not yet been formally introduced, would prohibit U.S. taxpayer funding to Israel from being used for a variety of military operations, some involving Palestinian minors.
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“US assistance intended for Israel’s security should foster peace and must never be used to violate the human rights of children, demolish the homes of Palestinian families, or to permanently annex Palestinian lands,” she added.
AIPAC’s official Twitter account stated in response to the proposed bill, “We oppose @BettyMcCollum04’s latest anti-Israel bill, which would condition aid to Israel, undermine U.S. interests and make peace less likely.
“We agree with @POTUS @JoeBiden: Cuts or conditions on aid to Israel would be ‘irresponsible,’ ‘outrageous,’ and a ‘gigantic mistake,’” the group wrote. “Congress endorsed @POTUS44’s 10yr commitment to Israel of full security assistance without added political restrictions. This policy has broad bipartisan support & is good for America.”
Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) during hearing on the Department of Agriculture Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2020 at the Rayburn House Office Building, in Washington, D.C., April 9, 2019. (USDA photo by Preston Keres)
“U.S. assistance intended for Israel’s security must never be used to violate the human rights of Palestinian children, demolish the homes of Palestinian families, or to permanently annex Palestinian lands,” McCollum said. “Peace can only be achieved by respecting human rights, especially the rights of children, and this includes the U.S. taking responsibility for how taxpayer-funded aid is used by recipient countries, Israel included. Congress must stop ignoring the unjust and blatantly cruel mistreatment of Palestinian children and families living under Israeli military occupation.”