On Wednesday, following the election of Representative Mike Johnson (R-La.) as Speaker on the first ballot, the House of Representatives swiftly passed its initial measure. A bipartisan resolution expressing support for Israel was approved by an overwhelming majority of 412 to 10, with only a few far-left Democrats dissenting.
The resolution seeks to condemn violence and reaffirm the United States’ commitment to protecting a key ally, according to the Washington Examiner.
“The four-page resolution was filed earlier this month, just days after Hamas launched an attack on Israel from Gaza, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare war on Oct. 7. Six members voted present: Reps. Greg Casar (D-TX), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Chuy Garcia (D-IL), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), and Nydia Velazquez (D-NY),” the outlet added.
“Nine Democrats voted no: Reps. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), Cori Bush (D-MO), Andre Carson (D-IN), Al Green (D-TX), Summer Lee (D-PA), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI). All are associated with or adjacent to the progressive ‘Squad,’” the Examiner continued.
The outlet reported that Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar have faced considerable criticism for repeating social media assertions by Hamas concerning a hospital attack in Gaza, which they were then slow to remove.
Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky voted against the resolution, citing his dissent with provisions such as the call for sanctions on a foreign country and an ambiguous promise of military support that could be construed as committing U.S. forces to the dispute, among other reservations.
I condemn the barbaric attack on Israel and I affirm Israel’s right to defend itself.
However, I will not be voting for House Resolution 771 today because:
1) It calls for sanctions on a sovereign country. Sanctions are a prelude to war and hurt the citizens of the country more…
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) October 25, 2023
The measure reaffirms the United States’ allegiance with Israel “including through security assistance.” It also supports the Jewish state’s “right to self-defense,” including a vow to provide “emergency resupply” and other forms of support following Israel’s declaration of war against Hamas.
It calls for surrounding countries to condemn the attack by Hamas while also singling out condemnation of Iran for its “support for terrorist groups.”
“President Biden has committed the United States fully to Israel’s self-defense,” said ranking member Gregory Meeks (D-NY), who helped to introduce the resolution. “Israel is responding to the Hamas terror organization’s unprecedented attack. The bipartisan resolution will demonstrate this is one issue in which the House of Representatives is united, and I expect it to pass the House with broad bipartisan support.”
On Wednesday, Congressman Johnson was elected Speaker of the House, bringing an end to weeks of hesitation and unsuccessful nominations in the wake of California Republican Kevin McCarthy’s historic resignation.
He successfully united the GOP around him as their chosen candidate; however, there is still much to be done including passing legislation that will keep the government running after he takes office.
The congressional vote amounted to 220 in favor and 209 opposed with no Republican dissenters.
Representative Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) obtained 100% support from his caucus. According to Politico, after two rounds of voting Johnson had garnered a majority but had yet to become the official conference nominee.
“Three candidates are now out of the running: Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (Tenn.) and Rep. Roger Williams (Texas) were eliminated after receiving the fewest votes, while Rep. Marc Green dropped out after the second round,” the outlet said, adding that Republicans will continue to vote by secret ballot until one candidate manages to secure a simple majority.
The lowest plurality of votes will be eliminated following each round, according to the outlet. Furthermore, they released a break down of the most recent vote which indicated Johnson had obtained the highest tally.
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