National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027

Floor Speech

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Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Chair, Israel does not need and, quite honestly, does not deserve more American money for weapons.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has taken Israel down an ugly path. The tragedy of October 7 has become a justification for the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians.

Self-defense does not include indiscriminately bombing homes, hospitals, churches, schools, or refugee camps. There were even credible reports of children intentionally shot in the head and chest.

For decades, our Nation gave Israel billions to facilitate peace and a two-state solution. Instead, Israel has chosen more war and more occupation.

Today, it occupies not only Gaza and the West Bank but parts of Syria and Lebanon.

If there are no consequences, why in the world would Benjamin Netanyahu change what he is doing?

Words are not enough. Condemnations are not enough. If we hope to change Israel's behavior, we must use our leverage.

The American people have seen this tragedy with their own eyes. They have made their judgment. They do not support giving Israel more weapons. Do not reward a wrongdoer. Now it is up to us in this Chamber to take action.

Madam Chair, I support this amendment.

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