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Womack Cosponsored Measure Forcing Biden Administration to Release Weapons to Israel Passes House

Washington, May 16, 2024

Washington, DC—May 16, 2024…Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8369, the Israel Security Assistance Support Act. Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) is a cosponsor of the measure, which requires the delivery of defense articles to Israel by withholding funding from the Department of Defense, Department of State, and National Security Council until the articles are delivered, and reaffirms the will of the American people. 

Congressman Womack said, “Withholding weapons from Israel abandons our greatest ally in the Middle East as they fight for survival. It emboldens murderous terrorists and postures America as weak and unreliable. President Biden chooses political ploys to appease the radical Left instead of acting to preserve global and national security. I strongly support this legislation, and I demand President Biden immediately release the Congressionally approved weapons to help Israel in its fight to exist free of terror.”

Background:

The Biden Administration paused the delivery of 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs, which would assist the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in their response to the Hamas terrorist attacks and Israel’s ongoing efforts to retrieve hostages, including Americans. Additionally, Biden said that he was reviewing a potential pause on delivery of Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs).

The weapons referenced in H.R. 8369 are a completed sale and have already been paid for by the Israeli government. They were cleared by Congress through the formal notification process codified in the Arms Export Control Act.

On May 15, President Biden notified Congress of a $1 billion package of arms and ammunition to Israel. This notification is a political ploy and distraction, as it only initiates a process for a separate package. He is still withholding the arms referenced in H.R. 8369.

Bill breakdown:

H.R. 8369 supports Israel and holds the Biden Administration accountable by:

  • Prohibiting funding appropriated for the Department of Defense or Department of State for Fiscal Year 2024 or any years prior from being used to withhold, halt, reverse, or cancel delivery of defense articles to Israel, or to pay the salaries of any employees that take action to do so.
  • Requiring the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State to ensure delivery of defense articles and services within 15 days.
  • Withholding certain funding for the Department of Defense, Department of State, and National Security Council until delivery requirements are met.
  • Ensuring that unobligated funds are made available to Israel within 30 days.
  • Requiring an Inspector General report on actions taken by executive branch officials to withhold, halt, reverse, or cancel delivery of defense articles to Israel.
  • Requiring regular reports to Congress on security assistance provided to Israel, in addition to a report on the prioritization of delivery of defense articles and services to Israel.