House Passes Resolution Condemning Hamas For ‘Unprovoked War On Israel’
The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a resolution in support of Israel on Wednesday following terrorist attacks on the country by Hamas that began on Oct. 7.
House Resolution 771, titled “Standing with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists,” condemns Hamas for beginning an “unprovoked war on Israel” and accuses them of “slaughtering Israelis and abducting hostages in towns in southern Israel, including children and the elderly.” After the House elected Republican Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana’s 4th District as its speaker following a three-week deadlock over the position, the resolution was quickly brought to the floor under a motion to suspend the rules, which required a two-thirds majority to approve.
“Resolved, That the House of Representatives — (1) stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists; (2) reaffirms Israel’s right to self-defense; (3) condemns Hamas’ brutal war against Israel; (4) calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas’ brutal war against Israel,” the resolution’s text says. An overwhelming majority of 412 members voted in favor of the resolution, while ten voted against it, with six voting present.
Text of H.R. 771 by Daily Caller News Foundation on Scribd
The bipartisan resolution was introduced by Republican Rep. Mike McCaul of Texas’ 10th District, who also serves as chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Members applauded the passage of the resolution after the vote count was announced by the chair, the Daily Caller News Foundation observed from the galleries of the House.
“This was one of the darkest moments in the history of the state of Israel,” McCaul said during a debate on the House floor about the resolution, the DCNF observed. “[Hamas] must be confronted with zero equivocation … [this resolution] condemns Hamas in the strongest possible terms and reaffirms America’s support for the State of Israel.”
Those who opposed the resolution included Democratic Reps. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Cori Bush of Missouri and Jamaal Bowman of New York — some of whom have been criticized by Democrats for their apparent support for Gaza and criticism of Israel’s response to the attacks. One Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, voted against the resolution.
“Winning a war while losing the peace likely portends future wars. Regrettably, the resolution at hand does not mention a two-state solution in tandem with the necessity to provide aid to the Palestinians, yet both are part and parcel to any hope for lasting peace,” wrote Democratic Rep. Al Green of Texas on his website, explaining why he voted against the resolution.
Johnson, the new speaker, also cast a vote in favor of the motion — an unusual measure given that, under common practice, the speaker does not normally vote on matters before the House except in extraordinary circumstances.
The Israeli Mission to the United States did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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