Washington (December 6, 2023) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement after voting to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to the legislative vehicle for national security supplemental appropriations: 

“Today, I voted to proceed to consideration of the national security supplemental appropriations package requested by the Biden administration. This package will provide resources to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses against assaults from Putin’s war machine. The billions of humanitarian assistance, including funding for life-saving water, food, and fuel, is critical for vulnerable civilians in Gaza as the humanitarian crisis there reaches catastrophic levels. Additionally, the aid to states, including Massachusetts, to assist with efforts supporting migrants with housing and employment, is desperately needed. 

“As Israel continues to deal with the aftermath of the heinous October 7th attacks by Hamas, and as it works to secure the immediate release of the remaining hostages, I believe the United States should provide Israel with the funding it needs to replenish its defensive systems, including Iron Dome and other air defense capabilities. But it is imperative that all assistance to Israel must abide by U.S. and international law, prioritize the protection of civilians, assure the provision of desperately needed humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza, and align with a long-term vision for peace, security, and two-state diplomatic solution. That is why I, in coordination with Senator Van Hollen and my Senate colleagues, am working on a legislative provision to ensure all military aid to countries within the supplemental package adheres to well-established, existing U.S. and international law, and to require reporting to Congress on the use of such aid.

“The U.S.- Israel relationship is predicated on key shared values, including the preservation of human rights, adherence to the rule of law, and the promotion of democratic principles. These values must be reflected in U.S. support of Israel and its response to Hamas’s terrorist attack. I will continue urging all parties to protect civilian life at all costs and build a lasting peace for both Palestinians and Israelis built on a sustainable and meaningful two-state resolution.”