SE North Carolina News

Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has played a pivotal role in introducing the Israel Security Assistance Support Act, a bill that would compel the Biden administration to supply crucial arms to Israel. This legislation was spearheaded by Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR).

The introduction of this bill follows President Biden's announcement that his administration would withhold certain weapons from Israel. The Israel Security Assistance Support Act, if passed, would:

1. Obligate the Biden administration to complete the delivery of weapons to Israel.

2. Terminate the salaries of any Biden administration official within the Department of Defense or Department of State who takes any action to impede the delivery of weapons to Israel.

The proposed legislation has also received co-sponsorship from Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Katie Britt (R-AL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), John Kennedy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Rick Scott (R-FL).

In a statement, Senator Budd said: “President Biden’s decision to withhold critical ammunition to Israel is a total betrayal of our friend and ally. Israel is in a fight for survival against genocidal Hamas terrorists. These same Hamas terrorists currently hold 8 American citizens hostage, including North Carolina native, Keith Siegel. The best way we can bring them home is by increasing military pressure on Hamas. But by withholding lethal aid, President Biden is signaling to Hamas that it’s okay to hold out and continue their campaign of terror. I’m proud to join Senator Cotton and the rest of my colleagues to reverse President Biden’s dangerous decision.”

Senator Cotton also commented: “President Biden’s decision to impose a de facto arms embargo on Israel is a betrayal of one of our most important allies as it fights an existential war for survival. This bill will reverse Joe Biden’s arms embargo and withhold the salaries of officials who implement it.”