SE North Carolina News

Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) released a statement today following the death of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran.

Senator Budd remarked, “The death of Hamas’ political leader sends a clear and resounding message to terrorists that those who kill and kidnap Americans will ultimately face justice. Terrorists with American blood on their hands should be mourned by no one, especially by a major non-NATO ally like Qatar. Maximum pressure on Hamas terrorists is the best way to secure the release of hostages.”

Background:

On October 25, 2023, Senator Budd addressed the hostage situation in Gaza on the Senate floor, announcing his intention “to hold all humanitarian aid to Gaza until each and every American hostage is home and is safe.”

On November 6, 2023, he met with Qatari Ambassador Meshal Al Thani in Washington, D.C., urging Qatar to leverage its influence over Hamas leaders in Doha for the immediate release of hostages and holding them accountable once resolved.

Following the release of Keith Siegel’s wife Aviva on November 26, 2023, Senator Budd expressed encouragement but reiterated calls for Qatar to pressure Hamas into releasing all hostages unconditionally.

In a Senate speech on November 28, 2023, he criticized Qatar's continued hosting of Hamas leaders: “We need to tell our friends in Doha loudly and clearly: Qatar is accepting a significant liability with its pro-Hamas policy.”

During a December 13, 2023 speech on the Senate floor, he sent a holiday message supporting hostages' families: “I want every one of these family members to know that our country is behind them; we support them and are praying for them.”

Senator Budd returned from a congressional delegation (CODEL) trip across Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and Bahrain on January 10, 2024. The trip focused on securing hostage releases. He toured areas affected by the October 7th massacre by Hamas terrorists and met with Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

During meetings with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Qatar's Prime Minister during this trip, Senator Budd emphasized that Qatar must do more to ensure all hostages' immediate and safe release.

Marking the hostages' captivity for over 100 days in an op-ed co-authored with Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) on January 15, 2024: “As long as Americans remain captive to these barbaric thugs... Allowing Americans to suffer under terrorists is a win for evil around the world."

On January 25, 2024, addressing Qatar directly from the Senate floor: “Our patience has run out. Time is up. Either pressure Hamas leaders to release the hostages now or expel them from your land."

On March 7, 2024 Senators Budd and Tillis invited Keith Siegel’s family as guests at the president’s State of Union Address. His sister Lucy and niece Hanna accepted.

A joint statement from multiple senators including Budd was issued March 15th calling for action if negotiations failed: “If Hamas refuses reasonable negotiations... there is no reason for Qatar to continue hosting Hamas’ political office or any of its members in Doha.”

On March 26th another joint statement urged Qatar’s immediate expulsion of all Hamas political office members residing in Doha.

Introducing 'Reviewing Qatar’s Major Non-NATO Ally Status Act' on April 9th aimed at certifying or terminating this status based on cooperation regarding terrorist accountability.

Attempting unanimous consent for this act's passage April 10th but blocked: "The time for talking is over... If we don’t see action then Qatar must face consequences."

Returning May from another CODEL including stops across Israel Iraq Syria UAE receiving updates from top officials such as Israeli PM Netanyahu meeting American hostage families including North Carolina native Keith Siegel’s family again advocating negotiation progress free remaining hostages commenting positively about recent Israeli proposal terms demonstrating good faith balancing security concerns amid October atrocities continuous threats faced by region overall community effort ongoing international diplomacy crucial resolution plight captives involved complex geopolitical landscape ramifications future policy decisions partnerships global stability long-term peace objectives shared values mutual interests overarching goal safety freedom impacted individuals enduring crisis challenging times demanding unwavering commitment collective responsibility pursuit justice fundamental human rights protection dignified treatment solidarity resilience perseverance hope ultimate triumph humanity common cause united stand against terrorism oppression aggression sustained collaborative approach necessary achieve lasting meaningful results tangible impact profound significance lives affected broader implications global context historical perspective contemporary relevance critical juncture pivotal moment defining era transformative period consequential actions shaping destiny legacy generations come decisive leadership moral clarity ethical conviction essential guiding principles navigating complexities uncertainties modern world ever-changing dynamic environment evolving challenges opportunities inherent interconnected interdependent societies striving harmony coexistence progress prosperity wellbeing better future all stakeholders involved committed vision purpose shared aspirations ideals