SE North Carolina News

Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina has issued a statement in response to Qatar's decision to expel Hamas leadership from Doha. This move comes after persistent pressure from the United States, with Senator Budd advocating for such action since January 2024.

"This news is welcome, but long overdue," stated Senator Budd. He emphasized his efforts leading a bipartisan group of Senators urging Qatar to expel Hamas leaders following their refusal to negotiate for hostage releases. He added, "I look forward to working with the incoming Trump administration to institute a new policy that projects strength and exerts maximum pressure on Hamas."

Senator Budd has been vocal about the hostage situation since October 2023. On October 25, 2023, he spoke on the Senate floor about holding humanitarian aid until American hostages were safely returned. In meetings with Qatari officials, including Ambassador Meshal Al Thani, he urged them to leverage their influence over Hamas for hostage release.

Throughout late 2023 and into 2024, Senator Budd continued his advocacy through speeches and op-eds. He met with various international leaders and participated in congressional delegations focused on resolving the hostage crisis. His actions included introducing legislation aimed at reviewing Qatar's status as a major non-NATO ally if they failed to act against Hamas.

In March 2024, he joined other Senators in a statement questioning Qatar's hosting of Hamas' political office if negotiations remained unproductive. By April 2024, he attempted legislative measures to push for action against individuals responsible for terror attacks linked to Hamas.

His efforts also extended into July when he responded to the death of a Hamas leader by affirming justice would be served against those harming Americans. Following more violent incidents involving hostages in September, Senator Budd condemned these acts as barbaric.

In October 2024, after an Israeli operation killed Yahya Sinwar, a key figure behind past attacks, Senator Budd reiterated his stance against terrorism and called for recognition of Israel’s rights by remaining Hamas leaders.

Most recently, on November 8th, alongside other Senators, he requested U.S. departments freeze assets of Hamas officials in Qatar and seek extradition of senior figures residing there.