Elfreth Statement on Republican Amendment #8 to the FY2027 National Security Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) voted present on Representative Massie's amendment to the FY2027 national security appropriations bill and issued the following statement.

"America's relationship with our only liberal, democratic ally in the Middle East, Israel, deserves a serious policy discussion. The amendment that Representative Massie, a member with a record of antisemitism, put forward was instead political grandstanding - it was a ploy to divide Democrats masquerading as a legitimate policy debate. This amendment was written so broadly that it would further destabilize the Middle East and cut a wide range of longstanding funding for humanitarian aid, refugee resettlement, and peace-building initiatives throughout the region, including the West Bank. We voted on this poorly written, sledgehammer of an amendment because Republicans were having a bad week politically - and they wanted Democrats to have a worse one. I refuse to participate in the brazenly political games of Republican leadership, which is why I decided to take my first present vote in Congress.

"In taking this vote, I also want to make clear that the current dynamics of our allyship are not sustainable for the region and our nation. Over the past decade, the Israeli and the United States governments have experienced a serious, far-right shift under Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump. The American people feel unheard. This extremism has led the United States into an unnecessary, unconstitutional war with Iran, where the United States lost 14 servicemembers in combat and is currently spending untold billions of American taxpayer dollars - restarting strikes just this week. We must be clear-eyed in confronting the extremist leadership that is jeopardizing peace, a two-state solution, and American leadership abroad. Our responsibility is clear. Our two countries must together strengthen our democratic alliances worldwide, eradicate terrorism, adhere to the highest human rights standards, and focus on building a lasting peace for the region.

"While there is much work ahead, I have long held the belief and the resolute hope in a lasting two-state solution. The people of Israel deserve safety and security, and the United States should continue to bipartisanly affirm Israel's right to exist. The Palestinian people deserve self-determination and a surge of humanitarian aid - the exact type of aid that this amendment cuts. This decades-long issue is larger than our current leadership. It is our responsibility to craft and advance meaningful foreign policies that ensure all people - Israeli and Palestinian alike - can live and thrive without fear of violence. Today's amendment failed to meet that serious standard."

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