Leger Fernández Statement on Israel Supplemental Funding Bill
Washington, DC,
November 3, 2023
WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández voted “no” on H.R. 6126 – the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act. House Republicans tied security assistance to Israel with cutting IRS tax enforcement funding by $14.3 billion. In total, the Congressional Budget Office found that the bill would actually increase the debt by $12.5 billion.
U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández voted “no” on H.R. 6126 – the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act. House Republicans tied security assistance to Israel with cutting IRS tax enforcement funding by $14.3 billion. In total, the Congressional Budget Office found that the bill would actually increase the debt by $12.5 billion. The Congresswoman released the following statement on today’s vote: “The Republicans have sunk to a new low when they stand with tax cheats instead of providing emergency funding to address an international crisis,” said Rep. Leger Fernández. “It is dangerous and completely irresponsible to hold hostage desperately needed security assistance to Israel to make it easier for the wealthiest companies and CEOs to cheat on their taxes. The Congressional Budget Office has reported their bill would increase the deficit by $12.5 billion. That’s money that billionaires and corporations that cheat on their taxes would not have to pay if Republicans had their way. Importantly, every day Congress delays in passing security assistance to Israel and Ukraine, our country, our allies, and our troops serving abroad are less safe. The bill also glaringly lacks humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians living in Gaza. We must provide that assistance and continue to demand that the Israeli military protect innocent life as it rightly defends itself in its war against Hamas,” she concluded. |