U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-9) today enthusiastically voted in favor of a long-awaited $60 billion aid package to help Ukraine survive and expel Russia from its land.

“For two years now, Russia has been committing mass murder and for two years Ukraine has been fighting for its very survival,” said Pascrell, who represents one of the largest Ukrainian American populations in the nation. “This aid should have been passed many months ago. Republicans’ cruel and deliberate delays have done Russia’s bidding and cost countless Ukrainian lives. The pain and anguish in our community is palpable. Extremist Republicans blocked us for months at the behest of Donald Trump, who has tried to aid his friend Vladimir Putin. This vote proves, once more, that despite whatever Putin’s propagandists parrot, the majority of Congress, the Biden administration, and the American people stand shoulder to shoulder with the Ukrainian people in their struggle. As a beacon of freedom, America will be with Ukraine with a resolve that is unwavering, unflagging, and unbreakable. This support will save lives and will hasten the end of Russia’s barbaric illegal war. May God bless Ukraine.”

— Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted on a series of foreign aid bills to support our allies in the Indo-Pacific; send desperately-needed aid to Ukraine as they fend off Russian aggression; provide humanitarian aid to people suffering around the world; and to impose economic sanctions on Russia and Iran.

Rep. Watson Coleman issued the following statement:

“In October of last year, I called for a three-pronged approach to foreign aid in response to the growing needs of Ukraine, Israel, and Gaza. I said then what I still believe now: we must swiftly meet the defensive needs of Ukraine and Israel and deliver desperately-needed humanitarian aid to Palestinians.

“In the months since, the situation in Gaza has become dire. The seemingly indiscriminate bombing has killed over 34,000 innocent civilians, including 13,000 children, along with the family members of many residents of New Jersey’s 12th District. During this time President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken have stressed to their counterparts in Israel the need to take greater care to avoid civilian casualties. Sadly, even after these repeated entreaties the casualties keep mounting. 

“After careful consideration, reflection, and prayer, today I voted in favor of three of the four foreign aid bills that were brought to the floor of the House of Representatives. I voted to support Ukraine as it defends its territory from Russian aggression, to shore up our allies in the Indo-Pacific as they stave off expanding Chinese authoritarianism, and to impose sanctions on Iran and Russia. I did not vote to send more money to the Israeli military.

“Although I have historically supported funding for Israel’s defensive capabilities such as the Iron Dome, I could not in good conscience vote to send further offensive weapons to the far-right Netanyahu government. 

“To do so would pivot away from the goal of achieving lasting and sustainable peace for the region and securing the return of Israeli hostages. I believe in a two-state solution, in peace, and in accountability; continuing to send offensive capabilities to Israel steers us away from those goals. I cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of civilians trapped in harm’s way by Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has time and time again shown no regard for the lives of Palestinians and sought no serious diplomatic means to peaceful coexistence. 

“This is not a choice I made lightly. Throughout my time in Congress, whenever Israel has asked for assistance I have voted to provide them the funding they needed to defend themselves from the threats they continuously face. When I came to Congress I did so with the goal of doing the most good for the most people. I remain committed to that philosophy. 

“Had H.R. 8034 funded only the defensive capabilities of our Israeli allies as they defend themselves from Iran and their proxies Hezbollah and Hamas, it would have earned my vote. 

“As for the three bills I supported, they will make America and our allies safer. They will help people who sorely need it — from our vulnerable allies in the Indo-Pacific, to Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines fighting for their freedom from Russian tyranny. 

“I’m looking forward to January, when Democrats retake control of the House of Representatives, and we can make significant progress on the serious challenges facing our country, and the world.”

Statement by Rep. Mikie Sherrill on the House Passage of the National Security Supplemental

“I know from my service in the Navy that the U.S. must always stand on the side of freedom and democracy. This long-awaited funding will deliver crucial support for our allies and push back against the aggression from U.S. adversaries across the world. Whether it is our support for Ukraine’s valiant defense against Putin’s brutal invasion; Iron Dome and other funding for Israel’s defense against attacks from Hamas, Iran, and to keep the war from escalating into a regional conflict; life-saving humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians in Gaza; or support for our allies in the the Asia-Pacific in the face of rising aggression by the Chinese Communist Party; this legislation supports U.S. interests around the world and protects U.S. values here at home.

“I’m also pleased the bill includes my legislation to protect U.S. national security and sensitive data from the threat posed by the CCP’s influence over TikTok.

“Make no mistake: We’re at an inflection point, and America cannot walk away from our leadership role in the world, as Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans are threatening. There is nothing ‘America First’ about surrendering to a brutal dictator like Vladimir Putin or failing to address the CCP’s malign influence. We must always rise to the moment to defend our national security interests and democracy across the globe.”

Congressman Kim Votes to Pass Funding to Support America’s Allies Through Security Funding Package

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) voted to pass a package of bills that included the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, and the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, all to provide assistance to American allies around the world.

“These are difficult and chaotic times, but I still believe American leadership has an important role to play to protect freedom and democracy around the world,” said Congressman Kim. “Some of my colleagues espouse a belief that our support to allies and partners hurts us at home. I disagree strongly. Security abroad helps deliver stability at home, helps us keep our own families safe and our economy growing. With so much uncertainty, we need to guard ourselves from the push to have America withdraw from the world and instead help shape stability in this volatile global era. My votes today were not without struggle and reservation as I didn’t agree with every single provision, but using democratic leverage to get $9.2B in humanitarian assistance into the final package when the Republican majority fought hard to try and remove it was critical and was an effort I supported.”

You can find a full summary of the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act here.

You can find a full summary of the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act here.

You can find a full summary of the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act here.

Congressman Kim is the Ranking Member on the Military Personnel Subcommittee, and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, the Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. More information about Congressman Kim’s accessibility, his work serving New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional District, and information on newsletters and his monthly town halls can be found on his website by clicking here.

Rep. Norcross Votes in Support of Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan Security Package to Provide Military Aid and Assistance

CHERRY HILL, NJ – Today, Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) voted in support of the Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan security packages to provide military aid and assistance to our partners and allies and strengthen democracy around the world.

The security packages voted on today by the House of Representatives will provide $26.4 to Israel, $60.8 billion to Ukraine, and $8.1 billion to Taiwan in security assistance.

“The House of Representatives made clear today that we continue to stand firmly on the side of freedom and democracy. The security packages we passed will continue America’s long-standing and steadfast security support of Israel, ensure Ukraine is sustained in their fight against Russian aggression, and provide Taiwan with needed military assistance to deter China, as well as deliver lifesaving humanitarian aid to millions of civilians living in conflict zones around the world. These packages are also an important investment in our domestic industrial base and will directly support good-paying jobs in South Jersey and across the United States,” Rep. Norcross said. “Let’s be clear: two months ago, House Republican leadership failed to hold a vote on the bipartisan Senate-passed security supplemental because they caved to extremist members of their caucus who wanted to block this desperately needed aid. While today’s packages provide our partners and allies with the tools and resources they need to defend themselves, this delay undoubtedly cost lives. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I will continue to work to ensure that Israel can defend itself against terrorists, Ukraine can defeat Putin, and Taiwan can deter Chinese aggression. I’m proud to stand with our allies and partners and strengthen democracy around the world.”

The government spending package is expected to be passed by the Senate and signed into law by President Joe Biden.

Highlights from the funding package can be found below:

• Bolsters Israel’s security in the wake of Iran’s unprecedented attack with $6.2 billion to replenish stocks of missiles for the Iron Done, David’s Sling, and Iron Beam defense systems, in addition to $3.6 billion in security assistance to Israel and partners in the Middle East.
• Aids Ukraine’s defense against Russia aggression with $13.78 billion in assistance to Ukraine’s military including training, equipment, weapons, logistics support, supplies and services, sustainment, and intelligence support to Ukraine’s military, as well as $7.8 billion in additional presidential authority to transfer defense equipment to Ukraine and $2 billion in security assistance to Ukraine and regional allies.
• Strengthens Taiwan’s security and deters Chinese aggression through $2 billion in financing for weapons purchases to Indo-Pacific partners including Taiwan.
• Reinforces the American submarine industrial base by providing $3.3 billion to improve infrastructure and stabilize the workforce.
• Supports U.S. troops abroad through $2.4 billion for current U.S. military operations in the Middle East and $20.5 billion for U.S. military operations in Europe.
• Delivers $9.15 billion in humanitarian aid to vulnerable civilians living in Gaza, Ukraine, and other conflict zones around the world.

These security packages also take advantage of South Jersey’s defense industrial base and support good-paying jobs with aid money used to purchase artillery and weapons systems components from manufacturers in the region.

Rep. Norcross was a part of the first congressional delegation visit to Israel in the days following the October 7 attack.

Rep. Norcross, Sen. Ernst, and a bipartisan, bicameral congressional delegation returned to the Middle East in early January to reaffirm support for Israel, meet with regional officials and partners about challenges, and advocate for the safe and secure return of U.S. citizens taken hostage by Hamas. He also led an op-ed with Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) on the important role that Congress has in bringing the hostages home.

In March, Rep. Norcross welcomed Yael Alexander, the mother of New Jerseyan Edan Alexander who remains held hostage by Hamas, as his State of the Union guest to highlight the continued hostage crisis.

Problem Solver Gottheimer Helps Pass Critical Bipartisan Security and Humanitarian Aid Package for U.S. Allies — Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan

Includes eight bills led by Gottheimer to hold U.S. adversaries — Russia, Iran, and China — accountable

Delivers humanitarian aid for innocent Gaza civilians

Protects Americans from CCP-controlled TikTok

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Saturday, April 20, 2024, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair helped pass a $95 billion security aid package to provide critical security and humanitarian aid for America’s key democratic allies, Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The package, which includes eight Gottheimer-led bills, all passed with bipartisan support.

“After working closely with Democrats and Republicans, I’m proud to have helped get this critical legislation done. The House has passed a strong, bipartisan package to support and equip our key democratic allies, Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, against the new Axis of Evil — Russia, Iran, and China, our most dangerous adversaries. It also includes key humanitarian aid for Palestinians being used by Hamas terrorists as human shields in Gaza,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “I was glad to have eight bills included in this package to protect our nation and hold our greatest enemies accountable.”

Eight Gottheimer-led provisions in the 21st Century Peace Through Security Act (H.R. 8038) include:

• Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act — forces TikTok’s CCP-controlled owner to sell the application or be banned from the American market. An earlier version of Gottheimer’s bill passed the House with broad bipartisan support.
• The Iran-China Energy Sanctions Act — targets the Chinese financial institutions purchasing Iranian oil and requires the Treasury Department to make annual sanctions determinations for Chinese banks.
• Hamas and Other Palestinian Terrorist Groups International Financing Prevention Act — imposes sanctions on foreign persons, agencies, and governments that assist Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), or their affiliates.
• FEND off Fentanyl Act — imposes more severe, longer-lasting sanctions on those involved in fentanyl trafficking.
• SHIP Act — imposes sanctions on refineries that process Iranian oil in violation of U.S. sanctions, slashing the Iranian regime’s profits from oil sales.
• MASHA Act — imposes sanctions on the leaders of the Iranian regime for their repeated human rights abuses and state sponsorship of terrorism.
• REPO Act — allows the President to confiscate Russian assets that have been frozen in the United States and transfer them to assist in Ukraine’s reconstruction.
• Strengthening Tools to Counter the Use of Human Shields Act — enhances sanctions enforcement and implementation against terrorist organizations that use innocent civilians as human shields.

The bipartisan aid package includes:

• $60.84 billion for Ukraine to support and equip Ukraine’s military, replenish U.S. stocks of equipment sent to Ukraine, fund the U.S.’s European Command Operation, and shore up Ukraine’s economy, including its energy sector.
• $26.38 billion for Israel to replenish Israel’s missile defense systems, the Iron Dome and David’s Sling, support additional resources to aid in Israel’s defense, and assist with broader peacekeeping and counterrorism operations across the Middle East.
  • The bill makes $9.2 billion in global humanitarian assistance available for food, medicine, and other life-saving supplies.
  • Finally, it provides $400 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant program to safeguard houses of worship against terror attacks amid rising levels of hatred.
• $8.12 billion for Taiwan to fund submarine infrastructure, finance critical projects to confront Chinese aggression, and strengthen U.S. military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.