The halls of Congress are filled daily with philosophical debates about what is right for our country. But there are some Congressional decisions which go directly to America’s values and the global democratic movement we lead. On Saturday, the U.S. House upheld all that makes America great.
After more than 6 months of inaction, House Speaker Mike Johnson put up for vote separate bills involving the funding of our allies: Israel, Ukraine and several Indo-Pacific countries. With bipartisan support, each of these bills was overwhelmingly passed and now move on to a favorable U.S. Senate and then President Joe Biden.
Former New Orleans City Council member-at-large and President Arnie Fielkow
There might still be procedural roadblocks unfurled by members of Congress who are totally out of touch with the dangerous world in which we live. These obstructionists — a combination of isolationists, publicity seekers and sadly even antisemites — do not want to govern but rather are more interested in being on the evening’s cable shows and laying the foundation for their post-Congressional career.
I can respect political differences of opinion, but sometimes shake my head wondering how in the world someone believing in Jewish space lasers, falsely repeating pro-Putin propaganda, or standing up for Hamas terrorists who commit unspeakable atrocities could have been given the keys to our country’s future. Whether one is a Democrat or Republican, all can agree former Presidents Kennedy and Reagan must truly be rolling over in their graves.
These funding bills will literally save thousands of lives, especially in Ukraine, Israel and Gaza. I recently returned from my third trip to Ukraine and the region and can report that thousands of courageous Ukrainian men and women — most of whom were civilians like you and I prior to Russia’s unlawful 2014 and 2022 invasions — will tragically and unnecessarily die without continued United States and European Union funding of munitions to successfully combat Russian aggression.
The Ukrainians simply seek air defense systems and military equipment — 80% of which is built in American manufacturing plants and which bolsters the U.S. economy — needed to fight the Russians and have Ukrainian land rightfully returned to them. Outside of Kyiv, no Ukrainian city possesses air defense systems which, given the Russian strategy of cruelly targeting hospitals, schools and energy infrastructure, can protect its exposed civilian population.
Similarly, Iran’s barrage of 300+ drones and missiles recently fired against Israeli population centers could easily have presented a global disaster. Fortunately, Israel’s comprehensive air defense systems, supported by a coalition of American, European and Middle Eastern partners, worked with 99% precision to safeguard human life. But imagine the death and destruction had the systems not worked or had even just a few of the powerful munitions hit home; indeed we would today be staring down at an all-out war between Israel and Iran.
Just like with Ukraine, what Congress did this past weekend regarding Israeli aid is essential to not only keeping Israeli citizenry safe but hopefully also planting the future seeds for a more peaceful and secure Middle East given the new partnerships developing with moderate Sunni Arab countries. For Israel to maintain its air defenses and continue to serve as a beacon of democracy in a very dangerous neighborhood, it is imperative that United States' unconditional financial support, as has been the precedent for nearly 8 decades, continues to be our governmental policy.
Finally, an American wake-up call is in order so we can clearly see who represents good and evil in our world. Ukraine has twice been attacked by a Russian leader longing for the return of the Soviet Union and who doesn’t believe an independent Ukraine should ever exist. He has committed horrendous war crimes against innocent Ukrainians and will hopefully one day be brought to justice.
Likewise, Israel was brutally attacked on Oct. 7 by a terrorist organization that vows to wipe it off the face of the map — the real meaning of the chant “From the River to the Sea." Iranian manufactured suicide drones kill Ukrainian citizens, while also attempting to reach Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. These evil autocracies in Tehran and Moscow provide the means for terrorists and rogue soldiers to rape, behead, kidnap children, and torture. We cannot let them and their Congressional mouthpieces succeed.
Thank you to our Congressional leadership for doing the right thing. By doing so, you made us proud to be Americans. The entire world was watching and Congress delivered!