The House on Thursday passed, 224-187, a bill that would force the Biden administration to continue supplying arms to Israel as U.S. officials weigh withholding certain offensive weapons.
Only 16 Democrats voted for the legislation after House Democratic leaders urged their members to remain united against the measure. Ultimately, even some Democratic lawmakers who staunchly support Israel in its war against Hamas had concerns about the bill, which effectively seeks to end President Joe Biden’s flexibility on delivering weapons to Israel.
“We must not send mixed signals to Israel’s enemy about U.S. support for the mission to end Hamas’ reign of terror over Gaza, to eliminate the threat to Israel, and to bring the hostages home,” Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said during floor debate on the bill.
