Washington, D.C. – Foreign Policy for America (FP4A) commends Representatives Jason Crow and Chris Deluzio for rallying nearly 90 lawmakers to sign a letter to President Biden highlighting the need to fully enforce U.S. legal requirements designed to ensure that U.S.-backed humanitarian assistance is delivered without restrictions.
The United States, and FP4A, fully support Israel’s right to defend itself. However, as the letter states, “The security assistance included in the recently passed security supplemental should not be interpreted as a blank check.” Longstanding U.S. law prohibits the transfer of weapons to any country that impedes the delivery of U.S. humanitarian assistance. Through National Security Memorandum 20, the Biden administration ensures compliance with this rule and other requirements, utilizing a reporting process that includes obtaining and reviewing written assurances from countries receiving security assistance.
Gaza is still at risk of famine and the healthcare system has all but collapsed. The United States must do everything possible to ensure that lifesaving aid gets in, including by following existing U.S. law on humanitarian assistance. FP4A applauds Representatives Crow and Deluzio for their efforts to uphold the rule of law and prevent further humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
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