Thompson releases statement on supplemental package for key national security priorities
Over the weekend, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA04) issued the following statement after voting to support the bipartisan supplemental package that appropriates over $95 billion in funding to protect our national security priorities, support Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan and provide humanitarian aid to Palestine.
“Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine, the largest land war in Europe since World War II, is costing thousands of innocent lives, destroying the livelihood of Ukrainians and undermining our national security. Our country is a global leader, and we have a responsibility to keep our commitment to democracy and help our allies defend themselves against attacks on democracy and freedom. Putin did not stop after invading Georgia and Crimea, and he will not stop his assault on Ukraine. He will continue with his goal to reconstruct the old Soviet Union. Once he crosses the border into a NATO country, we will become more than a financial supporter. We will be drawn into the war with our troops. Failure to respond to this illegal invasion will make America less safe. It is important to put a stop to his aggression and attack on our democratic allies.”
“Israel is our strongest ally in the Middle East. This supplemental package will help Israel defend itself and its people from terrorism like we saw on October 7 and the unprecedented drone and ballistic missile attack from Iran last week. The protection of civilian life is tantamount as the conflict in Israel and Gaza is creating a worsening humanitarian crisis. This supplemental provides $9.2 billion in humanitarian aid, including for Palestinian civilians in Gaza. It's crucial to ensure that innocent civilians who have nothing to do with the conflict in the region can receive food, water, medicine and other essential humanitarian assistance. Additionally, I have called on the Biden Administration to ensure that Israel follows international law and takes steps to protect civilians and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.”
The bill also provides security assistance for Taiwan, increases sanctions on Iran and addresses security threats from foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party who use technology platforms to undermine the U.S