Former Democratic Congressman Tom Suozzi announced on Tuesday that he would support a House Republican bill that would provide additional aid to Israel in its war against Hamas, breaking with President Biden and other party leaders.
Mr. Suozzi, a former three-term congressman from New York’s 3rd District, was appointed ahead of a Feb. 13 special election to replace the expelled congressman from Republican Mazi Pilip, an Ethiopian who served in the Israeli army. (Jewish by birth) is embroiled in a tough election campaign. Congressman George Santos.
The district, which covers Nassau County and parts of Queens, has a sizable Jewish and pro-Israel constituency, and their votes could determine the next representative.
Biden and New York Democratic leaders (Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-Brooklyn)) have pledged $20 billion to strengthen border security and $60 billion in aid to Ukraine. They hope to pass a massive package worth $118 billion, including US dollars. $14 billion for Israel.
But House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) and other Republican leaders in the House said it would be a “waste of time” to take up the larger bill, calling for $17.6 billion for Israel alone without a deal. proposed dollar support. It’s past Tuesday night.
Biden has vowed to veto another bill, which the White House Budget Office called “another cynical political maneuver” by Republicans in an election year.
“The Administration strongly encourages the House and Senate to reject this political maneuver and instead promptly send the bipartisan Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act to the President’s desk,” the administration said.
Mr. Suozzi disagreed.
“I support this bill, but I disagree with the president and Democrats who do not support it,” the 61-year-old said in a statement early Tuesday.
“While I hope that House Republicans will support a comprehensive bipartisan policy in the Senate that supports Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan and ultimately addresses border issues, my clear support for Israel is We urge you to support the bill,” he added.
Suozzi stressed that Hamas’ October 7 invasion of Israel, which killed an estimated 1,200 people and took more than 200 hostages, was the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust.
“The people are tired of the political theater played by both parties, and they want results.”
“I stand with our ally Israel and do whatever it takes to bring all the hostages home, defeat Hamas, ultimately work towards peace, and address the humanitarian devastation caused by this conflict. plan to do so.”
Pillip also said he supports a standalone bill.
“As a former Israel Defense Forces soldier, I fully support the Israel Aid Bill. Fighting strongly with our closest allies against Hamas terrorists is one of my top priorities.” Great Neck said the 47-year-old Nassau County congressman.
But Pilip said Suozzi cannot escape Biden and the Democratic leadership’s decision to abandon Israel when the time comes.
“We are disappointed that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is not on Israel’s side.
“Tom Suozzi, if elected, will be a member of the minority leadership team,” she said.
The House voted 250-180 in favor of the Israel aid bill, falling short of the two-thirds majority needed to send it to the Senate.
This is not the first time Mr. Suozzi has run against Mr. Biden and other Democrats. Last week, he said he did not want the president’s support, vowed to fight left-wing Democratic Socialists, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, on policy issues and complained of criticism from New York City progressives. . Anti-police policies were hurting moderate Democrats.
Tuesday was the fourth day of nine days of early voting before the special election.
As of 2:30 p.m., 26,203 Nassau residents in the district had voted, including 11,280 Democrats, 9,309 Republicans, 4,929 independent voters, and about 1,000 voters from other minor parties. voted.
By Monday, 3,519 Queens residents had voted.
