April 23, 2024

Warren Statement on National Security Supplemental Package

Washington, D.C. – United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) released the following statement on the passage of the national security supplemental package:

“This funding delivers long overdue support for Ukraine as it defends its democracy against Russia's invasion. I visited Kyiv, witnessing firsthand the courage of the Ukrainian people who will lose this war if we fail to provide assistance. This package also includes life-saving humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza and for millions more people facing starvation around the world. I oppose provisions in this package such as providing more aid for Israel without additional conditions and prohibiting funds to UNWRA. I will continue to press Netanyahu’s government and the Biden administration to do more to address the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. We urgently need a ceasefire, the release of hostages, a massive increase in humanitarian assistance, and a strong push toward a two-state solution for long-term peace.”

Senator Warren also cosponsored and filed national security amendments to condition aid for Israel in the foreign aid package that passed the Senate on Tuesday night. These amendments would have added meaningful accountability to ensure that this aid would not be used to contribute to civilian harm, exacerbate the humanitarian crisis on the ground, or support other operations that will further inflame the region.

  • The first amendment would amend language that prohibits providing funding to UNRWA in the supplemental or through any previously authorized funds. Failing to provide funding for UNRWA exacerbates the risks of starvation and the broader humanitarian crisis on the ground. 

  • The second amendment would strike all military aid to Israel except the Iron Dome missile defense system, as well as striking the UNRWA funding prohibition and changes to the “War Reserve Stockpile Allies – Israel” (WRSAI-I). 

  • Senator Warren then filed an amendment that would provide $10 million for the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL), in coordination with the State’s Political Military-Affairs office, to implement its new Civilian Harm Incident Response Guidance (CHIRG) to investigate and monitor if U.S. weapons contribute to excessive civilian harm. The amendment would also require the State Department to publish its CHIRG guidance and annually report all civilian harm events considered in the preceding year. 

Senator Warren has led action to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza, condition military aid to Israel, and bring back Americans trapped in Gaza: 

  • On April 4, 2024, Senators Warren, Merkley, Durbin and other lawmakers called on the Biden administration to supply desperately needed medical supplies to Gaza.

  • On March 22, 2024, Senator Warren, Senator Van Hollen, and 15 other senators issued a statement calling on the Biden administration to find that Netanyahu’s assurances on humanitarian aid are not credible.  

  • On February 29, 2024 Senator Warren delivered a speech on the Senate floor calling out Prime Minister Netanyahu’s failed leadership in Israel’s war against Hamas and called for the conditioning of U.S. aid,  a return of all hostages, the resumption of a cease-fire, and a lasting peace through a two-state solution. 

  • On February 13, 2024, Senator Warren issued a statement emphasizing the need for Congress to enforce Israel’s conditions for receiving aid, including following international law, protecting civilians in war zones, and allowing for humanitarian aid to be delivered. 

  • On February 2, 2024 Senator Warren joined Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Van Hollen, Chris Coons (D-Del.), Merkley, and 20 other colleagues in urging the Biden administration to work with Israel to get more humanitarian aid into Gaza.

  •  On December 6, 2023, Senator Warren delivered a floor speech calling out the humanitarian crisis sparked by Israel’s military strategy in Gaza and calling for a resumption of the ceasefire agreement, acceleration of humanitarian aid, protection of innocent civilians, and a release of all hostages. 

  • On November 20, 2023, Senator Warren joined her colleagues in calling for humanitarian aid to be delivered to the region to protect innocent lives in Gaza. 

  • On November 8 Senator Warren joined Senators Van Hollen, Murphy, Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Reed (D-R.I.) , and the majority of Senate Democrats in asking the Biden administration for more information on protecting civilians in Gaza.

  • On November 3, 2023, Senator Warren joined Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) to urge Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan urging them to take additional steps to provide safe passage for Americans trying to leave Gaza, including a family from Plymouth, Massachusetts. 

  • On October 19, 2023 Senator Warren, Senator Murphy, and 32 of their colleagues called for the Biden administration to lead the international community in contributing to the United Nations’ emergency appeal to address humanitarian needs in the West Bank and Gaza.

  • On October 18, 2023, Senator Warren joined colleagues in urging Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to do everything possible to provide assistance to U.S. citizens fleeing the Gaza Strip, including residents from New England. 

 

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