WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement regarding the Republican failure to provide full national security assistance:

“House Republicans are failing America and our allies at a time when tyranny and terrorism are on the march. The brutal attacks by Hamas, Iranian proxies, and Vladimir Putin require a unified response from the United States. President Biden proposed a comprehensive security package months ago to protect America and stand with our democratic allies. He worked with a bipartisan group of lawmakers to add tough border security measures to the package, but Republicans walked away. Instead, MAGA Republicans stalled aid to Israel, Ukraine, and humanitarian interests - and doubled down on political charades in the hope that the American people are fooled into thinking that Republicans are doing something.

“Republicans in Congress are mired in chaos.  Extreme MAGA Republicans complain about border security but refuse to act to address the issue. Republicans demanded a border fix and then walked away because they thought fixing the problem may help President Joe Biden.  Republicans care more about their politics than the best interests of the American people.

“In an evenly divided Congress, members should work together in a bipartisan way to craft solutions, especially fixing our broken immigration laws. The fact that MAGA Republicans have not learned this lesson has resulted in the least productive Congress in U.S. history where chaos often reigns. 

“Speaker Johnson should return to the negotiating table to craft a national security agreement that secures the border and provides support for the people of Ukraine and Israel while also providing much-needed humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by conflicts around the world. Millions of Palestinians have been forced to leave their homes for cramped, dirty shelters as water and food supplies dwindle, deepening the already urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Failing to deliver humanitarian assistance will only undermine stability in the region.

“The bill voted on today falls far short of what is needed, and my yes vote is a signal regarding the need to replenish the Iron Dome, a missile defense system that has helped protect the people of Israel from terrorist rocket fire for more than a decade. The bill also boosts funding for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base, and the operations in the Middle East area of responsibility so that our military can respond to the attacks on American forces by Iranian proxies.

“Abandoning our allies at this moment risks emboldening authoritarians and terrorist groups that threaten global peace and security. House Republicans must put their dangerous, partisan political games aside and work with Democrats on bipartisan legislation that helps all of our allies, supports our national security and strengthens our border.”