Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) released the following statement after voting for a series of bipartisan security supplemental bills which provide critical security assistance to Ukraine and Israel, bolster security and stability in the Indo-Pacific, and deliver essential humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza: 

“I am proud to vote to advance these critical pieces of bipartisan legislation to ensure that America rises to meet this important moment in history. 

“As a senior Democrat serving on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I am keenly aware of the numerous national security challenges facing our nation and our allies and partners. 

“The Ukrainian people continue to wage a valiant fight against Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked and illegal invasion. Now in its third year, Ukraine is in dire need of assistance to replenish defense stockpiles and give brave Ukrainian soldiers the support they need to win their battle for freedom and democracy. While long overdue, this bill provides urgently needed support to aid Ukraine in defending its homeland and countering Russian aggression. 

“Last weekend’s unprecedented drone and missile attack by Iran on Israel underscored the strength of Israel’s defense capabilities. This legislation replenishes Israel’s Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defense systems and provides other critical security assistance to further strengthen the security of Israel and its people. I remain supportive of the Biden administration’s efforts to restore stability and avoid further escalation in the region. 

“In December, I introduced H. Res. 935 alongside Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-03), urging the Biden administration to help facilitate the scaling up of safe, timely, and sufficient delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in the Gaza Strip. As the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip continues to unfold amid ongoing conflict and instability, it is critical that we provide essential supplies including food, clean water, and medication. This bill provides additional funding to ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilians in Gaza, Haiti, and Sudan. 

“As Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Indo-Pacific Subcommittee, I am committed to maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. This bill provides funding to strengthen the security of our partners in this vital region.

“As a small minority of extreme Members try to stifle progress, I am proud to stand with a strong bipartisan majority that believes that America must continue to lead the free world in efforts to end the war in Europe, contain the conflict in the Middle East, and prevent a war in Asia. I call on my Senate colleagues to promptly pass these critical pieces of legislation and send them to President Biden’s desk for signature.”