Now is the time to demonstrate strength and show the world we stand firmly with our friend and ally Israel.
from Cong. Michael McCaul
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – We are now witnessing the second week of one of the darkest times in Israel's history. Hamas' unprovoked and heinous terrorist attack against Israel has resulted in an unprecedented amount of death and destruction. This is Israel's 9/11, and America cannot sit idly by.
We are living in dangerous times, and our adversaries are watching how the United States responds to this terrorist attack. Now is the time to demonstrate strength and show the world we stand firmly with our friend and ally Israel.
Read more about my work to support Israel from the Austin American-Statesman here
It's no secret that the Iranian regime supports Hamas and other terrorist organizations by providing them with financial and material support. As the threat of terrorism increases around the world after Hamas' brutal attack in Israel, my committee made it a priority this week to markup and pass eight pieces of legislation, focused on supporting Israel and our allies by combatting terrorism carried out by Iran and its proxies.
I was particularly proud that my committee passed my bipartisan resolution, H. Res. 559, declaring it the policy of the United States that a nuclear Iran is not acceptable.
You can read about the legislation we reviewed here, and listen to my opening remarks at the full committee markup below.
The No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act
This week, I also introduced the No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act, which would permanently freeze the $6 billion the Biden administration foolishly released in their hostage deal with Iran last month.
Iran is the largest state sponsor of terror in the world. Regardless of the administration's promises that the money will only be used for humanitarian purposes, the president of Iran has said he would use this money however he wants. We cannot give the Iranian regime another $6 billion for their terror operations, which include ongoing support for Hamas’ unprovoked war against our ally Israel.
To read more about the No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act, click here.
As chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I also led 19 of my colleagues on a letter to President Biden, urging his administration to immediately and permanently freeze this $6 billion payout to Iran.
- To read more about my letter, click here.
As a reminder for any of my constituents — and all U.S. citizens — in Israel right now, the State Department has issued the following guidance:
- U.S. citizens seeking to leave Israel on U.S. government transportation MUST submit a crisis intake form here.
Shortly after filling out the form, citizens will receive an email with further guidance from the U.S. Embassy in Israel.
- To get in touch with the embassy via phone, call 1-833-890-9595, and to ensure the embassy can contact you in an emergency, you can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program here.
- For more resources as well as the latest updates from the State Department, click here
Congressman Michael McCaul represents Texas' 10th Congressional District, which stretches from Lake Travis outside of Austin to the Brazos Valley and includes: Austin, Bastrop, Brazos, Burleson, Colorado, Fayette, Grimes, Lee, Madison, Travis, Washington, Waller and Williamson Counties. He currently serves as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and previously – prior to being term-limited as chairman under the House of Representatives Rules – served as the Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee during the 113th, 115th and 116th Congresses.
