Demanding Hamas Release the Hostages
By Cong. Michael McCaul
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – It has been one month now since Hamas terrorists carried out brutal, horrific attacks on our ally Israel, killing more than 1,400 men, women, and even children. In addition, these terrorists have taken more than 240 people — including American citizens and children — hostage. I won't rest until these innocent civilians are safely returned home.
What the world has seen at the bloody hands of Hamas is simply unfathomable, and America must continue to support our friend and ally Israel as she defends herself.
This past week, I was proud to chair a House Foreign Affairs Committee meeting in which we unanimously passed a resolution sending a clear message to Hamas: Free the hostages now.It was an honor to stand on United States Capitol steps at a bipartisan vigil to honor those lost, pray for the return of those held hostage by Hamas, and remind the world that Congress continues to stand with Israel.
American Leadership and Support for Israel
I also held a hearing to discuss how the Biden administration is responding to this dangerous, urgent situation. During the hearing, I questioned administration officials, who agreed with me that Hamas is guilty of committing war crimes and genocide.
- To hear my full remarks at the hearing, click here.
With antisemitism on the rise across our nation, our elected officials should be condemning this disgusting behavior — not fueling it through hate-filled rhetoric. Yet far-left Democrats like Rashida Tlaib have consistently parroted dangerous and inflammatory pro-Hamas messaging since the beginning of the brutal attack on Israel.
This week, Rep. Tlaib posted a video online that included the phrase “From the river to the sea,” a Hamas slogan that calls for the total annihilation of the state of Israel and the Jewish people. That is unacceptable — and it’s why I joined Republicans and several Democrats in voting to censure Rep. Tlaib.
Antisemitism has no place in Congress or anywhere else in America.
Keeping Chinese Propaganda Out of Our Schools
Confucius Institutes — Chinese-funded “educational” programs on American college campuses — are the soft power arm of the Chinese Communist Party, teaching propaganda straight from the Chinese education minister. These programs promulgate dangerous ideas that run in direct opposition to U.S. interests and pose a significant risk to our national security.
Five years ago, I wrote a letter raising this issue to Texas universities, and they quickly closed their Confucius Institutes down. All other schools hosting such institutions should follow their lead.
At this week’s House Homeland Security Committee meeting, I spoke in support of a bill I cosponsored to prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from providing any funds to American universities that host a Confucius Institute on campus. Watch my full remarks.
Sacrifice in Its Greatest FormAs the son of a WWII B-17 bombardier, I am eternally grateful for the sacrifice of so many brave men and women who — like my father — answered the call to serve.
Each year, Veterans Day stands as an opportunity to honor those who have risked everything for this country, and I'd like to recognize and thank the valiant, selfless, and courageous men and women who have put their lives on the line for the sake of our nation.
Many of these valiant veterans are from the great state of Texas. In fact, 15% of those living in our state have served in the armed forces.
Last week, I joined the Texas Congressional Delegation in introducing a resolution to honor the heroic military service, sacrifices, and contributions of Texas veterans. We’re honored to represent these veterans, and it’s our duty as members of Congress to ensure they are taken care of after their service.
With this resolution, we reaffirmed our commitment to doing just that by working with the Department of Veterans Affairs and investing in resources and programs to assist these American heroes.
I have been deeply inspired by many of these brave individuals, including my father. His example of service to this country is what drove me to serve as a member of Congress.
Our veterans represent sacrifice in its greatest form and truly embody what it means to be an American. It is because of their enduring heroism that we are free.
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.
