Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) issued the following statement after the House passed more than $95 billion in foreign aid funding:
“Today, after months of needless delay, the House finally voted to send critical security and humanitarian assistance to our allies and partners around the world. My votes today are about putting peace, democracy, and human rights at the center of our foreign policy. I am proud to stand with our Ukrainian partners who have waited far too long for additional U.S. aid to defend against Vladimir Putin’s illegal and brutal invasion. The future of European and trans-Atlantic security and democracy depends on our unwavering commitment to Ukraine and its self-defense. As one of Hawai‘i’s representatives to Congress, I also know that the funding provided to the Indo-Pacific today will send a clear signal to China and North Korea that we stand with our allies and partners against any efforts to upend regional peace and security.
I also joined dozens of my colleagues in voting against additional offensive military aid to Israel as it plans future military operations in Rafah, the last refuge for over a million civilians. For months, I have called for an immediate ceasefire to stabilize and improve the humanitarian situation for over two million people on the brink of famine in Gaza. Like any nation, Israel has a right to self-defense, including after the heinous attacks by Hamas on October 7 and Iran’s recent attack on Israel. But we cannot continue to provide unconditional support for Israel’s conduct and prosecution of this war that has been marked by extraordinary levels of civilian casualties, especially of women, children, aid workers, and journalists, often inflicted by U.S.-provided weapons. We must forge a new path forward, one that creates real, lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians and between Israel and its neighbors.
It is clear to me now that we are at a critical inflection point. History will judge us – either for our complicity in creating a more dangerous world or for our steadfast devotion to a better future. Yes, the world is watching, but more importantly, so are our children. We must lay the foundation of peace and prosperity now, so our keiki and theirs can live in a better world in which democracy and human rights are uplifted. My votes today reflect my commitment to all our children and the future we want for them.”
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