Joe Biden

Statement of Administration Policy: H.R. 8369 - Israel Security Assistance Support Act

May 14, 2024

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

(House Rules)
(Rep. Calvert, R-CA)

The Administration strongly opposes H.R. 8369, the Israel Security Assistance Support Act, which seeks to limit the President's discretion to ensure that the delivery of certain defense articles and services aligns with U.S. foreign policy objectives. The bill would undermine the President's ability to execute an effective foreign policy. This bill could raise serious concerns about infringement on the President's authorities under Article II of the Constitution, including his duties as Commander-in-Chief and Chief Executive and his power to conduct foreign relations. We strongly oppose attempts to constrain the President's ability to deploy U.S. security assistance consistent with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives.

The bill is a misguided reaction to a deliberate distortion of the Administration's approach to Israel. The President has been clear: we will always ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself. Our commitment to Israel is ironclad. The Administration will continue to use all funds appropriated for Israel consistent with legal requirements, including in the recent supplemental, rendering this bill unnecessary and unwise. Furthermore, this bill, if enacted, could lead to spiraling unintended consequences, prohibiting the United States from adjusting our security assistance posture with respect to Israel in any way, including to address unanticipated emergent needs, even if Israel and the United States agree that military needs have changed and supplies should change accordingly.

If the President were presented with H.R. 8369, he would veto it.

Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Statement of Administration Policy: H.R. 8369 - Israel Security Assistance Support Act Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/374911

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