SW Georgia News

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) has released a statement explaining his decision to vote against H.R. 7217, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act. The bill, which aimed to provide $17.6 billion in military assistance for Israel, ultimately failed to pass in the House. Clyde, while expressing his unwavering support for Israel, emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility in government spending.

In his statement, Clyde highlighted the economic challenges facing the United States and the growing national debt. He stated, "Congress should not - and doesn't need to - borrow money to support our greatest ally in the Middle East." Clyde called for a shift in spending habits and urged House Republican leadership to send a fully offset Israel aid bill, such as H.R. 6126, which had previously passed with his support. He explained, "I firmly believe that we can support Israel in its time of need without putting America further in debt."

The congressman's decision to vote against H.R. 7217 aligns with his commitment to fiscal responsibility. He emphasized the importance of reducing government spending and avoiding additional burdens on the American people. Clyde urged for a change in the status quo and a reversal of the "Swamp's" spending habits that exacerbate the nation's financial crisis.

However, it is worth noting that Clyde did express his willingness to support the current legislation if it was fully offset by reductions in other spending. His primary concern lies in ensuring that the support for Israel does not contribute to the nation's growing debt.

In November 2023, House Republicans had previously passed H.R. 6126, a $14.3 billion emergency supplemental aid bill for Israel. This legislation, which Clyde supported, provided resources to help Israel defend itself against Iran-backed Hamas terrorists. Importantly, H.R. 6126 was fully offset by rescissions from President Biden's "Inflation Reduction Act," particularly the enhanced funding for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

In contrast, H.R. 7217 did not include any offsets, which was a key factor in Clyde's decision to vote against it. He believes that fully offsetting the bill is necessary to ensure fiscal responsibility while demonstrating support for Israel.

Congressman Clyde's stance reflects the ongoing debate over government spending and the need for responsible allocation of resources. His statement emphasizes the importance of supporting Israel while also addressing the economic challenges faced by the United States. Through his decision to vote against H.R. 7217, Clyde calls for a more balanced approach that aligns with his commitment to fiscal responsibility.