Rep. Steven Horsford Statement on Vote Regarding U.S. Military Assistance to Israel

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) issued the following statement regarding his vote on an amendment concerning U.S. military assistance to Israel:

“Congress has a constitutional responsibility to carefully review every dollar it appropriates and ensure that taxpayer funds reflect our values, our national interests, and the priorities of the American people. That responsibility is especially important when it comes to military assistance overseas.

Today’s amendment was buried within a broader partisan appropriations process that continues to neglect the challenges facing working families here at home. Instead of focusing on lowering costs and strengthening America’s future, Republicans continue advancing policies that raise costs for working families while failing to invest in the health care, housing, education, and economic opportunity Americans need to thrive.

For many Nevadans, this vote is fundamentally about priorities. They want their tax dollars to reflect the needs of their communities.

Congress has a responsibility to exercise meaningful oversight of U.S. military assistance provided to any country. American taxpayer dollars should never be appropriated automatically or without accountability. Security assistance should advance our national security interests, reflect our values, protect innocent civilians, and remain subject to rigorous congressional review.

I remain unwavering in my support for Israel’s right to exist and defend itself, for the U.S.-Israel strategic partnership, and for the safety and security of the Jewish people. I unequivocally condemn Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attacks and reject antisemitism in all its forms.

Nothing in this amendment affects U.S. support for Israel’s critical defensive systems - including Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow, and THAAD - which remain essential to protecting Israeli civilians and maintaining regional security.

At the same time, support for an ally does not require Congress to abandon its oversight responsibilities. I believe Congress has a duty to ensure that assistance to every partner - including Israel - is consistent with American law, our national security interests, and our humanitarian values.

I recognize that Members of Congress, including Democrats, reached different conclusions on this amendment in good faith while sharing a common commitment to Israel’s security and America’s alliance with Israel.

This amendment is not a comprehensive solution, nor is it the final step toward achieving lasting peace and security in the region. I will continue working to support humanitarian assistance for innocent civilians in Gaza, oppose violence against civilians, including extremist settler violence in the West Bank, and advance the conditions necessary for Israelis and Palestinians alike to live in peace, security, dignity, and self-determination.”

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