Strong Bipartisan Support from American Legislators for Israel; The Islamic Republic Must Be Held Accountable

Following direct attacks by the Islamic Republic on Israel, legislators from both the Democratic and Republican parties in the United States have expressed their unwavering support for Israel and emphasized the need to hold the Iranian government accountable. This article reviews the reactions of members of the House of Representatives and the Senate from both parties. Mike Johnson, Republican Speaker of the House: "As Israel faces this brutal attack from [the government of] Iran, America must show its full resolve to stand by its vital ally. I will continue to engage with the White House to insist on an appropriate response. The Biden administration's weakening of Israel and its appeasement of Iran have contributed to these horrific developments." Chuck Schumer, Democratic Majority Leader in the Senate: "As Israel is under attack from Iran, we stand with Israel and its people, and the United States will do everything it can to support Israel's defense against Iran." Mitch McConnell, Republican Minority Leader in the Senate: "In the face of Iranian attacks on Israel, the United States must stand by our ally defending its people and sovereignty. President Biden says America's commitment to Israel is ironclad. It is time to match words with action." Michael McCaul, Republican Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee: "The United States stands with our ally Israel. The ongoing attacks by [the government of] Iran are dangerous and escalate tensions. [The government of] Iran and its proxies must be held accountable for these reckless attacks." Steve Scalise, Republican Majority Leader in the House: "In light of Iran's unjustified attack on Israel, the House will be stepping away from its previously announced legislative agenda next week to consider laws to support our ally Israel and hold Iran and its terrorist proxies accountable. The House stands firmly with Israel, and this baseless attack [by the Islamic Republic of Iran] must come with consequences. Further details on the legislative measures under consideration will be announced." Cortez Masto, Democratic Senator from Nevada: "The United States stands firmly with Israel and its right to defend itself against Iranian attacks and its terrorist proxies. I will continue efforts in the Senate to provide the support Israel needs to protect itself." Joe Wilson, Republican legislator from South Carolina: "The Biden administration's failed appeasement policy towards a regime that chants 'Death to America' and 'Death to Israel' has emboldened Tehran to launch drones and possibly missiles directly from Iran. The same drones that Iran supplies to Russia, which are used to kill Ukrainian civilians, are now on their way to Israel, threatening the lives of Israeli civilians. Since the October 7 attack on Israel, Iran's proxies have attacked American soldiers 150 times, including a deadly attack that killed brave young American soldiers. God bless our brave soldiers in the region who are working to protect families and safeguard our allies. Dictators respond to deterrence, not diplomacy." Jason Crow, Democratic legislator from Colorado: "I condemn Iran's attacks and support Israel's right to defend itself. The United States must continue to defend Americans abroad [and] our allies and do everything possible to prevent further escalation of tensions." David Rouzer, Republican legislator from North Carolina: "Our closest ally Israel is currently facing a direct attack from the Iranian regime. The United States must stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel and support it at every step. I pray for the great nation of Israel." Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Democratic legislator: "As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I am closely monitoring Israel's attack on Iran. Make no mistake; as Israel defends itself against Iranian drones and missiles, the United States stands with Israel." Maria Elvira Salazar, Republican legislator: "The leadership of [the government of] Iran chants 'Death to America' and 'Death to Israel.' Now, they have directly attacked Israel. I pray for the safety of the people of Israel and American soldiers in the region." Mike Carey, Republican legislator from Ohio: "Today and every day, we stand unequivocally with our ally Israel." Brandon Williams, Republican legislator from New York: "It seems that U.S. naval forces are assisting in the destruction of Iranian drones and missiles fired at Israel. At this dangerous moment, the people of Israel need America to stand by them. I stand with Israel." Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Democratic legislator from Washington: "Today, the [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] terrorizes Israel as America's ally and the only democracy in the Middle East. The Iranian attack shows why Israel must be able to defend itself against common security threats to both our countries. I pray for the health and safety of everyone in Israel." Marco Rubio, Republican Senator from Florida: "The regime's attacks in Iran against Israel are broader than initially expected." Ted Cruz, Republican Senator from Texas: "Iran has besieged Israel and has been attacking our ally Israel from almost all sides for months. They have attacked from Syria, Iraq, Yemen, the West Bank, Lebanon controlled by Hezbollah, and of course Gaza controlled by Hamas. Now, by carrying out direct attacks from Iranian territory, they have escalated tensions. These attacks have been made possible by the deliberate choices of Joe Biden and his administration, which have allowed approximately $100 billion to flow into Iran since 2021. These policies have made Americans and Israelis catastrophically vulnerable. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that Iran has made a grave mistake by attacking America's closest ally in the Middle East. Israel will emerge stronger from this crisis than before. As always, I support whatever Israel does to defend itself." Steve Daines, Republican legislator from Montana: "I stand with Israel, and the United States supports Israel's efforts to defend itself." Carlos Gimenez, Republican legislator from Florida: "Our ally, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, has allowed Israeli fighter jets to enter its airspace to shoot down terrorist drones from Iran. Thank you, His Majesty King Abdullah!" *** This news is still developing. Netanyahu: Israel will respond decisively to any threat from the Islamic Republic. Retaliatory attack by the Islamic Republic; regional media report the beginning of operations to intercept Iranian drones. The beginning of retaliatory attacks by the Islamic Republic; Biden meets with National Security Council officials. The Middle East is in crisis; the Israeli army reports the beginning of retaliatory attacks by the Islamic Republic. The spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council confirmed the Islamic Republic's attack on Israel; Joe Biden is being kept informed moment by moment.