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A resolution condemning Hamas’s deadly terrorist attacks on Israel passed the House on Wednesday in a landslide bipartisan vote, marking the first legislation to move from the chamber since former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted three weeks ago.
Newly-minted Speaker Mike Johnson, Louisiana Republican, brought the bill to the floor as his first act running the House.
The legislation, introduced by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael T. McCaul, reaffirmed support of Israel in light of the “brutal” and “barbaric” surprise attacks Oct. 7 on the Jewish state.
Mr. McCaul said that the resolution also calls for the condemnation of Iran, a known backer of Hamas, and for sanctions to be levied against the country.
“It will send a clear message across the world that terrorists and their sponsors will be held to account for the crimes to humanity … their crimes of genocide,” said Mr. McCaul, Texas Republican.
The bill passed in a 412-10 vote with six lawmakers voting present. The no votes were cast by nine Democrats and Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky.
Mr. Massie said he condemned the “barbaric attack on Israel and I affirm Israel’s right to defend itself” but opposed sanctions on Iran that he said would generate ill will toward America abroad.
The Democrats voting against condemning the terror attack on Israel were Jamaal Bowman of New York, Cori Bush of Missouri, Andre Carson of Indiana, Al Green of Texas, Summer L. Lee of Pennsylvania, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Delia C. Ramiez of Illinois and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan.
Rep. Mike Lawler, New York Republican, scoffed at the lawmakers who he said “cannot muster the strength to condemn the slaughter of babies.”
“Those members should resign in disgrace,” he said.
The measure also called for an immediate end to attacks on Israel and the release of hostages held by Hamas, and for restoring enforcement of the Taylor Force Act that blocks U.S. economic aid to the Palestinian Authority until it stops paying rewards to terrorists and their families.
Bill co-sponsor Rep. Greg Meeks, New York Democrat and ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee said that Hamas must be recognized as a cutthroat terrorist organization that exists to destroy Israel.
“Babies were shot in their cribs, and reduced to smoldering piles of ash,” Mr. Meeks said. “Babies.”
• Alex Miller can be reached at amiller@washingtontimes.com.
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