Boise City Wire

U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) have introduced the Maintaining Our Ironclad Commitment to Israel’s Security Act. This legislation aims to ensure congressional oversight of any proposed changes to arms sales to Israel.

"The Biden Administration’s decision to unilaterally pause a shipment of weapons to Israel in May without any prior notification or consultation with Congress not only broke with procedure, but also sent a message to our allies and adversaries alike that the United States cannot be relied upon to follow through on its commitments," said Risch. "This legislation rightfully reasserts Congress’ role in overseeing arms sales to Israel. I will continue to do everything in my power to support our ally in its time of need and hold the administration accountable for any missteps it takes in this regard."

Ricketts emphasized the necessity for stronger congressional oversight: "The Biden administration’s repeated wavering on the ‘ironclad commitment’ they claim to have with Israel is a clear case for stronger congressional oversight. As Israel fights for its existence and survival, Congress must ensure the President follows through on the promises we’ve made to one of our most strategic allies."

Rubio highlighted the importance of supporting Israel amidst regional threats: "The U.S. must stand firmly in support of its strongest ally in the Middle East, Israel. The Jewish State continues to face increased threats from Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists as well as from the Iranian regime and its proxies. While the Biden Administration has weakened our support of Israel, including pausing weapons deliveries authorized by Congress, it is crucial we are able to conduct proper oversight over the administration’s actions that further erode Israel’s ability to defend itself."

Scott criticized President Biden's foreign policy: "President Biden’s foreign policy has emboldened our adversaries and caused our allies to doubt us. Israel has every right to defend itself, and we should not be standing in their way," he said. "This administration clearly needs to ensure that the will of Congress to support our greatest ally in the Middle East is not being undermined. Standing with Israel and ensuring they succeed in their effort to eliminate the terrorist threat posed by Hamas is the only path forward."

The proposed legislation includes several key provisions:

- It expresses a sense of Congress that all previously negotiated and approved arms sales to Israel should proceed without delays.

- It requires the president to notify Congress at least 15 legislative days before taking any action that would pause, suspend, delay, or abrogate defense article deliveries or services.

- The notification must include a policy justification for such actions, an assessment of their impact on U.S. national security interests, and whether they adversely affect Israel's qualitative military edge.

- It provides Congress an opportunity following notification to pass a Joint Resolution disapproving of presidential actions related thereto.