Woonsocket Radio News Room

Amo Votes to Pass Crucial, Long-Overdue Bipartisan Support for Democratic Allies

 

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) voted in support of four bipartisan bills that promote American leadership abroad while standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our democratic allies around the world. This package of bills supports key national security priorities such as extending assistance to Ukraine and Israel, delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, and promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific.

 

“After months of reckless delays and obstruction by a minority of Republicans in the House, I am glad we are finally taking bipartisan action to show that America will keep its word and meet the moment,” said Congressman Amo. “Advancing this package supports our democratic allies in Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific; provides essential humanitarian assistance to civilians in harm’s way; and imposes strict sanctions on Iran for its destabilizing actions in the region.”

 

“Simply put, this legislation achieves real results for the American people,” continued Congressman Amo. “In Eastern Europe, it supports Ukraine as it defends itself against the continued onslaught from Vladimir Putin. In the Middle East, we must have an immediate ceasefire that brings home the hostages captured by Hamas. This package will improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, protect innocent civilians, and help secure a just, stable, and lasting peace that is grounded in a two-state solution negotiated between Israel as a secure Jewish democratic state and Palestinians fulfilling their legitimate aspirations. Finally, in the Indo-Pacific, these bills ensure stability while sending an ironclad message to the world that the United States stands with its allies. The alternative — to retreat from the world stage at the very moment when American values are needed most — would be unconscionable.”

 

The package of bills passed by the House include:

 

The Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 (text)

  • $23.2 billion to provide offensive weapons to Ukraine to support their fight against Valdimir Putin’s illegal invasion and merciless attack of a sovereign nation.
  • $13.8 billion to procure advanced weapons systems, defense articles, and defense services.
  • $11.3 billion to support U.S. regional defense initiatives.
  • Strengthens transparency, monitoring, and oversight of all aid provided.
  • Requires cost-matching requirements from other U.S. allies and implements a repayment agreement from the government of Ukraine.

 

The Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 (text)

  • $4 billion to replenish the Iron Dome and David’s Sling systems — critical defensive resources that protect civilians and have no offensive capabilities.
  • $3.5 billion to procure defensive weapons, artillery, and munitions.
  • $10 billion for humanitarian assistance to international development and refugee programs with the goal of assisting civilians in Gaza.
  • $2.4 billion to back U.S. military operations responding to Iranian-backed terror.

 

The Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 (text)

  • $2 billion to strengthen deterrence over Beijing’s growing military provocations around Taiwan.
  • $3.3 billion to invest in submarine manufacturing, dry-dock construction, and production of artillery and critical munitions.
  • Curbs China’s strategy to acquire control over the Indo-Pacific region.
  • Enhances security cooperation with regional partners while supporting U.S. military operations.

 

The 21st Century Peace Through Strength Act (text)

  • Imposes new sanctions against foreign entities and people that ship, receive, or deal in Iranian oil.
  • Imposes new sanctions on Iranian drones and missiles.
  • Imposes new sanctions on perpetrators that produce and traffic captagon, an illicit drug that devastates the region and funds Iran.
  • Includes the bipartisan, bicameral REPO for Ukrainians Act (H.R.4175), cosponsored by Congressman Amo which forces Putin to pay for his full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine.
  • Declares international fentanyl trafficking a national emergency and directs the Treasury Department to target, sanction, and block the financial assets of transnational criminal organizations involved in fentanyl trafficking.
  • Prevents domestic app store availability and web hosting services for ByteDance-controlled applications, including TikTok, unless the application severs ties to entities like ByteDance that are subject to the control of a foreign adversary.

 

Donald Trump says the New York District Attorney is wasting time on his hush-money criminal trial. Speaking after the trial recessed for Friday, Trump said while crime runs rampant in the city, the DA chooses to go after him and his company. He closed by saying he's very interested about what he heard in court.        The NYPD is admitting an officer accidentally shot his gun when police were clearing protesters out of Columbia University. Officials say a veteran Emergency Service Unit sergeant was trying to gain entry into a locked office in Hamilton Hall Tuesday when the firearm unintentionally went off. The bullet went into the office and didn't harm anyone. The incident occurred while the officers in riot gear were trying to clear out the protesters that forcibly took over the hall.       A Texas Congressman and his wife have been indicted for bribery. The newly-released allegations suggest that Democrat Henry Cuellar [[ kway-aar ]] and his wife took nearly 600-thousand dollars in bribes from both an oil company run by the country of Azerbaijan [[ a-zr-bai-jaan ]] and a Mexican bank. Cuellar, who formerly co-chaired the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, denies any wrongdoing.       Areas in suburban Houston are under mandatory evacuations as flood waters cause the San Jacinto River to continue to rise. More than nine-inches of rain has fallen and the river is running 20-feet above normal. Experts predict it will surge another 8-feet today.       Mexican authorities are questioning a group of people over a trio of missing Americans and Australians. They found a vehicle, tents and a cell phone in a search where the men were last seen. The Baja California prosecutors' office says one American two Australian brothers were reported missing on April 29th. They were on a surfing and camping trip about 60 miles south of Tijuana, where Cartels roam.        The NBA Playoffs continue tonight with two games. In the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers will attempt to knock out the Magic in Orlando in game six of their series. In the West, the Los Angeles Clippers will try to fight off elimination against the Mavericks in Dallas in game six.       

Old News Archives