Area lawmakers are remaining steadfast in their support for the nation of Israel in its war against Hamas.
U.S Rep. Carol Miller, R-W.Va., U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-W.Va., U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., and U.S. Senator Mark Warner, D-Va., all spoke in support of Israel during their individual media briefings this week. In fact, the only difference among the region’s congressional delegation was that the two Virginia Democrats — Kaine and Warner — also called for humanitarian aid and assistance to Palestinians caught in the war with Israel. Kaine and Warner also want more funding for Ukraine in its war against Russia.
Kaine was asked about the possibility of a ceasefire during his media briefing, which he dismissed. Kaine said Hamas is a terrorist organization, adding what must be done is to ensure that humanitarian aid and relief is available to Palestinians.
“Israel has a right to defend itself against Hamas,” Kaine said. “Just as the U.S. has a right to defend itself against terrorist organizations. It just needs to be done in a way to try to minimize civilian casualties and promote humanitarian aid.”
Warner, chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, said humanitarian aid for Palestinians is included in President Joe Biden’s funding request, along with additional funding for Ukraine.
“The simple truth is we can still have sympathy for the innocent Palestinians, and that doesn’t translate into any type of sympathy for Hamas,” Warner said. “Hamas is a terrorist organization.”
Capito said she has been vocal throughout the week in her support for the nation of Israel.
“I stand with Israel,” Capito said. “We need to support Israel. We are going to be having a request to help them more with weaponry as they decide how to rid Gaza of Hamas. And I think we will be supporting them in that effort, and I will be supportive of that.”
Unlike Capito, Kaine and Warner, Manchin doesn’t hold weekly virtual media briefings. However, he issued another statement last week in support of Israel.
“We cannot let terrorists win and we will not rest until we have done everything we can to support Israel in this time of need,” Manchin said. “Our steadfast support is bipartisan and vitally important to our own national security. Failing to adequately respond to this horrific attack will only embolden other terrorist organizations and their backers such as Iran, the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world. America is Israel’s steadfast ally, and I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make sure Israel is able to secure their nation on their terms.”
Miller, who represents West Virginia’s First Congressional District in the U.S. House, said she too stands with Israel.
“Supporting and standing with Israel is nonnegotiable,” Miller said. “Israel has every right to exist, protect its people, and defend itself against the evil of Hamas. My heart is broken for the innocent loss of life, and we must make sure this never happens again. The antisemitism across the globe is appalling and is completely rejected by House Republicans. The United States will support Israel every single day until they eradicate Hamas.”
Griffith, who represents Virginia’s 9th Congressional District in the U.S. House, said one of the first moves by new House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., was to introduce a resolution on the House floor to show support for Israel and its right to defend itself.
“As our number one ally in the Middle East, it was imperative that the House show its bipartisan support for Israel,” Griffith said.