Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of Oscar Robertson, who will be honored in Indianapolis for the 2024 National Basketball Association All-Star Game.

Basketball legend Oscar Robertson, affectionately known as the ``Big O,'' is well-known for his unparalleled athletic skills, versatility, and impressive career. He is equally respected as a trailblazer who helped pave the way for Americans facing racism, unfair institutions, and mistreatment in a segregated world, as he boldly revolutionized the sport of basketball.

Born in Tennessee but nurtured in Indianapolis, the achievements of his high school career at Crispus Attucks marked the beginning of a successful athletic journey. His NBA career spanned 14 years as a point guard. He was the first to win National College Player of the Year three times and was an Olympian at the 1960 Summer Olympics as co- captain of the U.S. Gold Medal team. He also received the NBA All-Star Most Valuable Player award three times, was an All-Star Player for 12 consecutive years, and was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 1980. During his career, he was the first to average a triple double for an entire season.

Mr. Robertson's leadership had a lasting impact on and off the court, making his way in the world as an advocate and a humanitarian. An antitrust settlement while he was President of the NBA Players Association helped reform the free agency of NBA athletes through the Oscar Robertson Rule. He continues to be a force for change in policies that positively affect minorities and all Americans. If basketball is synonymous with Indiana, then Mr. Robertson has an undeniable place in our state's history. Mr. Robertson is recognized as a gentleman of his day, one who achieved great things with strategic actions and diplomacy.

Today, as we celebrate Black History Month, and as Hoosiers celebrate the NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Oscar Robertson for his athleticism and advocacy. His legacy endures in the NBA and Indianapolis, both forever changed because of his contributions, and his enduring fight for civil rights for all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce my resolution condemning the ethnic violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Dr. King famously said, ``injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere''. The United States, credible human rights organizations, and civil society have documented and published reports and findings that implicate the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in aiding and collaborating with armed groups and militias, including several that are designated for United Nations sanctions due to human rights violations.

Militias engage in illicit mining activities to finance and sustain themselves, often exploiting child labor and engaging in environmental degradation practices that undermine the DRC's economic interests and international treaty obligations.

My resolution condemns all acts of violence perpetrated against ethnic minorities by members of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and armed groups operating throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It reaffirms that the United States has held and continues to hold the Government of the DRC responsible for upholding the rights of all citizens, regardless of ethnicity, in accordance with the DRC's international obligations.

My timely resolution also holds accountable all state security forces that perpetrate atrocities against the civilian population by conducting transparent investigations and prosecutions and taking all additional necessary measures to prevent further atrocities continue progress toward the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, reparation, and resettlement of armed groups in coordination with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as outlined in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2666 (2022). Last, it calls on the President Joe Biden to appoint a Special Envoy to the Great Lakes region of Africa, which will be vital to addressing the enduring regional security crisis emanating from eastern DRC.

Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in condemning the ethnic violence in the DRC.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud, as the longest serving Muslim in Congress, to introduce legislation to recognize January as ``Muslim- American Heritage Month'' and celebrating the heritage and culture of Muslim Americans in the United States. I thank the endorsing organizations that joined this important resolution: American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Islamic Relief USA, Muslim Americans in Public Service (MAPS), Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), and Project Islamic Hope.

I am honored to partner with my Senate colleague, Senator Booker, to introduce this important resolution to recognize the many contributions of Muslims in the U.S. and worldwide. The value of this bill to Muslim Americans is great because their contributions to the establishment of the United States is an inspiration that others can look to as an example of what a diverse community of people can accomplish. Unfortunately, these contributions have historically been overlooked. Diversity is a cornerstone of American democracy and success; our American Muslim community is a vital contributor to our nation's strength, as well as to the talents, perspectives, and achievements this diversity brings. This bill illuminates the economic and cultural contributions of Muslims to America, and it helps combat harmful stereotypes.

Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing January as ``Muslim-American Heritage Month'' and celebrating the heritage and culture of Muslim Americans in the United States by supporting this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Indiana resident Commander Sheila Corcoran.

Even within the veteran community, female veterans tend to be overlooked and underrecognized. This year, I am proud to honor the many Hoosier women veterans who continue to serve our community.

In 2023, Commander Sheila Corcoran became the first woman appointed State Commander to the Department of Indiana Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Commander Corcoran carries on the VFW's noble mission. Among many other accomplishments, the VFW was instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI Bill for the 20th century, and fighting to improve VA medical center service for women.

Prior to the VFW, Commander Corcoran dedicated 24 years to the Armed Forces, serving in Germany in 1984 before joining the Army Reserves at Fort Harrison and in Baghdad, Iraq from 2006 through 2008. In Iraq, Commander Corcoran supported Operation Iraqi Freedom as a Civil Affairs Officer in charge of a Civil Military Operations Center. Prior to her current role with the VFW, Commander Corcoran served as VFW All- American Post Commander and All-American VFW District Commander. She has held many positions at the state and national level and has been recognized with the Department of Indiana Commander's Eisenhower Award. In addition to her service to our country, Commander Corcoran also serves countless patients through her work as a registered nurse at Witham Hospital in Lebanon, Indiana.

A true trailblazer with a servant's heart, Commander Corcoran will continue to leave her mark. Our state is honored to benefit from her leadership.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Commander Corcoran for her ongoing service to the Indianapolis community and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Indianapolis radio legend Jerry Wade. Known by many loyal radio listeners as the ``Loverman,'' he was one of the most recognizable voices in Indianapolis media. Jerry served as host of ``The Quiet Storm with The Loverman Jerry Wade'' for more than 30 years on Indianapolis local radio station 106.7 WTLC. Wade passed away at 61 in Indianapolis on Monday, January 8, 2023.

Jerry Wade lifted spirits on the airwaves and in the community. He was an Indianapolis resident through and through and was active in the community appearing in parades, radio station events, and DJ for many events across the city. Jerry was also the Executive Director of ``Quality of Life,'' an Adult Day Center on the east side of Indianapolis, and the owner of several salons known as ``Hot Cuts'' and ``Jerry Wade Live'' his mobile DJ service. He lived up to the title of Loverman as he offered date coach services and was able to connect and reconnect countless relationships.

Wade was honored by several local organizations for his work over the years. These accolades included recognition from The Mozel Sanders, We Feed the Hungry program Radio Awards, and the Indiana Black Expo Radio Broadcast Media Awards.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life of Indianapolis radio legend Jerry Wade.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Indianapolis' independent hip-hop festival Chreece. Founded in 2015, Chreece celebrates and honors local talent across Indiana and beyond. It's a vibrant display of the culture and diverse artistry of the genre.

After a three-year break, Chreece came back in December bigger and better than ever by partnering with Indianapolis-based creative advocacy firm GANGGANG to showcase the best and brightest talents. Over 80 local hip-hop artists, DJs, and producers took the stage across eight different venues this year to spotlight Black culture, creativity, ingenuity, and artistry. It has become a rite of passage for any artist wanting to express themselves, and a way to highlight Indianapolis' growing creative community.

Festival founder Oreo Jones, and his team of organizers, understand the impact this festival has had on Indiana, the country, and the global hip-hop community. It is only fitting to honor this festival this year which marks the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. As a former artist, I'm always honored to recognize the artistic talent of and from the Midwest.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Oreo Jones and his team for celebrating independent artists and recognizing Chreece for its impact on Indianapolis and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of John Brandon, President and Executive Director of the Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY), who will enter his retirement at the end of this year.

For 45 years, John has dedicated his life to youth development, leading positive changes in local programs and agencies and at larger city, state, and national systemic levels. As an adjunct professor at the undergraduate and graduate levels, an agency director focused on increased opportunities for young people, and a trainer and facilitator for youth workers' continued education John has nurtured Indianapolis' young people in countless ways.

John's legacy is one of advocacy and empowerment. He has been instrumental in guiding projects and initiatives aimed at the development of our youth, including a city-wide youth employment effort, developing more support and services for unhoused youth, and reforming our child welfare system to be more family-focused. Under John's leadership, MCCOY has been an instrumental partner in my yearly Youth Opportunities Fair, which connects young people to employment, internships, and other programs during the summer months. His passionate belief that young people must be part of the systems that impact them is evidenced through youth participation on MCCOY's board and the agency's facilitation of the Mayor's Youth Council.

Active in his community, John has served on numerous community-based nonprofit boards, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Multiservice Center, the Indiana Afterschool Network, and the Hawthorn Community Center. At a national level, John dedicated a decade to the Partnership for America's Children's board of directors.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring John Brandon as he enters this new chapter filled with cycling, reading, and family. We celebrate his legacy of outstanding accomplishments as we continue to ensure a brighter future for our nation's youth.

Mr. Speaker, this censure measure is a sham.

When someone who is an American, a Muslim, a woman, and a Palestinian dares to speak out for her people, she is told to be quiet. She is told to stop talking about Palestinian brothers and sisters in the same breath as Jewish brothers and sisters.

My sister Rashida is a child of the Midwest, representing the best of Midwestern sensibilities. She also exemplifies a rich tradition of the Islamic faith in the Midwest. She is a bold leader. She is a fair leader. She is a compassionate leader. Most importantly, she is an American.

Standing up for one oppressed people does not negate the oppression of another.

We should be working together to end this terrible suffering, eliminate these sham censures, and get back to the work of the people. That is why they elected us.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize a historic milestone, the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey.

One remarkable aspect of Turkey's presence in the United States is the Turkish Embassy in Washington, D.C. Over the years, the Embassy has played a vital role in enhancing cultural diplomacy and fostering friendships between our nations. Notably, the Turkish Embassy's dedication to hosting jazz events has left an indelible mark on our cultural landscape. Jazz, a truly American art form, has found a welcoming home within the walls of the Turkish Embassy. These events have transcended mere musical performances; they have served as bridges connecting hearts and minds across cultures, and continue to prove the non-negligible, connecting nature of music.

At the height of Jim Crow segregation in the U.S., the Turkish Embassy's jazz concerts in the 1930's and 1940's were significant during the anti-racism struggle. At this time, Black Americans were not allowed to sit next to whites in many places like restaurants and concert halls. Yet, the Turkish Embassy in Washington broke down prejudice and barriers by opening their doors to Black jazz musicians. Munir Ertegun, Turkey's second ambassador to the U.S. who served between 1934 and 1944, and his two sons, Ahmet and Nesuhi--also the founders of the top recording company Atlantic Records--challenged racism in the U.S. by inviting African American jazz performers to the Turkish Embassy for concerts and jam sessions in Washington, D.C. during these years. These Embassy concerts featured iconic performers like Lois Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Teddy Wilson, and Lester Young. These groundbreaking gatherings showed the potential of jazz diplomacy. The Ertegun brothers went further by organizing Washington's first integrated concert in 1942 at the Jewish Community Center on 16th Street. Some described the powerful imagery of two Muslim men bringing Black music to a Jewish-owned institution. This desegregation through music and culture launched a legacy worth recognizing.

Turkey's efforts extend far beyond its musical contributions to the global community and the United States. It has been a source of inspiration for countless individuals, including African American writers like James Baldwin. Baldwin, whose literary brilliance continues to

resonate, routinely found solace and creativity in Turkey.

Baldwin, who famously stated: ``Turkey saved my life!'' lived off and on in Istanbul for nearly ten years beginning in 1961. The nation's rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse society provided Baldwin with the backdrop and inspiration for some of his most profound works. This connection between Turkey and a literary giant like James Baldwin demonstrates the transformative power of cultural exchange and the enduring bonds that can be forged between nations.

As we recognize Turkey's 100th anniversary, let us not only honor its remarkable journey but also reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the bonds of friendship and cultural understanding between Turkey and the United States. May the jazz that has filled the halls of the Turkish Embassy continue to serve as a powerful reminder of our shared values and aspirations. Especially in these turbulent times, working together for our shared goals of peace, fairness, and justice is more important than ever. May the spirit of democracy, liberty, and cultural exchange continue to flourish between our two great nations in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Whitney Anderson on her recent election to the Board of Directors of the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU). Credit unions play a vital role in our nation's banking ecosystem allowing more people to access capital, obtain mortgages, and receive other financial tools that are otherwise difficult to obtain. Additionally, I've seen firsthand in my district, how credit unions provided vital services during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that the smallest of businesses received the necessary aid to assist during such trying times.

Whitney currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Elements Financial, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. She previously served as Chief Community Development Officer at Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, served as President of the Desk Drawer Fund, and President of Ever Green 3C. Additionally, Whitney has had significant community involvement on boards such as the African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) National Board, MLK Commission of Mid-Michigan, and United Way. Her

years of leading a broad range of teams, projects, and responsibilities provide a solid foundation and will add a unique perspective in her new role.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Whitney Anderson and wishing her the best of luck in her new role on the NAFCU Board of Directors. I look forward to working with her and NAFCU members to better serve our constituents across Indiana's 7th Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I want to make it clear: I have condemned Hamas for their heinous attacks on civilians and call for an immediate release of the Israeli hostages. I continue to call for the safety of all civilians in the Middle East.

Unfortunately, today's resolution H. Res. 771 is horribly one-sided. By failing to acknowledge the growing loss of Palestinian lives or that all Palestinians are not Hamas, this resolution creates further division and spurs harmful rhetoric.

We must defend our Jewish brothers and sisters from Antisemitism. Muslims must also be defended from Islamophobia, and not have their patriotism questioned because they believe in justice for Palestinians.

As a senior Member of the Intelligence Committee and through my work on the Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, and Counterproliferation Subcommittee--and having spent many years working in law enforcement--I am concerned that these kinds of one-sided resolutions have become and will continue to be recruitment tools for extremists.

This is why I am co-leading H. Res. 786, the Ceasefire Now Resolution, which I believe is the best way to prevent further tragic loss of life to Palestinian civilians and simultaneously ensure the safe return of hostages. Only then can we begin to move towards a long- term, two-state solution that includes both Palestinians and Israelis living in peace and liberation, side by side.

This resolution rightly mourns the nearly 1,400 Israelis and Americans killed and wounded. But it completely ignores the mounting deaths of innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza since October 7th, which has reached an estimated 5,761--including over 2,360 children killed and over 870 children missing under the rubble of destroyed buildings. Provided below, for the Record, are updated assessments about the destruction and deaths that civilians have suffered.

Pain and grief know no boundaries. The United States fails in our duties as an international leader if we do not wholeheartedly condemn all violations of international law, whether it is committed by Hamas or the Israeli government.

The United States urgently needs a new approach to this decades-long conflict. The roots of these problems existed long before October 7th. The Israeli government's 16-year blockade on Gaza has been identified by major human rights organizations as collective punishment and a war crime--and it has resulted in poor health, social, educational, physical, and political infrastructure throughout Palestine.

Although I will vote ``no'' on this resolution, I urge every colleague who will vote today for H. Res. 771, to join me in bringing H. Res. 786 to the floor for a Ceasefire Now.

UNRWA Situation Report #14 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the

West Bank (including East Jerusalem)

All information valid as of 24 October 2023 at 18:00 (local time)--Day

17 of hostilities

1. Key Points

More than 613,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) are

sheltering in 150 UNRWA facilities across the Gaza strip.

In the last 24 hours, another three UNRWA staff members

have been killed, bringing the total to 38 staff killed since

7 October. Two have been injured, one of whom is in a

critical condition.

One school in Rafah, sheltering 4,600 IDPs, sustained

severe collateral damage due to a close proximity strike. One

IDP was killed and 44 more were injured, including nine

children.

Fuel is urgently needed to continue the UNRWA lifesaving

humanitarian operations. If fuel is not received into Gaza,

UNRWA will be forced to significantly reduce and in some

cases bring its humanitarian operations across the Gaza Strip

to a halt. The coming 24 hours are very critical.

2. Overall Situation

The Gaza Strip

According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, 5,791 people

have been killed since 7 October, including 2,360 children,

1,292 women, 295 elderly, and 16,298 were injured. This is in

addition to the 1,550 reported missing, presumably under the

rubble of destroyed buildings, including 870 children.

Overall, nearly 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals have

been killed in Israel, according to the Israel authorities,

the vast majority on 7 October (OCHA).

In the West Bank, 95 people have been killed and nearly

1,900 injured since 7 October.

Overcrowding conditions in UNRWA shelters remain a serious

concern, as the current facilities can no longer provide

dignified living conditions. Some shelters are currently

hosting 10 to 12 times more people than their designed

capacity.

3. Humanitarian Access & Protection of Civilians

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, today I rise in celebration of the grand reopening of Kountry Kitchen Soul Food Place, a beloved Indianapolis establishment specializing in southern-style soul food.

Located in Indiana's 7th Congressional District, Kountry Kitchen was established in 1988 by Ms. Jessie White to bring her southern-style home cooking to the neighborhood, under the name Jessie's Place. Ms. Jessie's daughter, Nell Wilson, later joined to grow the family business and introduce her own recipes. Nell and her husband, Isaac, renamed the diner to Country Kitchen. After Nell's passing, Isaac remarried, and with his wife Cynthia, they renamed the business Kountry Kitchen. Isaac and Cynthia continue to honor this legacy by serving the recipes passed down to them by Ms. Jessie and Nell.

A nationally recognized restaurant, Kountry Kitchen has caught the attention of many notable figures, including Jimmy Fallon, former President Barack Obama, and Indianapolis native Mike Epps.

In early 2020, Kountry Kitchen suffered a devasting fire. Thankfully, there was no loss of life, but the establishment suffered extensive damage. With the help of a $400,000 grant, assistance from local organizations, and the entire Indianapolis community coming together, Kountry Kitchen broke ground on its new location in the summer of 2022. One year later, we are proudly celebrating their grand reopening.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our congratulations and thanks to a beloved community staple and recognizing the enduring legacy of this iconic Indianapolis destination.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, today I rise to honor Reverend Marvin Chandler, my constituent, and a renowned Hoosier who made profound accomplishments in the Civil Rights Movement, as a jazz musician, and through his work as a pastor promoting peace. Rev. Chandler was born in Bloomington, Indiana on October 3, 1929, and he was 93 years old when he died at his home in Indianapolis on September 23, 2023.

After graduating from Colgate Rochester Divinity School in 1963, Rev. Chandler was appointed as Associate Executive Director of the Rochester Area Council of Churches--as the Council's Christian Education Director. The following year, during the tragic Rochester Race Riots, Reverend Chandler served as a liaison between the Black community of Rochester and the Council of Churches. Working with a small group of community and church leaders he helped to facilitate recovery efforts from the 1964 riots.

Rev. Chandler helped establish the Rochester Area Ministers Conference and was integral in the launch of the Freedom, Independence, God, Honor, Today (FIGHT) organization, a community organization formed in the aftermath of Rochester's 1964 riots. FIGHT advocated for change, taking on issues such as hiring practices, living conditions, and other critical areas. FIGHT leaders were also credited with stopping additional civil unrest when rioting hit other northern cities in the mid-1960s.

As a part of FIGHT, Chandler not only served on the steering committee, but also played a key role in FIGHT's negotiations with Kodak. He worked with Kodak representatives to develop a job training program for the large number of unemployed black Rochesterians. Similarly, in 1971 Chandler put his peacemaking abilities toward efforts to resolve the prison riot in Attica County.

After leaving Rochester, the Reverend Chandler served as an executive with the San Francisco Council of Churches. He was a leading expert on the life of Howard Thurman, the noted theologian, philosopher, and civil rights leader. Later, Rev. Chandler was a visiting professor at Linfield College, McMinnville, Oregon, and he served as a visitor for a semester at Oxford University, England.

Rev. Chandler received numerous awards over his lifetime, including an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Franklin College, Franklin, Indiana, and the Luke Mowbray Award for ecumenical work from the American Baptist Churches/USA in 2008.

The Reverend was also an accomplished jazz pianist, inducted into the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation Hall of Fame in 2003, and a recipient of the Ralph Adams Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.

I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life of a generous and inspiring leader, Rev. Marvin Chandler.

Mr. Speaker pro tempore, today I rise in celebration of the 125th anniversary of Flanner House.

Located in Indiana's 7th Congressional District, Flanner House was founded in 1903 as a community center for Indianapolis' African- American community. Today, the organization is central to the surrounding community, serving the whole family with programming like the Child Development Center, Center for Working Families, and an Elders Center. The organization has implemented innovative solutions to problems our community faces, including a Food Justice Initiative that led to the opening Cleo's Bodega Grocery and Cafe, and Flanner Farms. These efforts provide healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate produce to address food insecurity while employing young people and neighbors. Flanner House also continues to feed the soul by celebrating Black history, culture, and talent through the Ujamaa Bookstore and other community-strengthening programming featuring Black artists, scholars, and musicians.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our gratitude and best wishes to an organization that has created immeasurable change. Organizations like Flanner House care deeply about their community and the people they serve. I extend my heartfelt congratulations on this milestone anniversary and wish Flanner House many more years of success.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition of the Perry amendment No. 74, which prohibits any funds from being made available for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) through the FY 24 Appropriations for the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPs). The subcommittee for State and Foreign Operations has, in a bipartisan manner, supported the Biden Administration's decision to reengage with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), including its inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2023 bill of additional funding from previous years for food assistance to refugees in the West Bank and Gaza. It is imperative that we put aside political agendas and instead make policy-based decisions that benefit our national security and humanitarian core values.

Like other reengagements with the United Nations (UN) system, the Department of State's strategic partnership with UNRWA is clearly demonstrating the benefits of U.S. financial support. Earlier this year, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield told UN Security Council members, ``At this moment of heightened tensions, we must be sure to support UNRWA, which serves as a lifeline to Palestinians and plays an important stabilizing role in the region.'' Four out of the Agency's five fields of operation are in crisis: ranging from the aftermaths of a terrible natural disaster, a seriously deteriorating security situation, and unprecedented financial and economic collapse. Continuing UNRWA's life-saving humanitarian and human development mission on behalf of Palestinian refugees requires more, not less U.S. support.

This cruel amendment deprives innocent people of food, healthcare, and education. It robs refugees of any hope for a better life for them and their children. Unfortunately, Mr. Chair, when I make the argument for Palestinian existence and basic human rights, it's sadly not compelling enough for some Members, so let me also make the case from a national security perspective. This amendment undermines our national security--not only for Palestinian stability, but also Israeli stability in the region.

Let's think Gaza: How is Israel safer if we choose to deliberately starve Palestinians or deny them healthcare? How is Israel safer when 300,000 girls and boys are no longer in school? Ending the UNRWA mission in Gaza alone will result in recruitment by extremist groups among Gaza youth, who are already facing 70 percent unemployment. This is not a good amendment from any standpoint and for any party.

Let's think Lebanon: UNRWA educates 40,000 Lebanese girls and boys, its health system has almost 600,000 annual patient visits, and it aids the most desperately poor, living in a place where people give serious consideration to crossing the Mediterranean despite knowing the chances of surviving the trip are, at best, a coin flip.

Let's think Jordan: Our other ally, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which is comprised of approximately 50 percent Palestinian Jordanians, strongly supports the UNRWA mission and has taken a leadership role in trying to stabilize UNRWA's long-term financial situation.

Finally let's think Israel itself: Israeli security officials recently told the International Crisis Group that ``UNRWA's demise and the corresponding collapse in services would wreak havoc in the West Bank and Gaza, or--just as importantly for Israeli interests--in Jordan and Lebanon, presenting Israel with unprecedented new security challenges.''

Earlier this month, I led, with Senator Sanders, a bicameral letter signed by over 50 Members of Congress and Senators to Ranking Member Risch, calling for the release of his individual hold on previously appropriated and enacted funds to UNRWA for FY23. This abuse of congressional courtesy is unacceptable; no one Senator or Member should be able to indefinitely hold monies that we as a body have voted to appropriate. I not only call for an increase of funds to UNRWA for FY24, I strongly oppose the Perry No. 74 amendment, and I call on my colleague in the Senate to release the FY23 funds immediately.

The far-right attack on UNRWA is not evidence based. Instead, it will cause more instability. The United States, as a nation of refugees and immigrants, should be leading by example, and not voting to cruelly cut off desperately needed humanitarian assistance that UNRWA provides. I urge all my colleagues to vote against this dangerous proposal.