Huffman Statement on Biden National Security Memorandum

February 09, 2024

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02) issued the following statement following the news that President Joe Biden issued a national security memorandum that places new restrictions on the use of U.S. military aid:

“I have stood firmly with President Joe Biden on two important fronts:  supporting Israel’s right to defend itself in response to the horrifying Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023; while also calling on Israel to show restraint in its military response to protect innocent Palestinian lives.  I agree with the President that some of Israel’s response has been “over the top” and civilian casualties have been far too high.  I also agree that settler violence in the West Bank, often with tacit or active support from Israeli Defense Forces, must end.  That’s why I’m pleased to see President Biden’s new national security memorandum which will help address these critical issues.  While my preference would be to codify these standards and safeguards in the supplemental military funding bill as Senator Van Hollen and other Senate Democrats had proposed, I understand that politically, this is the best we can do in the current divided Congress.  I commend President Biden for this necessary step toward delivering transparency, accountability, and compliance with humanitarian standards, without compromising our firm support for the national security of our ally Israel."