WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 8369, a bill to remove the President’s authority over foreign policy decisions:

“When Congress passed our military and humanitarian assistance bill last month, I noted that, ‘America must remain engaged in the diplomatic effort to bring about lasting peace in the region.’ This bill would tie the President’s hands — taking away the administration’s tools to conduct foreign policy. While the Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse, it does not give Congress the power to legislate how the President manages America’s daily relations abroad.

“I have stood firm in my support for Israel’s right to defend itself and secure the return of all hostages. I have also worked to ensure that desperately needed humanitarian assistance reaches innocent civilians in Gaza, and supported the Administration’s call for Israel to do as much as it can to stop non-combatant casualties. There are no easy answers in this conflict, which is why the administration must be given the flexibility to pursue a resolution to the conflict.”

There have been multiple prior instances in which Administrations have either expedited or withheld assistance for Israel. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan placed a six-year ban on Israel’s ability to obtain cluster bombs due to Israeli conduct during the Lebanese Civil War. In 1991, President George Bush Sr withheld a $10 billion loan guarantee given concerns over Israeli conduct during the first Gulf War.

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