Anti-war protest disrupts US Congress hearing as Biden officials seek aid for Israel and Ukraine

Two of President Joe Biden's top advisers asked U.S. lawmakers to provide billions more dollars to Israel on Tuesday (October 31) at a congressional hearing interrupted repeatedly by protesters denouncing American officials for backing what they called "genocide" against Palestinians civilians in Gaza.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin testified to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Biden's request for $106 billion to fund ambitious plans for Ukraine, Israel and U.S. border security.

Arguing that supporting U.S. partners is vital to national security, Biden requested $61.4 billion for Ukraine, about half of which would be spent in the United States to replenish weapons stocks drained by previous support for Kyiv.

Biden also asked for $14.3 billion for Israel, $9 billion for humanitarian relief -- including for Israel and Gaza -- $13.6 billion for U.S. border security, $4 billion in military assistance and government financing to counter China's regional efforts in Asia.

As the hearing began, a line of anti-war protesters raised red-stained hands in the air. Capitol police later removed them from the room after shouted slogans including, "Ceasefire now!" "Protect the children of Gaza!" and "Stop funding genocide."

Blinken did not respond to the protesters, but when he was asked later about the possibility of a ceasefire, he said that would only help Hamas regroup. A pause, however, for humanitarian reasons can be considered.

"We do believe that we have to consider things like humanitarian pauses to make sure that assistance can get to those who needed and people can be protected and get out of harm's way," Blinken said.

Congress has already approved $113 billion for Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022. The White House has said it has less than $5.5 billion in funds to continue transferring weapons from U.S. stockpiles to Ukrainian forces fighting Russia.

The path forward for Biden's latest funding plan looks uncertain. Democrats solidly back Biden's strategy of combining Ukraine aid with support for Israel, as do many Republicans in both the Senate and House of Representatives.

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#ukraine #russia #israel #gaza #palestine

[FutureQuranJourney]

Courageous woman and daring to stand with truth. Lots of respect for her

[napgimenez]

happy to see humans defending against these monsters rulers in our society.

[abbeabbe]

Thank you Colonel for your courage to speak the truth.

[bobbywhittemore]

No 1. Free hostages. No 2 Hamas surrenders no.3 all hostility ceases
4 homeland for Palestinians.

[Earth]

When Islamic terrorist (results of Islamic illegal population) and criminal destroy peace of normal human and illegally attack to Bangladesh Durga Festival, Israel Festival then culprit supporter of Islamic religion continuously support worst Islamic terrorist likewise when a victim wants to take action against worst terrorist then they want to claim against non-Muslims. What's the brutal mentality of Islamic terrorist and supporter. So shameful. Doesn't it?

[Webaus]

Benjamin is responsible for the 7th October

[violetm]

Where is the outrage for war in Yemen?! For Somalia?! Or for genocide against Yugurs? These people are unable to think rationally about anything

[uf]

We need to quit sending money over there immediately They’ve been fighting each other over there since the beginning of time and will continue to fight no matter what.

[Truspio]

Secretary Blinken, according to his own words Jewish- clearly has a conflict of interests in this case. He should go.

[ericksonmontalbo]

rule of the organization is the power of organization, , very simple as that, , all member of the organization, knows what i say 🙂

[zpsphjd]

VETO without Ukraine Aide. No aide without Ukraine

[frankfanning]

Citizens around the world should be joining together to denounce ALL wars EVERYWHERE . Not specific diaspora or groups cultivating more tribal hatred or anger or violence against a side they 'think' they understand. Especially when they are standing outside the war zones in another country. Plus international borders need law & order not chaos. Especially during a time of crisis, i.e. unaffordable housing, food & healthcare shortages & terrorist attacks.

[cashbrooks]

Well talk to the vacation spot in the home town for property value and the one we go to on Saturday and Sunday for personal status

[deejay]

Why aren't they charged with insurrection ?

[milankrstevski]

And when they expel the last Palestinian, let them organize Miss World and let the girl who will stand up for peace in the world and for the happiness and love of every person win. Well done to the UN.

[deejay]

Those reporters need to ignore them! stop giving them attention and a platform

[luisortiz]

We need money here in the good US of A ✌️

[dieselodesa]

Чому не вимагають від Хамасу скласти зброю, і війна припиниться.
Чому ця жінка не вимагає від Путіна піти з України, і війна припипиться.
Настане мир. От чого треба вимагати.

[amirulkarim]

Pemimpin USA telah salah langkah dengan menyokong perampas Tanah dan pembunuh warga Palestin yang tidak berdosa! Akal pemimpin USA yang dulu cerdik kini dilihat dunia semakin bodoh mengambil tindakan salah menyokong penjenayah! Yang benar dikata bersalah dan yang salah disokong! Seluruh Dunia kini telah hilang rasa hormat dengan USA! Ini lah balasan Tuhan kepada orang yang jahil dan melakukan kekejaman!