CAIR Action Condemns Passage of ‘Nonprofit Killer Bill’, Senate’s Failure to Block $20 Billion Arms Sale to Israel as ICC Issues Warrant for Netanyahu’s Arrest
| CAIR Action Condemns Passage of ‘Nonprofit Killer Bill’, Senate’s Failure to Block $20 Billion Arms Sale to Israel as ICC Issues Warrant for Netanyahu’s Arrest |
| Washington D.C. – 11/22/2024 – CAIR Action, a leading national Muslim political advocacy organization, today expressed disappointment in the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of HR 9495 and the Senate’s failure to pass Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (JRD) introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders to block a $20 billion military arms sale to Israel. These actions come as the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for war crimes committed during Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza. Basim Elkarra, Executive Director of CAIR Action, stated: “The passage of HR 9495 and the Senate’s rejection of measures to halt this massive offensive arms sale to Israel reflect the disturbing influence of AIPAC and pro-Israel pressure groups. Even as the ICC calls for accountability for Netanyahu’s war crimes, our government continues to fund and arm a genocidal campaign that has already devastated thousands of Palestinian lives. This betrayal of American values underscores a moral crisis in our foreign policy and an urgent need for accountability to protect our democracy.” HR 9495, dubbed the “Nonprofit Killer Bill” by civil rights organizations, imposes draconian restrictions on nonprofit organizations and community advocacy groups, threatening civil liberties and free speech. Meanwhile, Senator Sanders’ resolutions of disapproval marked an historic effort to confront unchecked U.S. military support for Israel but fell short due to significant lobbying pressure and political contributions. The passage of HR 9495 and the arms sale also come amid mounting global outcry over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. The ICC’s issuance of arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his military leaders is a stark reminder of the gravity of these crimes, yet the U.S. continues to provide diplomatic cover and material support for these atrocities. CAIR Action applauds leaders like Senator Sanders, and JRD cosponsors Senators Welch, Merkley, and Schatz, who are standing on the right side of history by advocating for Palestinian human rights and challenging the militarization of U.S. foreign policy. The organization also calls on civil society to hold elected officials accountable for enabling war crimes and failing to uphold the principles of justice and equality. CAIR Action is a 501(c)4 organization. Our mission is to engage, educate, and mobilize Muslim voters, train emerging leaders, and champion policy priorities that enhance the well-being and representation of Muslim communities. Through our work, we aim to foster a more equitable and inclusive democratic society where the rights and voices of Muslims are acknowledged and respected. END CONTACT:Basim Elkarra, Executive Director, CAIR Action belkarra@cairaction.org CAIR Action Communications, media@cairaction.org |
