PORTLAND, Ore. — On Saturday, a majority of Oregon House representatives voted to pass massive aid bills for a trio of American allies.
Lawmakers settled on over $60 billion in funds for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel and over $8 billion in aid for allies in the Indo-Pacific.
"It's an old military adage, but we would rather send bullets to the conflict overseas than our own boys, our troops," said Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson. "I think this is an important moment, an important opportunity to make that decision.”
But some Democrats remain concerned this money could put Israel on the offense, endangering Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
While Oregon Democrat Suzanne Bonamici voted to pass the Israeli aid package, she was disappointed the funds weren't only directed toward defensive aid.
“I would have preferred to vote for a bill that included only defensive and humanitarian aid, but that was not the bill that was before us," Bonamici said in a statement. "All countries that receive U.S. military aid, including Israel, must abide by international law. I have conveyed the importance of that requirement to the Biden Administration and will continue to do so going forward."
Democratic Representative Early Blumenauer was the only Oregon congressman to vote against the bill sending billions to Israel. Republican Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer voted yes on all three bills.
"It’s disappointing that supporting our democratic allies has become a contentious issue, but I’m confident that those who show support for democracy during this tumultuous time are doing the right thing," Chavez-DeRemer said in a statement.
“It is not a perfect piece of legislation, we’re not ensured that in a time of divided government and in a time where there are a lot of different opinions," Speaker Johnson added.
Oregon Congresswoman Val Hoyle also voted in favor of the trio, expressing the need for humanitarian aid in Gaza and military action in Ukraine.
“Our aid to Ukraine is essential to help them push back against Putin’s unprovoked and unjust invasion — which has resulted in the death of thousands of Ukrainian civilians, and threatened Ukraine’s freedom and democracy," Hoyle said in a statement.
The bills are expected to be packaged and sent to the Senate. A vote in scheduled for Tuesday.