“The people of Israel deserve a partner and a friend that it can trust, not one that leaves it to face terrorism and terrorists alone.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) questioned U.S. Department of State Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Bonnie D. Jenkins on President Biden’s recent move to cut off arms shipments to Israel and the administration’s lack of progress on engaging China on its nuclear expansion.
Under Secretary Jenkins testified at today’s Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing on the Future of Arms Control and Deterrence.
On President Biden Cutting Off Arms to Israel
“I want to talk about cutting off arms to Israel. Israel is one of our nation’s closest allies.
“On October 7th, Hamas brutally murdered men, women, and children in Israel. I’ve seen the videos. American citizens were among the individuals killed, injured, kidnapped, and held hostage.
“The death and destruction of these terrorists is shocking. Hamas continues to hide in populated areas. Hamas continues to use civilians as human shields.
“With the serious threats in the region, I think it’s more important than ever for Israel to quickly receive everything it needs to defend itself, to eliminate Hamas – yet the Biden administration is doing the complete opposite at this point.
“Last week, President Biden announced he was cutting off shipments of ammunition and weapons to Israel.
“I’m going to be clear. This is happening while one of our strongest allies in the Middle East is at war with terrorists, murderers.
“The people of Israel deserve a partner and a friend that it can trust, not one that leaves it to face terrorism and terrorists alone.
“The administration should be ashamed, I believe, of its actions. These are the weapons Israel needs to defeat Hamas, to defend its people against additional attacks from Iran and from its proxies.
“Last week, 48 U.S. senators introduced a resolution condemning the decision by the Biden administration.
“I think we must be taking every step possible to expedite the delivery of these important weapons, not putting up new barriers and obstacles in the way.
“So, do you support the U.S. blocking weapons from going to Israel?”
Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks on President Biden cutting off arms to Israel.
On Holding Up Necessary Weapons
“My concern is that there are other countries looking in on this as well. And if they say, ‘well, how can we expect us to be good partners with them if at this time we’re withholding weapons?’
“So the question is, given recent reports of the administration asking for approval from Congress for a new arms shipment, why is the administration holding up weapons now? If this is something that was just approved?”
Follow-up:
“My follow-up to that would be that some of these bombs are to get to the fact that these tunnels are so far underground, and that’s used as a hiding place by Hamas. And we’ve seen that.
“I think that’s been a surprise to many – the extent of the tunnels and the depth of the tunnels – and the intention of some of these armaments are to get specifically to that.”
Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks on holding up necessary weapons.
On Chinese Nuclear Expansion
“I want to ask a question on China. During your confirmation process, you committed to me in writing that you would work with U.S. allies and partners to urge Beijing to engage meaningfully with the United States on arms control.
“The 2022 Nuclear Posture Review said China has embarked on an ambitious expansion, modernization, and diversification of its nuclear forces, of which you’re well aware.
“It went on to say that China expanding its nuclear options could allow for them to include nuclear coercion, and limited nuclear first use in their employment strategy.
“Can you share with the committee how many engagements you actually have had with the Chinese officials – specifically on their nuclear weapons, ambitions, and expansion?”
Follow-up:
“It sounds like that’s not going to happen at this point.”
