Senator Tim Scott delivered a speech at The Hudson Institute about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel, wiping Hamas off the map, and confronting those who are enabling terrorism. Below are excerpts of his remarks:
The hearts and minds of the American people have been filled with heartbreak and righteous anger for our friends and allies, the people of Israel.
The terrorist attacks on innocent children, women, and men were disgusting.
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These despicable acts deserve nothing less than the full measure of justice.
The people behind them need to feel the wrath of God. And they need to meet some Israeli or American military hardware to help them on their way.
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It is not enough for the United States of America to condemn this kind of aggression.
We need leaders who will stop inviting this kind of aggression.
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Republicans shouted from the rooftops that Iran’s terrorist proxies including Hamas and Hezbollah were going to reap part of the windfall.
But the left wanted so desperately to cozy up to Iran.
They didn’t care how much American money ended up in the pockets of Israel’s enemies.
Just a few weeks ago, President Biden sent the same signal again. He rewarded Iran for taking American hostages by unlocking $6 billion for the mullahs.
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We have seen the face of evil.
The President of the United States has a moral duty to lead with strength and clarity.
So while Hamas carried out these attacks… Joe Biden has blood on his hands.
His weakness invited the attack.
His cash giveaways to Iran helped fund terrorism.
And after the attack his Administration suggested Israel should stand down.
It’s a disgrace.
We need a President who is loyal to our allies and lethal to our adversaries.
Because weakness never buys you peace.
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The far left in this country has become incredibly hostile to the state of Israel. The most extreme statements have become a daily routine. They even dabble openly in anti-Semitism.
But President Biden will not stand up to them. Because he cares more about his own power.
This past weekend, Congresswoman Cori Bush put out a statement suggesting the Palestinians are equal victims and calling Israel a “military occupation” and “apartheid.”
Her colleague Omar has a history of anti-Israel statements that have been so offensive and so anti-Semitic that even House Democrats including Nancy Pelosi had to rebuke her.
Their fellow “Squad” member A.O.C. has said supporting Israel means taking “the side of occupation.”
Their friend Congresswoman Jayapal has copy-pasted Hamas propaganda to call Israel “racist.”
And this past week Congresswoman Tlaib went full-on victim-blaming. She said Israel is “apartheid” and responsible for the cycle of violence. As we speak, she continues to fly the Palestinian flag in the taxpayer-funded hallway outside her office.
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Radical liberals are choosing their own political power over peace.
They would rather invite attacks on our allies than stand up to the fringe in their own party.
It is cowardice that makes them complicit. And it has to stop.
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Every member of the Squad should either quit the D.S.A. and repudiate the people who are cheering on deadly terrorism… or they must be expelled from Congress.
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We need a policy of strength and leadership.
Number one — We need to rescue the American hostages and get them out. Period.
We need to bring those Americans home this instant. Use our Special Forces if we have to.
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And when I’m in the Oval Office, if Israel finds itself in need of anything, one phone call to my White House is all it will take.
When America’s allies need to reload, the arsenal of democracy has to be stocked and ready.
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But I will also call out weakness or confusion among conservatives as well.
Hear me clearly, it’s not an equal problem. But it’s a problem.
Vivek Ramaswamy has said the definition of success is reducing America’s support for Israel. And he’s proposed that we surrender Taiwan to the Chinese Communist Party as long as we’ve relocated some factories.
Governor DeSantis once dismissed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as just some “territorial dispute.”
The last thing we need is a Joe Biden wing of the Republican Party on foreign policy.
It’s also a mistake and damaging when some Republicans keep repeating that America is in decline.
They paint a picture of some failing empire that needs to cut our losses and pull up the drawbridge.
That idea is dead wrong. And it’s dangerous.
The American people are not in decline. American courage and American values aren’t in decline.
We’re just stuck with a weak President who is in retreat. …...more
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