Providing for Consideration of H.R. Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, Providing for Consideration of H.R. Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, Providing for Consideration of H.R. Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, Providing for Consideration of H.R. 21st Century Peace Through Strength Act; and Providing for Concurrence By the House in the Senate Amendment to H.R. with An Amendment

Floor Speech

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Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my very good friend from Texas, my classmate, my colleague when I served on the Rules Committee, and now I am very proud to say our very distinguished chairman of the Rules Committee for yielding. Today's rule makes in order a series of three critical security supplemental bills, Mr. Speaker, paired with a fourth bill covering other high-priority national security matters. Collectively, these bills represent the commitment to move much-needed security assistance funding for America's friends and partners.

Mr. Speaker, the members of the Rules Committee faced a serious challenge in putting together today's resolution, but they met that challenge in admirable, bipartisan fashion. I can't tell you how proud I am of both sides of the aisle, including my friend, the distinguished ranking member, for the manner in which they responded to this particular difficulty.

Today's rule creates a full and fair process for floor consideration of these measures. It grants ample debate time on these bills and makes in order a series of amendments ensuring that the entire body has the opportunity to work its will and make our voices heard.

It ensures that Members have a full 72 hours to review these bills before the vote. After all, taking up a matter as important as this, both Members of Congress and the American people deserve no less.

Finally, it provides an up-or-down vote on each of these bills. Importantly, this rule allows every Member to vote his or her conscience on every issue. Thanks to this process, the House will be able to work its will. That is the way the Founders intended this institution to work.

Speaker Johnson's work in setting this process in motion has been admirable, and we all owe him our thanks for ensuring both that the House takes up these critical funding measures and that each Member can vote his or her conscience on every single issue.

Mr. Speaker, the need for this funding is not hypothetical. Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan are on the front lines of the struggle to preserve democracy and freedom around the world.

In the case of Ukraine and Israel, these two nations are, quite literally, in harm's way. Ukraine is entering the third year of their struggle against Vladimir Putin's unjust and illegal invasion. Its continued ability to resist hangs in the balance dependent on foreign aid. Its people need the weapons and ammunition provided in this bill to keep them in the fight.

Israel, meanwhile, is involved in a life-and-death struggle against the perpetrators of the October 7 terror attack, Hamas. Over the weekend, Hamas' backer, the Iranian regime, launched an unprecedented and direct aerial assault on Israel. That attack has been thwarted, and an appropriate response is underway.

Taiwan faces ongoing threats from the Chinese Communist Party which continue to threaten Taiwan's right of self-determination.

Around the world, the United States and our partners are confronting a tinderbox of uninvited aggression on multiple fronts. America must stand firmly on the side of freedom.

Peace through strength cannot be delivered through appeasement. Taken together, these measures protect our friends and partners and replenish American stockpiles of ammunition, weapons, and supplies. This is not only about safeguarding our ideals of democracy and peace but is central to our own national security.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members to vote to support the rule and the underlying legislation.

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