Schneider Response to Lies on U.S. Motivation and Funding Hamas Attacks

WASHINGTON— Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement:

“Republican claims that the prisoner exchange between the US and Iran on September 19 motivated and funded Hamas’s heinous attack are ignorant and dishonest.

“The unprecedented incursion by Hamas into Israel—a grievous act of war by land, sea and air—was a massive, complex and sophisticated operation.  It was well planned over a period of months if not years. In other words, it was already conceived, prepared and resourced long before the U.S. and Iran agreed to the swap

“We can and should consider the long term impacts of the prisoner deal.  But my colleagues know that bringing innocent Americans home was not a motivating factor for this attack, and they know the exchange did not fund the attack, because they know that not a penny of the funds has been spent. Their repeated dishonest claims mock the tragedy and dishonors the memory of those murdered.

“As my Republican colleagues come to understand the full impact of this grievous attack, rather than parroting deceptive partisan talking points, they would be better advised to join with Democrats in making sure our ally Israel has the necessary resources to defend her citizens and defeat Hamas—especially after nearly 200 House Republicans voted on September 29 to cut aid to Israel by almost 30% ($1 billion).” 

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