Westmoreland Review

Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) addressed the House floor during the Rule Debate on H.R. 8580, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, and H.R. 8282, the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act.

In his remarks, Reschenthaler referenced a significant historical event: “Mr. Speaker, on October 7th, 2023, Hamas launched the largest mass killing of Jews since the Holocaust. This horrific assault attacked Israel by land, sea, and air, killing over 1,200 innocent civilians, including dozens of Americans.”

He continued by describing the aftermath of these attacks: “In the aftermath, we have learned that families were burned alive, infants were decapitated, women were sexually assaulted, and other unthinkable acts of violence were committed. To date, Hamas continues to hold as many as 130 hostages.”

Reschenthaler emphasized a divide in global opinion following these events: “Since those attacks, we have seen a clear divide in the United States and around the globe between those who stand with our ally Israel and those who stand with Hamas.”

He specifically criticized an international body: “One of the organizations that stands with Hamas is the international kangaroo court also known as the ICC. The court is anti-American, anti-Israel, and antisemitic.” He further noted that neither the United States nor Israel are members of this court.

Discussing past actions by this body against U.S. forces in Afghanistan post-9/11 terrorist attacks and its current focus on Israel's leaders compared to Hamas leaders prompted Reschenthaler's support for H.R. 8282: “That is why House Republicans will pass the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act introduced by my good friend Rep. Chip Roy of Texas.”

This legislation aims to reimpose previous sanctions from the Trump Administration against ICC officials involved in actions against U.S. citizens or allies like Israel.

Additionally addressing H.R. 8580 related to military construction and veterans' affairs appropriations for FY25 MILCON VA bill introduced by Chairman Judge Carter under Chairmen Cole and Carter’s leadership: “H.R. 8580 will fully fund veterans’ health care programs and benefits,” he said.

The bill proposes an additional $75 million above the president’s budget and $30 billion above last year’s enacted level for veterans’ services while investing robustly in quality-of-life projects for servicemembers’ families and national security infrastructure.

“This week’s vote will be an important step in supporting our nation’s veterans,” concluded Reschenthaler.

###