Legislator calls on Democrats to join Republicans in condemning Hamas,
committing to politics of peace

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Rep. Smit condemned the week’s violence in the Middle East after Hamas militants killed hundreds of Israeli citizens and kidnapped dozens in the process.

“We should all act local but be thinking globally and how our policies, attitudes and opinions affect the world around us,” said Rep. Smit. “It’s shocking in this day and age that any political movement would find it acceptable to use political violence to achieve their ends. The lives of innocent civilians should not be pawns on a political chessboard. Even though this happened a world away, we need to be resolute to make sure our hearts and attitudes don’t harden so hard as to justify and rationalize violence like this.”

Republicans introduced a resolution condemning the attacks that claimed over a thousand lives, including 25 Americans, and left thousands more injured. The resolution also calls for the release of all hostages held by Hamas.

The measure was blocked by House Democrat leadership, despite receiving support from many of their own caucus members with bipartisan support from more than 50 representatives. After Republicans introduced the resolution, House Democrat leadership blocked it from an immediate floor vote and instead assigned it to an obscure committee known for burying measures the majority does not intend to adopt.

“It is shocking that Democrats refuse to stand with Republicans in condemning Hamas’s murderous and barbaric actions and refuse to stand in support of Israel – America’s constant friend and ally.  I call on Democrats in the Legislature to condemn Hamas, condemn political violence, and commit themselves to working for peace.”

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