Dear John,

I want to take a moment to update you on the current crisis in Israel and to share about my efforts to support Israel and its people in its time of atrocity. When historical and life-altering world conflict like this occurs, it is important that you as my constituent understand how I am planning to address these global challenges through my work in Congress.

Last year, my wife and I had the honor of visiting Israel and meeting the country's incredible people. We are appalled by the actions of Hamas, an Iranian-backed terrorist organization. Hamas's deliberate, gruesome attacks on innocent Israeli citizens are despicable acts of war, and I stand with Israel's right to self-defense as the nation protects its people and homeland. Now, more than ever, the United States must stand with Israel.

To this end, I have joined a bipartisan resolution, H. Res. 771, "Standing with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists." This legislation condemns these horrific acts and reinforces support from the U.S. House of Representatives to help Israel in this time of distress. I also have joined letters to President Biden expressing concern about his Administration's decision to unfreeze $6 billion in assets for Iran, and I have joined my colleagues in urging President Biden to re-freeze these funds. I am also cosponsoring legislation that would ensure that Iran cannot access the Biden Administration’s unfrozen $6 billion in funds, preventing Hamas from spending your hard-earned tax dollars to commit unspeakable evils.

You have likely seen news reports regarding the hostage situation. I, too, am closely monitoring the crisis, and please know that I am in communication with our federal and military authorities regarding Hamas’s continued terrorism. I have cosponsored a resolution to demand the release of all hostages in Gaza and have cosigned a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to expedite the evacuation of Americans in Israel.

I have been a faithful advocate for Israel through my work in Congress. I have supported Israel's right to defend itself by introducing H.R. 3706, the Emergency Resupply for IRON DOME Act of 2021, in the previous Congress. This legislation would seek to repurpose already appropriated funds dedicated to Gaza assistance to support Israel's Iron Dome. I will continue to fight to ensure Israel has the resources it needs in this war moving forward.

Please join me as I "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem" (Psalm 122:6). May we, as the great and prayerful people of Mississippi, continue to offer our prayers and our support to our Israeli brothers and sisters in their time of great suffering. It is in the national security interest of the United States to unequivocally stand behind our longtime friend and greatest ally in the Middle East, Israel. 

It is an honor to serve the Third District of Mississippi in the United States House of Representatives. If I could be of further assistance, please contact me at 202-225-5031.