In first vote since sitting new speaker, House approves bill supporting Israel

Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives have overwhelmingly passed legislation voicing support for Israel and condemnation of Hamas in its first vote since sitting a new speaker.

The vote was held Wednesday after Republicans elected Louisiana Rep. Mike Johnson the new speaker of the House more than 20 days after the party ousted former speaker Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California.

The Congressional branch was brought to a standstill just days before Israel launched its war against the Iran-backed Hamas in response to the militant group's Oct. 7 surprise attack that killed 1,400 Israelis.

Israel's response has been incessant bombing of the Palestinian enclave of the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in 6,546 dead Palestinians, including more than 2,700 children.

The four-page House Resolution 771, sponsored by Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, passed 412-10-6 on Wednesday, calling for the House to stand with Israel as it defends itself "against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists" and to reaffirm Israel's right to self-defense.

It also condemns Hamas, calls on all countries to condemn Hamas and orders the House to stand ready to assist Israel with emergency resupply and other security, diplomatic and intelligence support. It also includes calls for enforcement of sanctions against Iran.

The nine Democrats who voted against the bill are Reps. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Cori Bush of Missouri, Jamaal Bowman of New York, Andre Carson of Indiana, Al Green of Texas, Summer Lee of Pennsylvania, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Dalia Ramirez of Illinois.

The sole Republican to vote against the bill was Thomas Massie of Kentucky.

In a statement published before the vote, Massie said he condemns Hamas' attack on Israel but cannot support the bill as it calls for sanctions on a sovereign country and includes an open-ended commitment of military support, among other issues.

McCaul celebrated the passing of his bill online.

"This measure sends a clear message across the globe: The U.S. stands with Israel," he said.