Democrats blocked a bid to bring the Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act up for consideration in a 217-209 vote along party lines. The bill, introduced by Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., would impose sanctions on foreign entities known to have provided financial assistance to Hamas, among various other measures.
"Under my bill the United States will sanction these groups that are supporting terrorism," Mast announced in a floor speech in support of the legislation. "Or if we do not pass this bill, we will not stand together to sanction these groups that are enabling this terrorism."
WATCH: 2004 SNL SKETCH: "DONALD TRUMP’S HOUSE OF WINGS”
Mast, in his speech, was reintroducing the bill, which had passed the House unanimously in 2019 but was not taken up for a vote in the Senate. Republicans Tuesday brought the bill up for consideration through a procedure known as the previous question, which functions as a call to end debate on a measure and bring it up for an immediate vote.
WATCH: ESPN HOST- DEMOCRAT STRATEGY IS NOT WORKING
Prior to the vote, Mast’s bill drew widespread support from prominent Republicans, including the likes of House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. Mast had previously issued a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Gregory Meeks to expedite a vote on the bill.
WELP, CLIMATE WARRIORS HAVE THEIR NEXT TARGET PICKED OUT...
"The ongoing rocket attacks against Israeli civilians show why America must unequivocally support Israel, condemn Hamas, and sanction those who fund terrorism," McCarthy wrote in a tweet.
The Biden administration has faced intense pressure from lawmakers on its response to the crisis. Prominent Democrats, including Pelosi, have called for a cease-fire, while progressives such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have criticized Biden for not speaking against the Israeli government’s actions.
TRUMP POINTS (MIDDLE) FINGER AT BIDEN AS PRO-HAMAS DEMONSTRATIONS DESTROY THE IVY'S
Meanwhile, Republicans have pressed President Biden to affirm U.S. support for the Israeli government. A group of Senate Republicans led by Sen. Rick Scott of Florida drafted a resolution which seeks to affirm Israel’s "right to defend itself against terrorist attacks."
TENSIONS BOIL OVER AS PRO-PALESTINE PROTESTERS ARE ARRESTED OUTSIDE TOP DEM LEADER'S HOME
U.S. officials reveal the Biden administration was privately encouraging Israel to wind down its bombardment of Gaza. Egyptian negotiators also were working to halt the fighting, and while they have not made progress with Israel, they were optimistic international pressure would force it to the table, according to an Egyptian diplomat who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was discussing diplomatic efforts.
BREAKING: HAMAS RELEASES PROPAGANDA VIDEO FEATURING ISRAELI-AMERICAN HOSTAGE ALIVE...(WATCH HERE)
The fighting began May 10 when Hamas fired long-range rockets toward Jerusalem in support of Palestinian protests against Israel’s heavy-handed policing of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a flashpoint site sacred to Jews and Muslims, and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers.
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
