In An Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing, Durbin Presses Secretary Rubio On The U.S.'s Response To The Humanitarian Crisis In Gaza
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today participated in a Subcommittee hearing entitled “A Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for the U.S. Department of State.” During the hearing, Durbin questioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the humanitarian crisis happening in Gaza and whether the response from the State Department has been adequate. According to UN estimates, 14,000 babies in Gaza could die in the next 48 hours if aid does not reach Gaza.
“Three countries—France, United Kingdom, and Canada—made a statement, which I would like to summarize. You probably know it already. They said the resumption of aid into Gaza by Israel [is] ‘wholly inadequate.’ The United Kingdom paused free-trade talks with Israel and sanctioned Israeli settlers. And in the joint message by these three countries, allies of the United States, [they said] ‘If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further, concrete action in response.’ Are we on the wrong side of history in watching this unfold and not responding as these three countries have?” Durbin asked.
Secretary Rubio responded, “We are not prepared to respond the way these countries have.” He also continued to state that there is “an immediate, acute challenge of food and aid not reaching people and existing distribution systems that could get them there. So, we continue to work.” Secretary Rubio also continued to say that there should be a shared goal of defeating Hamas and ensuring the Palestinian people receive the aid they desperately need.
“I agree with you. I think what you just said should be our policy. But I do not think we should use these people—these Palestinians, particularly these children—as just a casualty of war. This is a designed attack by Israel into Gaza. This is a designed decision by Israel not to provide humanitarian aid, food, medicine, [and] water. We provide quite a bit of money to Israel for its own defense and other purposes. Shouldn’t we be more forthcoming to speak out about this humanitarian crisis?” Durbin asked.
Durbin concluded, “What are we waiting for? The children are dying.”
Today, Durbin joined Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) in cosponsoring a resolution calling on the Trump Administration to use all diplomatic tools at its disposal to bring an end to the blockade of food and lifesaving humanitarian aid to address the needs of civilians in Gaza. In the resolution, Senators express grave concern about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including the imminent starvation of tens of thousands of children.
Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
Footage of Durbin’s question in Committee is available here for TV stations.
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