WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, released the following statement following President Biden’s speech to the nation on the war between Hamas and Israel, and the global imperative to support democracy over tyranny and terrorism:

“The causes of freedom, democracy, and self-defense are core American guiding beliefs. In fact, Thomas Jefferson, after writing the Declaration of Independence, swore eternal hostility against tyranny over the mind of man. Fighting tyranny, and deterring tyrannical aims, is a founding principle of this nation – and it’s nothing less than the current stakes we face. It’s time for Congress to act. Our security at home depends on a strong national defense and supporting the freedom of our democratic allies and partners around the globe.

“Across the world, we are watching as terrorist groups massacre innocent civilians at a music festival, as tyrannical regimes target innocent civilians at their dinner tables, and as dictatorships threaten to invade democratic, sovereign nations.

“Since the 2006 Palestinian elections in Gaza which Hamas won and their violent expulsion of Fatah the following year, Israel has been defending itself from a terrorist organization that prides itself on the destruction of Israel and the annihilation of the Jewish people. The massacre, and hostage taking, on October 7^th further proved that no wall, no blockade, and no amount of military might on the border will change Hamas’ steadfast belief. But what October 7^th did show violent actors is that Israelis and the free world can unite together—even in the darkest times—to fight for democracy, self-determination, and the safety of the global Jewish diaspora.

“For over a year and a half, Ukraine has similarly, and bravely, defended its freedom and sovereignty from a bloody, unprovoked invasion by an autocratic dictator. Putin believed he would quickly defeat his neighbor, rebuild the Soviet Union, and divide the Free World, but on every count, he has failed. While this war has waged longer than expected, it is because of the undeniable fortitude of the Ukrainian people, and the support of the global community, that the global resolve to protect freedom and democracy is as strong as it has ever been.

“As I said to President Zelenskyy in January, and as President Biden shared with the people of Israel, their fight is our fight – and that’s why we must provide the Israelis and Ukrainians with what they need to defend themselves. If we don’t provide this assistance, dictatorship and terrorism will be emboldened to spread—just like we saw in the lead up to World War II. It is up to all of us to remind the world that freedom and self-defense will always be the basis of a just society and a steady global order.”

Senator King is an active, vocal supporter of democratic values and freedom. In January, King visited Zelenskyy in Ukraine to understand the dynamics on the ground. He has also continuously questioned international experts on Putin’s strategy and how to best support Ukraine.

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