As someone who has contacted U.S. Senators, Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, and my Representative, Chris Pappas to voice my concerns about Israel’s military attacks not just in Gaza but also in the occupied West Bank where Israeli occupation forces protect illegal “settlers,” I have been disappointed with their continued overwhelming support for Israel.
When I received a link to a website that collects information about political action committees that, in this case, lobby for Israel, I discovered what the pro-Israel groups had donated to our Senators and to our Representatives. During her political career as a Senator, Jeanne Shaheen has collected $574,295 dollars from pro-Israel PACS. Senator Hassan has received $641,392 dollars, while Representative Pappas has collected $523,333 dollars. Representative Goodlander who is in her first year in Congress has received $172,646 dollars. (See Trackaipac.com)
As one who receives messages about various bills introduced in Congress, two caught my eye. The first was House Resolution 473 which calls for the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to address the needs of civilians in Gaza. 103 Democrats signed on to this Resolution, but not Pappas or Goodlander. Yet another bill or resolution was HR 3565, to limit U.S. weapons to Israel. There are 26 cosponsors, all Democrats. Sadly, Pappas and Goodlander did not sign on, At times, I wonder which side are our elected Congresspeople on – the side of Israel or on the side of humanity?
Will Thomas
Manchester