February 14, 2024

Congresswoman Bush Statement on H. Res. 966 Vote

 

Washington, D.C. (Feb. 14, 2024) — Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01) released the following statement following the House of Representatives’ vote on H.Res. 966.

“As a survivor of rape and sexual assault, and as someone who has dedicated my congressional career to legislating for policies that actively prevent sexual and gender-based violence and support survivors, I voted in favor of this resolution, despite its shortcomings. I will always condemn sexual and gender-based violence wherever and whenever it occurs. I unconditionally believe that anyone who commits or allows these heinous acts to occur should be held accountable. Unfortunately, this resolution is intentionally misleading and one-sided. This resolution speaks to the claims of the sexual and gender-based violence perpetrated by Hamas, but neglects to mention the well-documented cases of rampant sexual and gender-based violence toward Palestinians by the Israeli military. If the intention of this resolution were to fairly and accurately address the topic of sexual and gender-based violence, it would not choose to ignore the sexual violence happening against Palestinians and people in other contemporary conflict zones. Further, enabling mass atrocities that disproportionately impact women and children does not address sexual violence, it only increases their vulnerability to it. Sexual and gender-based violence is often used as a weapon of war, so it is deeply hypocritical that the United States chooses to send billions upon billions of taxpayer dollars to fund endless war – the very environment that often encourages the weaponization of sexual and gender-based violence. Again, if we really want to address sexual and gender-based violence in war zones, including against both Israelis and Palestinians, we would stop funding and enabling the very conditions that perpetuate this horrific violence.”

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