Dear John,

Welcome to your Weekly Wrap, a recap of the week in Congress and highlights of my work.  

Last week, we witnessed what is being described as the deadliest single day for the Jewish community since the Holocaust as Hamas launched a violent terrorist attack on Israel. I joined my colleagues in condemning this heinous attack.  

Secondly, the chaos of the Republican Conference continued as House Republicans failed to secure their candidate for Speaker. With a government shutdown looming, it is imperative House Republican leadership bring a vote for Speaker to the floor.  

For my full recap, please read below. 

 An Update on the Israel-Hamas War 

For several days, the world has been watching the extremely disturbing images of the situation unfolding in Israel and Gaza.  

In what is being described as the deadliest single day for the Jewish community since the Holocaust, on October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a violent terrorist attack on Israel, slaughtering civilians, and abducting hostages. This war has already claimed approximately 4,150 lives, including 30 U.S. citizens. Immediately after hearing of this attack, I issued the following statement:  

“I strongly condemn the violent terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel and will continue to support our Israeli allies and their right to defend themselves. My prayers are with the families and all who are affected.”  

On Thursday, I joined my colleagues on the steps of the Capitol for a vigil to remember the lives lost to this horrific attack.  

On Friday, Israel issued an order for civilians to evacuate Gaza City and move south. The impossibility of one million people, many of them children and the disabled evacuating the region led me to issue the following statement on Saturday:

“Two things can be true, while I condemn the horrific attack by Hamas, I am deeply concerned about the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the assault on innocent Palestinians. As this war continues, international humanitarian laws must be observed, and innocent civilians must be protected. As we push back against evil, let us not become that which we deplore.”  

It is my belief that the U.S. cannot help achieve lasting peace and security for our ally, Israel, without also addressing the humanitarian crises in Gaza and the West Bank. I remain supportive of efforts to end the cycles of violence and suffering in the region.  

Lastly, I support efforts led by President Biden and the U.S. Department of State to ensure every American Citizen in Israel and Gaza can safely return home to the United States. I will continue to provide updates as they are made available to me.

The Department of State has made resources available for families wishing to connect with loved ones in the areas affected. For the list of resources, please read below.   

• For travel advisories on Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, please click here. 
• For U.S. citizens looking to be in touch with the U.S. Embassy in Israel, please fill out this form or call  1-833-890-9595 or 1-606-641-0131.  
• To register for the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), please click here.  

If you have someone in the region or have questions about a loved one, please reach out to my office at 860-223-8412. 
 
Scramble for a Speaker 

Last week, the chaos of the Republican Conference continued as House Republicans failed to secure a candidate for Speaker of the House. For nearly two weeks, this vacancy has hindered our ability to advance legislation that would keep the government open and working for the American people. It has also limited any ability to provide supplemental aid to the people of Israel as they work to defend their country or humanitarian aid for innocent civilians in Gaza.  

On Friday, House Republicans held two secret ballots to identify a Speaker Designee. In their second ballot, just 152 Members indicated they would support House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (OH-04). With 55 Members voting in opposition, there is no clear pathway to 217 votes.  
 

Rep. Jordan represents the most extreme positions of the Republican party, including a nationwide abortion ban. In his 16 years in Congress, he has never supported a Farm Bill Reauthorization or had a single piece of legislation passed into law. Most recently, Jordan has denied the 2020 election and used his position on the House Oversight Committee to peddle conspiracies and advance a baseless impeachment inquiry into President Biden.

The nomination of Rep. Jordan as Speaker Designee is a dangerous example of putting politics over the needs of the people. 

House Democrats remain unified in our support of Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) to serve as Speaker and have offered time and time again to provide a bipartisan path forward. Those efforts have all been rejected.

A government shutdown is just one month away. It is imperative House Republican leadership bring a vote for Speaker to the floor.  

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. As always, please continue to share your thoughts and priorities with me.  

 
Jahana Hayes

Member of Congress