North Carolina’s US Sen. Ted Budd, R-NC, slammed democratic presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris, for skipping Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to a Joint Session of Congress on Wednesday. In his speech, Netanyahu spoke of the alliance between Israel and the United States, and recognized the UNC “frat boys” who protected the American flag during Pro-Palestine protests on campus this spring.
“We welcome him to Washington DC, but I’d like you all to note who has not welcomed him to Washington DC, and that is Vice President Kamala Harris,” said Budd in a press conference organized by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-IA. “I want you also to note who is not doing her constitutional duties to attend the speech today and that Vice President Kamala Harris.”
Instead of presiding over Congress during Netanyahu’s address, Harris gave the keynote speech at Zeta Phi Beta sorority’s Grand Boulé in Indianapolis, IN.
In his comments before the joint session of Congress, Netanyahu repeatedly thanked the United States for its support of Israel and vowed that Israel will remain a closest ally. He also warned of ongoing efforts by pro-Hamas groups to disrupt communities in the United States.
“I wish to salute the fraternity brothers at the University of North Carolina who protected the American flag against these anti-Israel protesters,” he said as the chamber rose to a standing ovation and chants of “USA”.
Ahead of Netanyahu’s speech the Palestinian Youth Movement claimed credit for dumping maggots and crickets on the dining tables of the Israeli delegation at the Watergate hotel. Anti-Israel protesters also demostrated across the city and dyed some of the Capitol’s fountains red.
Harris and President Joe Biden are scheduled to meet with him on Thursday. Netanyahu will also meet with former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Friday.
Budd said snubbing the US’ Middle East ally doesn’t stop Hamas terrorists, who committed horrific acts of barbarism and kidnapping 292 days ago. Eight of the remaining hostages being held in Gaza, he said, are Americans, and one of them is Keith Siegel, a North Carolina native. Both Siegel and his wife, Aviva, were kidnapped on Oct. 7, but she was released 50 days later. Keith Siegel is still being held captive.
“Instead, we see people, even some Americans, sadly blaming Israel, pressuring Israel, and one American not showing up for Israel today,” he said. “It’s unconscionable what Hamas has done and is still doing. It’s absolutely evil. So I think it’s time for us to regain our moral compass, and it’s time for officials like Vice President Harris to show up and fully support Prime Minister Netanyahu.”
Budd called for applying maximum pressure on Hamas to release the hostages, including Siegel, and it’s long past time to bring them home.
