CT politicians condemn attack on Israel, laud work of U.S. pilots and reconnaissance crews

As the United States Sunday highlighted its role in helping Israel thwart Iran’s aerial attack, lawmakers in Connecticut condemned what occurred and reiterated support for Israel.

Rep. John B. Larson, D-1, said Sunday, “We stand with the people of Israel in the face of this drone and missile attack from Iran.

“I commend President Biden for his statement underscoring the United States’ ironclad support for Israel,” Larson said in a statement Sunday. “I further applaud Mitch McConnell for calling on Congress and his House counterparts to pass the supplemental (bill) that the President has had in front of Congress for five months.

“The Senate has acted. The House needs to act this week. Speaker Johnson must bring the national security bill passed by Republicans and Democrats in the Senate to the floor for a vote as the first priority when we come back to the House on Monday. Congress should stay in session until we get this done. The world is watching.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson said Sunday he will try to advance wartime aid for Israel this week as he attempts the difficult task of winning House approval for a national security package that also includes funding for Ukraine and allies in Asia.

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said on Twitter late Saturday, “At this moment of serious danger, my hope is that America will stand strongly & steadfastly with Israel to help protect against Iran’s destructive attack, deter escalation, & safeguard our own armed forces & interests. My heart goes out to all who are in harm’s way.”

State Senate Republican Leader Stephen Harding also condemned the attack on behalf of his caucus.

“The Connecticut Senate Republicans stand with Israel and condemn Iran’s attacks in the strongest of terms. We condemn Hamas and its terrorism,” Harding said in  statement Sunday.

“For any government official to be supporting Hamas in any way, shape or form is absolutely unacceptable on every single level,” Harding said. “As a state and nation, we must continue to support our strong ally Israel in its efforts to protect its citizens, to get the hostages released and to hold all Hamas operatives accountable for the heinous massacre that happened on Oct. 7.”

As the more than 300 drones and missiles headed toward Israel in the early hours of Sunday, the country was able to successfully put to the test its aerial defense array, which, along with help from allies, blocked 99% of the projectiles and prevented any major damage.

Iran’s attack on Israel raises fears of a wider war, but all sides have also scored gains

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2, said, “the successful multinational effort to intercept over 300 drones and missiles indiscriminately launched at Israel saved countless innocent lives.

“U.S. pilots and reconnaissance crews performed with flawless precision, incurring zero casualties which is a reason for all Americans to express gratitude. The emergency meeting of G7 nations called by President Biden to prevent escalation is also welcome news,” Courtney said in a statement Sunday.

“When the U.S. House reconvenes this week, it is imperative that Speaker Johnson bring the Senate-passed national security supplemental bill up for a vote so we can replenish our allies in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan with the defensive tools they need. This measure passed the Senate two months ago and Iran’s strike—along with Putin’s ongoing invasion—clearly shows there is no excuse for any more foot dragging.”

Biden convened leaders of the Group of Seven countries in an effort to prevent a wider regional escalation and coordinate a global rebuke of Tehran.

The Associated Press contributed to this post.