WASHINGTON, DC – In a bid to safeguard Americans caught up in the ongoing conflict in Israel, Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) has introduced a bipartisan bill, HR 5965, this week. The legislation, co-sponsored by Rep. Kathy Manning (D-NC), aims to reimburse US citizens for their flight expenses as they endeavor to return home amidst an escalating war triggered by gruesome acts of violence carried out by Hamas.
The proposed law intends to alter existing regulations that necessitate US citizens to sign a promissory note, agreeing to repay the US Government for departure assistance before embarking on US-chartered commercial flights leaving Israel. Smith argues that such a mandate is unjust, especially during a time of crisis spurred by Hamas’ actions.
“The United States, with a history of offering humanitarian evacuations at no cost in war-torn regions, shouldn’t burden its citizens fleeing Hamas’ reign of terror and blatant antisemitism with a loan to secure their safety,” voiced Smith, stressing the urgency as over 600 constituents from his district sought help for evacuating Israel.
Smith criticized the current “transportation assistance” offered by the Biden Administration as insufficient. The assistance merely provides information on chartered flights to Greece, Cyprus, and Germany, yet requires US citizens to commit to a repayment agreement with the government, the cost of which would be ascertained later. Furthermore, individuals who sign the State Department’s promissory note still face the challenge of arranging and financing their onward journey home from these transit points.
Highlighting the predicament, most affected individuals had already incurred expenses for flights that were subsequently canceled due to the hostile circumstances. “A direct military evacuation to ensure the safe return of these individuals to the US should be initiated by the federal government,” urged Smith.
Besides addressing the reimbursement issue, HR 5965 mandates an independent probe by the Government Accountability Office into potential commercial airfare price manipulation and alleged price gouging by airlines in the aftermath of the terrorist onslaught by Hamas.
“This thorough examination will hold any corporation attempting to exploit this grave situation for profit accountable,” stated Smith, who has been adamantly urging the Biden Administration for a comprehensive evacuation plan since the onset of the Hamas-initiated attacks.