Amo Reiterates Ceasefire Call and Denounces Iranian Support for Violent Militia Groups
Subcommittee hearing focused on Iran’s destabilizing influence through regional proxies
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, in a House Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia Subcommittee hearing titled “How Tehran’s Terror Campaign Threatens the U.S. and our Allies,” Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) spoke about Iran’s support for militia proxies that seek to destabilize the region. In the hearing, Congressman Amo also recognized the upcoming one-year anniversary of the attack on October 7, 2024 and reiterated his call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to both release the hostages and surge humanitarian aid to Gaza. Lastly, Congressman Amo emphasized the need to further counter the growing relationship between Iran and Russia.
“For decades, support for regional proxies has been central to Iranian foreign policy. It has funded armed groups and terrorist organizations — including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen and militias in Iraq and Syria,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “After October 7th, we have seen increased activity from Iranian proxies in the region. We need to understand the kind of support that Tehran is providing to prevent future attacks.”
BACKGROUND
Since taking office, Congressman Amo has supported taking quick action to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. On April 29, 2024, Congressman Amo joined the Rhode Island congressional delegation and Senator Raphael Warnock in sending a letter to USAID Administrator Samantha Power advocating for the allocation of additional resources to address the detrimental impacts of severe malnutrition in Gaza.
On May 3, 2024, Administrator Power announced that USAID is committing $200 million in Fiscal Year 2024 base Title II Food for Peace funds to maximize the procurement and distribution of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and other specialized nutritious foods to prevent and treat acute malnutrition. Additionally, Congressman Amo voted in favor of the national security supplemental appropriations bill that included significant new funding for USAID’s global humanitarian assistance programs, which will enable future commitments by USAID to tackle child wasting.
On May 23, 2024, Congressman Amo spoke at a Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia (MENACA) Subcommittee hearing about the need to support malnourished children with Ready-To-Use-Therapeutic Foods (RUTFs) like those made by Edesia Nutrition, a Rhode-Island based non-profit organization that manufacturers lifesaving treatments for acute malnutrition around the world.
Congressman Amo is a proud cosponsor of H.Res. 1148, which condemns the Iranian regime’s support for their proxies, which has contributed to terrorism and regional instability.
FULL HEARING REMARKS AS DELIVERED
Thank you for being here today.
As we approach the one-year anniversary of October 7th, I reiterate my call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire — one that releases the remaining hostages and surges humanitarian aid into Gaza.
I also reaffirm my support for a long-term plan — one that ensures a lasting, peaceful, two-state solution and provides self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians.
An immediate ceasefire and comprehensive day-after plan are essential for containing the conflict and countering the threat of Iran and its proxies.
Even before October 7th, it’s clear that Iran has been a destabilizing force in the region, threatening our national security interests and preventing a lasting peace from taking hold.
For decades, support for regional proxies has been central to Iranian foreign policy.
It has funded armed groups and terrorist organizations — including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen and militias in Iraq and Syria.
Iran has reveled in chaos as it seeks to expand influence by carrying out attacks on Israel and United States personnel in the region.
The United States considers Iran the “foremost state sponsor of terrorism” for good reason.
After October 7th, we have seen increased activity from Iranian proxies in the region. We need to understand the kind of support that Tehran is providing to prevent future attacks.
Mr. Lord, how is the United States tracking the support Iran is providing their proxies? Have we seen an increase in their support of their proxies since October 7th?
In April, I expressed concerns about the growing ties between Iran and Russia and whether they would continue to share advanced technologies.
In the last week, Secretary Blinken and the Department of Defense confirmed Iran is sending ballistic weapons to Russia to support their illegal invasion of Ukraine.
Trade is a two-way street, raising concerns that Russia is sharing advanced, and possibly even nuclear technology or information with Iran.
The Biden Administration took quick action and imposed additional sanctions on Russia and Iran for their dangerous cooperation, but the danger of this relationship remains.
Mr. Lord, are you concerned that Russia is providing nuclear technology or information to Iran? What more can the United States and our partners do to counter this growing relationship and prevent the transfer of weapons and technology?
I yield back.
