Carbondale Reporter

Mike Bost, candidate for Illinois' 12th Congressional District, recently voiced his support for the Israel Security Assistance Support Act. "Today I’ll vote for the Israel Security Assistance Support Act to compel Biden to deliver the weapons and artillery Israel needs to respond to Hamas’ deadly terrorist attacks," Bost declared. The candidate, who is set to compete against Democrat Brian Roberts in the general election, criticized President Biden's handling of the situation: "Biden's delay is irresponsible and damaging to America's national security interests."

"Joe Biden refuses to act on Israel military aid, so the People's House will force his hand," said Bost, Republican Candidate for U.S. Congress Illinois 12th District, according to Facebook. "Today I'll vote for the Israel Security Assistance Support Act to compel Biden to deliver the weapons and artillery Israel needs to respond to Hamas' deadly terrorist attacks. Biden's delay is irresponsible and damaging to America's national security interests."

Bost was referring specifically to House Resolution 8369, introduced on May 14 by U.S. Representative Ken Calvert (R-CA-1). According to Congress.gov, this bill "specifies that no federal funds may be used to withhold, halt, reverse, or cancel the delivery of defense articles or defense services to Israel. Also, no funds may be used to pay the salary of any Department of Defense (DOD) or Department of State employee who acts to limit defense deliveries to Israel." The resolution further mandates that DOD and the State Department ensure prompt delivery of all defense articles and services expected for Israel in FY2024 and FY2025.

Screenshot of U.S. Rep Mike Bost's May 15 Facebook post | Mike Bost Campaign Facebook page

On May 14, Bost took his stance public on Facebook where he discussed the military aid request and shared a link from Daily Caller about lawmakers objecting Biden's withholding of weapons. He wrote: "Congress approved much needed military aid to Israel, and now Biden is withholding that support because he disagrees with their response to Hamas’ terrorist attacks. Today I joined a bipartisan coalition of members in the House demanding answers for why these weapons and support are being slow-rolled."

Bost currently represents Illinois’ 12th District since January 6, 2015. His political career includes a 20-year tenure in the Illinois State House of Representatives where he served as House Republican Caucus Chair. A lifelong resident of Murphysboro, Bost served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1979-1982 and was a driver and truck manager for 24 years at Bost Trucking Service. After graduating from the University of Illinois’ Certified Firefighter II Academy in 1993, he joined the Murphysboro Fire Department, according to his official biography on his House of Representatives website.