Austin News

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) criticized Vice President Harris for her plans to boycott Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s joint address to Congress. Speaking on the Senate floor, Cornyn expressed dismay at the anticipated absence of many Democrats from the event, including Harris.

"Many on the far left in our country have chosen to take sides, not with our friend and ally Israel, but with the terrorists, with Hamas, with Hezbollah, and the Houthis, against our friend and ally Israel," said Cornyn.

"There have been news reports that Vice President Harris, who is now on track to become the Democrats’ presidential nominee, will not be in attendance."

Cornyn described this decision as "disgraceful and embarrassing," accusing Democratic leaders of pandering to extremist elements within their party. He specifically called out Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer: "I hope the Majority Leader, Senator Schumer, will make it clear where he stands and that he doesn’t condone skipping one of the most important sessions of Congress in recent memory just to get more airtime on cable TV."

Cornyn further warned about the international implications of Harris's planned boycott: "The world is watching the Vice President more closely than ever before."

"If the Vice President keeps up with her current plans to boycott this address," Cornyn continued, "it will send a chilling message about her foreign policy priorities and the future of U.S.-Israel relations under a potential Harris administration."

"We need leaders who understand the importance of our alliances and are willing to stand shoulder and shoulder with our friends. Any leader—or would-be leader—who fails to meet that bar does not deserve a seat in the Senate, much less in the Oval Office."