The final vote count was 97-0. Ninety-nine out of the 100 senators sponsored the bill, including the three senators who were absent from the vote. While Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky was the lone member not to officially sponsor the resolution, he did vote for it after language was added to make clear the Senate was not authorizing the use of military force in Israel or Gaza.
The resolution also acknowledges and condemns Iran’s support for Hamas and global terrorism calling for an international effort “to deprive Hamas of Iranian and other sources of funding and lethal assistance that the terror group relies on to threaten Israel.”
While the Biden administration is expected to ask Congress to approve $10 billion for humanitarian and military aid for Israel as part of a $100 billion foreign aid and national security bill, the resolution states the Senate “stands ready to assist Israel with emergency resupply or other security, diplomatic, and intelligence support needs, both during the immediate crisis and in the near future, including by accelerating delivery of defense articles and systems.”
Israeli officials state more than 1,400 Israelis have been killed, 4,629 have been injured, and at least 203 Israeli people are being held hostage in Gaza. According to the U.S. State Department, 32 American citizens were killed and 11 remain missing. In addition, news reports say Hamas has released two American hostages on “humanitarian grounds” and they are reportedly now in the care of the Red Cross.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “October 7, 2023, will go down as a day of infamy…as long as there is a United States of America, the people of Israel will never stand alone.”
Schumer continued, “We stand firmly with Israel and her right to defend herself,” and “we condemn the heinous, vicious attacks by the terrorist group Hamas. It is rare that all 100 senators agree on everything. But every one of the hundred of us is here today, united saying we are behind Israel.”
“The Senate will back up this resolution with real, swift, decisive action and resources,” declared Schumer.
The U.S. House of Representatives has a similar resolution currently sponsored by 390 lawmakers, but cannot hold a vote until they elect a new Speaker of the House.
Christians in Defense of Israel Chairman Mat Staver said, “The U.S. Senate has sent a clear message that we as a nation stand with Israel and that we also condemn Hamas for their insane and brutal terrorism against innocent civilians. Christians are often the greatest friends of Israel. As Israel now acts to defend itself and fights to ensure its future security, we must stand together in prayer and solidarity for the peace of Jerusalem and Israel.”
The mission of Christians in Defense of Israel (CIDI) is to inspire goodwill ambassadors for Israel and the Jewish people. We accomplish this mission through education, advocacy, and a life-changing Holy Land tour. CIDI provides education and advocacy in multiple ways, including the Defender newsletter; brochures, books and booklets, radio and television, social media, and ongoing informative emails. 
