California Representative Mike Levin is disingenuous in his sympathy for Palestinians living in Gaza all while supplying Israel with the military capabilities to continue their genocide. Representative Levin is the prime example of his nickname, Mendacious Mike. A notable bill Mendacious Mike has signed onto was the Strengthening the Israel-U.S. Alliance Act, which provides Israel with $3.8 billion to spend on weaponry. Mike defended his support for this bill by stating, “I voted in favor of the national security package to deter and combat authoritarian regimes around the world because global democracy and stability are on the line.” According to Mike the bombing of over 2 million civilians stuck in besieged Gaza by Israel is necessary to protect global democracy.
There are a number of Pro-Israel legislation that Mike Levin has signed onto to that attacks free speech regarding critism of Israel. Mike was among 32o of his colleagues to vote yes to the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act of 2023, which wrongfully conflates anti-zionism as anti-semitism. Mike also was in support of the H.R. 883 resolution that condemns the chant “From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will be Free” as antisemitic. Mike has wrongfully used his voting power to support Israel’s agenda to repress Pro-Palestine Americans by compromising his constituents ability to protest and speak out against Israeli war crimes that are funded by their tax dollars.
Equally insulting is Mendacious Mike’s vote to defund UNRWA, an organization dedicated to providing relief and human development of Palestinian refugees. The Israeli military accused the UN agency of collaborating with Hamas and demanding U.S. lawmakers to defund the organization with little to no evidence to support their claims. The funding bill stipulates that US funds "cannot be used for contributions, grants, or any other payments" to UNRWA until March 2025. This funding cut will further the humanitarian catastrophe happening in Gaza, a population facing famine. Mike has sold his soul to the highest bidder, and AIPAC cuts the checks.
Related Links
Rep. Mike Levin’s Statement on Vote in Support of National Security Package, Mike Levin Gov., February 2024
Local activists protest at Levin’s office, demand Gaza ceasefire, The Coast News Group, February 2024
US congressional leaders propose spending bill that would cut UNRWA funding, Al Jazeera News, March 2024
