Pro-Israel Dem could tip scales in key Senate committee as Middle East war continues

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A new addition to the Democrat side on a key Senate committee could bolster U.S. support for Israel as the country's war against terror group Hamas continues in Gaza. 

Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., is assigned to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations (SFRC) in the new Congress, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., announced Thursday. 

The Nevada Democrat, who was re-elected in November by a narrow margin in the state that President-elect Donald Trump flipped, is notably the third Jewish woman to ever serve in the U.S. Senate. Rosen is also the co-chair and co-founder of the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism alongside Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla.

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During her time in federal office, Rosen has supported Israel's right to self-defense, especially amid the ongoing war against Hamas.

"At a time when America's adversaries are looking to upend our global leadership and destabilize our alliances, I'm joining the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to be a strong voice supporting our allies and fighting for freedom, democracy, and justice around the globe," Rosen said in a statement. 

"I'll continue working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to strengthen U.S. global partnerships and counter threats from Iran, Russia, and China. As a member of the committee, I'll also make sure the United States' commitment to supporting our democratic ally Israel remains unwavering and unconditional."

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Outgoing SFRC Chair Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., has long supported Israel, and his departure from the committee would normally leave the Democrat side somewhat unbalanced as several other members have been more critical of the U.S. ally. 

Current Democrat committee members include Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Chris Coons, D-Del., Chris Murphy, D-Conn., Tim Kaine, D-Va., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill.

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Six of the nine current Democrat members recently voted in favor of resolutions aimed at blocking weapon transfers to Israel. Incoming SFRC ranking member Shaheen, Merkley, Schatz, Van Hollen, Kaine and Murphy were among 19 Democrats who favored some or all of the three measures to do this on the Senate floor in November. 

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With Rosen's addition, there could be a greater potential for bipartisan action from the committee, particularly as it relates to Israel.

The committee will be chaired by Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, in the new Congress.