BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – A law started by former Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy is in the spotlight in Washington again, and now his successor is helping to take the reigns.
Senator Peter Welch is speaking out following President Biden’s National Security Memorandum Friday.
The memorandum makes sure all security assistance from the U.S. follows international law, building on the long-standing human rights legislation the Leahy Laws.
In a statement after the president’s announcement, Senator Welch spoke about the conflict in Israel, saying that the country has a right to defend itself but that doesn’t justify the wholesale loss of civilian life.
“This is the first formal action by Congress or initiated by Congress and adopted by the administration as official policy to guarantee that our weapons will be used in compliance with international law. And for the moment, I think even more importantly, there will be no interference with the delivery of humanitarian aid that is so vital. This is carrying on the tradition of my predecessor, Patrick Leahy.”
Biden’s announcement also means that the State Department must send a report to Congress within 90 days of the use of U.S. weapons in conflict to make sure they were used in accordance with humanitarian law.
The National Security Memorandum follows the amendment efforts from a group of senators including both Peter Welch and Bernie Sanders.