Congresswoman Laura Gillen of New York, along with U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and 19 House members, called on March 19 for Secretary of State Marco Rubio to resume emergency evacuations and assistance for U.S. citizens in Israel after the State Department halted its crisis response efforts.
The lawmakers said their constituents are facing uncertainty as they try to return home from Israel amid escalating military conflict in Iran. They requested that the State Department develop a plan to restart charter flights, reopen its Crisis Intake form, activate the Crisis Task Force, and provide clear guidance for Americans seeking safe passage back to the United States.
“Thousands of Americans, currently in Israel, are unable to access flights home and are not being offered alternative travel options or any additional assistance by the State Department. Additionally, the Department’s inconsistent guidance and lack of responsiveness have added to uncertainty and fear, making the situation even more dire for impacted families,” said the lawmakers.
Gillen and her colleagues described how many Americans—including seniors, families with young children, students, and observant Jews—are left without viable options due to limited commercial flight availability or restrictions on travel during religious observances. The closure of both the State Department’s Crisis Intake Form and El Al airline’s emergency intake form has further complicated efforts for those seeking help.
“The resources and guidance being provided to our constituents are causing frustration, anxiety, and fear. The State Department must do much more to bring Americans home from Israel safely and as soon as possible,” concluded the lawmakers.
The letter was signed by Senator Schumer and Representatives Yvette Clarke, Herbert Conaway, Donald Davis, Daniel Goldman, Josh Gottheimer, Julie Johnson, Greg Landsman, George Latimer, John Mannion, Grace Meng, Joseph Morelle, Jared Moskowitz, Jerrold Nadler, Johnny Olszewski Jr., Patrick Ryan, Bradley Schneider, Haley Stevens, Thomas Suozzi, and Ritchie Torres.
