WATCH: Katie Porter Grills Former Trump Official On Israel's Exemptions From Leahy Law

During a House Oversight Committee hearing Thursday, Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) spoke about how Israel is not subject to the same vetting standards as other countries under the Leahy Law.
Fuel your success with Forbes. Gain unlimited access to premium journalism, including breaking news, groundbreaking in-depth reported stories, daily digests and more. Plus, members get a front-row seat at members-only events with leading thinkers and doers, access to premium video that can help you get ahead, an ad-light experience, early access to select products including NFT drops and more:
account.forbes...
Stay Connected
Forbes on Facebook: forbes
Forbes Video on Twitter: / forbes
Forbes Video on Instagram: / forbes
More From Forbes: forbes.com

[@JLady4]

I live for Katie Porter and her whiteboard.

[@gr8dvd]

She’s an absolute American hero with concrete, clear verifiable facts HOWEVER…. in this instance it’s ambiguous as to WHY there are exceptions for Israel & others (14 others). Is it a provision of the ”Leahy Law" or administration discretion?

[@Biophilia1]

Me too! It is such a shame she lost her seat. :(

[@-MacCat-]

Katie Porter is a terrifying nightmare, if you're a dishonest, incompetent, biased politician. The world needs many, many more like her.

[@Maegnas99]

She just equated 'defending oneself' with wiping out an entire people, man woman and child, under the guise of 'terrism'

[@christine3627]

@@Maegnas99read the title of this clip, then watch again as she shows the three reasons under which a country can lose aid if an objection is filed. The important one under Leahy is “Aid Stops Immediately” is applied to all countries - except Israel when they commit violations. You tell me, what did she call those violations? Israel says they should be treated like any other country benefitting from US Aid, she’s asking why Israel is not and wants to be told why not. She can support Israel and still find fault they get financial and other aid from the US when they should not because they are in violation of Leahy. She equated countries losing aid immediately and Israel did not, nothing else.

[@rockros9091]

​@@christine3627well typed!

[@hiitsrudd8567]

Katie is a bulldog I love her❤

[@luvtosing64]

Love her tenacity and skill in calling out these old white powerful men on their BS and I hope she is well protected. We need more people like her for our human rights and freedoms, protecting us from these evil criminal people running our government. Porter for President 🇺🇸

[@RachelCason-k3d]

I’m burned out at work and wonder if I could get a job just following Katie around to soak up her super intelligent, matter of fact , no nonsense, sincere badassery. I love her!

[@RachelCason-k3d]

Likely, there’s no such thing…but a person can dream 😊

[@leslietascoff9784]

Me too! 😎

[@aaronbanks3673]

I wonder if she ever sleeps! She is amazing.

[@timarb5177]

You could if they let you. 60 million Americans love her.

[@jackburton2680]

You don't wanna work for her. Lot of stories out there of her being very very very abusive to those working under her, bullying and berating staffers. She's smart and often on the right side of sound, logical legislating, but she's also mean as hell

[@52flyingbicycles]

The guy sitting there is trying to say “well it’s a really complex process with a lot of exceptions and nuance” ignoring the fact he’s talking about a law saying we can’t give military aid to war criminals. “Well we give money to war criminals sometimes if it’s convenient” is NOT a good answer!

[@kurtsmith7781]

What crimes did they commit...protecting themselves from people that would have them eliminated? They are surrounded by hateful Islamists on all sides that want them eliminated and have missiles pointed directly at them.

[@mikelayton3810]

@@kurtsmith7781 BS. IDF was daily attacking, shooting and killing people ien ALL surrounding countries. 40 years Jews have believed that they are thhe Chosen ones who will rule the entire world. No more violent religion in the world.

[@royalc8953]

@@kurtsmith7781 Do you ever ask yourself why?

[@Mikerille]

⁠@@kurtsmith7781strange, I wonder why they are. Also, “what crimes?” Wearing civilian clothes during an operation, entering a hospital and firing, dressing as a doctor, dressing as a nurse, having settlements in land taken is a crime, targeting aid trucks is a crime, targeting reporters, medical professionals, and foreign workers is a crime.

[@MiguelRodrigues-wf4hy]

@@kurtsmith7781 That you can look at this massacre, which has resulted in the most civilian deaths in 10 months, most journalists killed, most aid workers killed, most children killed, most bombs dropped in one place, since WWII, and say it's only self-defense, is incredible. Please go read some articles from American doctors who volunteered in gaza describe children with heashots by snipers and tell me that was self defense. A recent article in the Lancet describes how on a conservative estimate, almost 10% of the pre-war population in Gaza have/will die as a result (violent and non-violent deaths). Go see how Israel starved people in gaza for months. Go see John Oliver's show to see the Apartheid and crimes commited by Israel in the West Bank and Gaza for decades now. So don't pretend this started in October last year and that it's about self defense.

[@WilliamMorfin]

One of the few in Congress with real courage and principle.

[@sabin97]

what principle. she's condemning palestine for defending itself in the 7th of october. and claiming it was the na-zis who were "Defending themselves".

[@WilliamMorfin]

⁠@@sabin97 I’m not sure what video you were watching, but she was exposing the obvious double standards that we have for Israel, since we’re allowing them to kill tens of thousands of innocent women and children. Just to clarify even more for you, she’s has the principals to not be bought off by the by a foreign entity like the Israeli lobby.

[@WilliamMorfin]

I’m not sure what video you were watching, but she was exposing the obvious double standards that we have for Israel, since we’re allowing them to kill tens of thousands of innocent women and children. Just to clarify even more for you, she’s has the principals to not be bought off by the by a foreign entity like the Israeli lobby.

[@WilliamMorfin]

Forbes are too big of cowards to leave my response up.

[@WilliamMorfin]

I’m not sure what video you were watching, but she was exposing the obvious double standards that we have for Israel, since we’re allowing them to kill tens of thousands of innocent women and children. Just to clarify even more for you, she’s has the principals to not be bought off by the by a foreign entity like the Israeli lobby.

[@kurtbader9711]

I love this person. Nothing but honesty, an inquisitive mind, respect for law and truth, an exceptional application of common sense, and doesn't waste words or engage in hyperbole. Brilliant, thanks.

[@stevenspangler7587]

And a grade A, top shelf staff.

[@bobt9948]

The world needs more Katie Porter!!!

[@timarb5177]

The adults in Congress are many and all capable of leading this country, please vote blue. Take all of Congress, Biden resigns, Kamala appoints Hilliary VP, Kamala resigns, Hilliary is President, appoints Kam VP. Country prospers.

[@duckweedy]

They should clone her or lend her out to other governments to show them just how its done.

[@industrialvr]

​@@timarb5177 Dear God.. Anyone but Hillary. Literally anyone. Someone's dog, even. Anyone is better than a warhawk.

[@qube3634]

@@timarb5177 No thanks, Kamala will just be president, and Hillary is out to pasture, thank the sweet gods

[@sabin97]

she condemins palestine for defending itself on the 7th of october. the world doesnt need her at all

[@karamort182]

She is always prepared and outstanding

[@duncanmacpherson2013]

Mrs Porter seems to know and understand a lot more about the subject than the chap supposedly answering her questions!

[@1st2nd2]

To be fair, she knew exactly which questions she was going to ask.

[@elainemeeker664]

​@@1st2nd2Ms. Katie does her homework and knows exactly how to deliver ❤

[@1st2nd2]

@@elainemeeker664 I enjoy watching her work.

[@cameranmanner4701]

I'm sure this guy knows the answers to her questions. He is just dodging the questions like a slime bag lawyer.

[@queenannsrevenge100]

That’s pretty frequent - if you look up previous clips she’s used to digging into people who are used to softball inquiries.

[@jackburton2680]

Half this country will label her an anti-semite for drawing attention to this. You can't critique the Israeli government or american-israli political decisions or diplomacy or related laws without being treated as though you simply hate Jewish people.

[@adoty2158]

Zionism is a political belief, not religious. You can't be against genocide and the extreme element of zionism and not be antisemitic.

[@scottamu7816]

There is clearly an overplayed hand in Israel’s continued military response to 10/7, but then - WE also did the same thing after 9/11, so they’re just following the playbook of the USA. We should not be defending (or funding) their choices at this point, though!

[@zainzoala1083]

😂😂😂 People voted for and will keep voting for . They can easily vote for independent but they choose to vote this money 💰 first way .

[@rodneysmart9774]

"political correctness " was invented to stifle honest, open debate.

[@user-ti3vp9mt3z]

Probably a pre-planned scheme by our intelligence agencies

[@UKindness4]

Thank you, Congresswiman Katie Porter. Good Job again!

[@DaveCLL]

Katie always brings the receipts!

[@nj1638]

It’s yet another example of why America has lost what moral ground it possessed.

[@aspookyfox]

This assumes they ever had a moral high ground. America was a settler colonial project that genocided nations of natives and enslaved millions. Not so moral

[@AssyriacUnitarian]

We lost it after we joined a European conflict of WW2

[@Evan.01]

@@AssyriacUnitarian Didn’t just ‘join’ the conflict midway, you contributed leading up to it. Did you know the US invested large amounts of money into N*** Germany pre-WW2? (To clarify; yes, the country was openly, flagrantly fasc/ist during this time. Good for capital I suppose). Would also say the US’s actions during this conflict lost it the moral high ground, not the ‘sticking its nose in other ppls business’ part (e.g. US concen/tration ca/mps for Japanese Americans, _the_ bom/bs, [will be deleted] campaigns - and frankly _every_ US w^r after that, dkw I specified just the one). Committing frequent & continuously horri/fying events to this day👍👍

[@jjse79]

They never had any

[@AssyriacUnitarian]

@Evan.01 eh, what can I say "history are written by the winners, survivors, and authorities"

[@bluewolfwalking]

Thank you, Katie Porter!

[@RuleofFive]

I so wish she was staying in congress. She's one of the few people that actually exercise oversight instead of just grandstanding.

[@kina8990]

AIPAC ran a campaign against her because of this.

[@kina8990]

Nice, stop censoring the truth KZbin. People are going to find out what is happening in Congress no matter how much you censor what I type.

[@susanfrary6880]

Harris will have a good administration position for her

[@RuleofFive]

@@susanfrary6880 I hope you're right!

[@Hecatesroom]

@@susanfrary6880no she won’t. Nothing will change no matter who is president

[@amy2brno2b]

I love this woman so much.

[@kelliekemble7822]

Katie Porter for President!!! please GOD. you give life hope.

[@luiscuba803]

You know when she takes out that white board your screwed.

[@mellie4174]

❤❤

[@sabin97]

not really. it's just theater. also she started off by condemning palestine for defending itself on the 7th of october.

[@SarahDeshay]

If you are about to try to lie to her “you’re screwed”

[@sabin97]

@@SarahDeshay unless you defend the na-zis. like she does.

[@Ladibug4422]

I get so mad when I think we could have voted her as our CA senator instead for shifty ….what are people thinking🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬she is awesome ..she had my vote!

[@mnemonija]

If she said this before the primary i wouldn’t have voted for Barbara Lee. I imagine most who voted for Lee feel the same way.

[@jameslochridge4265]

AIPAC money wins again.

[@tabo01]

corporate DNC hates her.

[@gamtngirl3655]

I have such respect and gratitude for Katie Porter.

[@aftonair]

Katie Porter is a great American.

[@tommycollier9172]

Thank you so much Katie Porter

[@sabin97]

she started off by condemning palestine for defending itself and calling the actions of the na-zis "self-defense". i wouldnt thank her.

[@drdr76]

She needs to be in the Harris administration!

[@The42jimsmith]

She should be pres.

[@stevensica5918]

Don't count on POTUS Harris, IF that comes to pass, to challenge or defy Bibi & Company.

[@kurtsmith7781]

She's is good .....the guy she's attacking is not so bright though, Typical Trump appointees...LOL.. Porter is on the wrong of this though attacking our allies is not something that we should do especially in the time of war.

[@mechanic6682]

They can't. Epstein did his job of gathering blackmail material on Israel's behalf.

[@elsonck2523]

@@stevensica5918 Unfortunately you are probably correct.

[@6Lilies6Phillies]

My Congresswoman!!

[@saturday1066]

not for long ... (just saying she's out for now) you KNOW she's lame duck now, yes?

[@tomallen5837]

​@saturday1066 that's right and it looks like she's not giving up. So, not very lame at all in fact it's a crime that she's gone. How do you feel about that M. Saturday?

[@warmwestwind]

Good for her.

[@laptopuser7908]

THANK YOU KATIE PORTER. Dear God, finally someone saying this🍉

[@lightningsrt4707]

She is a true American

[@nadesmond6029]

A true human being for that matter

[@brittani.a.h]

Why don’t all politicians and speakers articulate as clearly as Ms. Porter? I am struggling to understand the gentleman’s answers, especially when he keeps throwing in acronyms.

[@flea10x6]

Katie Porter used to TEACH. He is used to interacting with others “in the ‘know’’l

[@Speakeroftruth5366]

Katie lays out the special treatment Israel gets.

[@AngryGnome87]

Facts

[@larsg.2492]

It is such a shame she lost her seat to internal power struggles. The US needs more people like her.

[@mahmudtouray9357]

I salute you Katie Porter

[@josephsteffanic-lf8wb]

Good eye, smart, direct, simple to understand and unbiased. Wish all Congress could work like that.

[@MrTwenty20video]

Thank you Katie. ❤ 💪

[@carronalee]

Katie Porter is simply amazing. She can forensically pick apart everything. I’m in awe….and so should we all be. Wish we had politicians of her calibre in the UK.

[@LovelyDove-ve3wo]

Thank you sincerely for shedding some light on the topic, Congresswoman Porter.

[@DorothyPotterSnyder]

When I watch Katie Porter talk and, really, explain things to the gray-suited men that surround her who are nowhere near as bright or prepared or HONEST as she is, I remember my 7th grade American history teacher Mrs. Hammer. Katie Porter meet Mrs. Hammer, the person who taught me the most in all my years in grade school.

[@jameslochridge4265]

He's one of the worst liars I've seen and the US has plenty of them.

[@IcarianX]

You should watch the state department ghouls, Matt Miller, John Kirby, Verdant Patel... Listening to their lies and double standards every day is rage inducing

[@Uller1967]

@@meetontheledge1380 Wait, you think all the dishonesty only comes from one party?

[@Uller1967]

@@meetontheledge1380 I guess you missed the fact over 50 Democrats didn't attend his speech in front of Congress.

[@Uller1967]

@@meetontheledge1380 Clearly you're not paying attention. The only ones pushing back on Israel are the Democrats.

[@dexenophobia7140]

The three stooges Miller, Kirby, Patel far worse

[@janicebrowningaquino792]

I hope her children are aware enough how wonderful their Mother is! I LOVE watching posts involving Katie Porter, she is simply THE BEST!

[@stonehengemaca]

A more poignant question is, "What is the penalty for NOT following Leahy vetting?"..

[@basirobaidi667]

Thank you for being voice for Innocent people Katie,

[@stephenjohn904]

katie porter. she is the goat when it comes to cutting through the BS and putting the facts front and center.

[@g.e.b.8159]

Wow! She's got the cojones most of her colleagues have lost long time ago.

[@sabin97]

not really. she's in line with netanyahu. started off by condemning palestine for trying to defend itself.

[@g.e.b.8159]

@@sabin97 Her words in this video contradict what you are writing.

[@CaptSlog]

If she ever wants to move to the UK, I'll vote for her.

[@louisebiber]

What a profoundly ethical lady she is, Katie Porter!👌👏🙇🏻‍♂️

[@VeganDoris]

OMG this was excellent!

[@fabiolagavarrete6995]

You know you fucked up when she brings out her whiteboard.

[@jerrellbevers6071]

If Katie pulls out a white board, you're about to be made a fool of yourself.

[@sabin97]

she started off condemning palestine for defending itself.

[@goodeye6373]

I would like to see her question Miller, Kirby and company. They used that law and reporters seem to not get them on their use of it.. Katie is so good at the gotcha questions and answers. If she finds you are wrong you're wrong. It is left without doubt.

[@margaretdepinet6276]

She's not stirring the pot. She's asking questions we all want answered.

[@rickb3650]

And that is why they killed her political career.

[@carmenwages5977]

Unfortunately Katie is no longer fighting “our” fight because she has been voted out. Probably money was given to her opponent. So sad!

[@kdmc40]

An occupying force cannot claim self-defense. International law guarantees this.

[@sabin97]

and yet she defended the occupying force and condemned palestine for defending itself on the 7th of october.

[@JJNoire]

@@sabin97true. I think this is a positive step forward, but you are correct.

[@enemyspotted2467]

@@sabin97You have to say that so you’re not accused of being an antisemite

[@sabin97]

@@enemyspotted2467 that's like accusing me of helping puppies....not much of an accusation at all

[@sabin97]

@@JJNoire blaming the victims is NEVER a positive step forward.

[@Annie-fx7xc]

I love me some Katie Porter ! Go girl !

[@evelynpoulo]

I so admire Katie Porter. She is like a breath of fresh air. I hope she comes to live in Oregon and represent us.

[@TravelingPerformers]

Powerful ❤❤❤

[@extraincomesuz]

Great Job Katie P.🎉😂❤

[@SamuelSR-ld6hf]

Israel has congress over a barrel. US taxes should be spent on US citizens, not on criminal states abroad

[@diversetribe231]

Aren’t you guys tired of this political theater? The government gets called out on bullshit and nothing changes.

[@JARROD1_NC]

wonder why.. maybe cause this trump bullshyt has lost its honesty and integrity and what do the adult have to do? literally write it on a whiteboard cause everybody can't recall, I don't remember, I think I must on shrooms, hold I'm.. OK wait... uhm... it's kind.. it's 3 the answer is 3...

[@christinefury1040]

It would if we voted people in that want to get the donor class out of elections.

[@HLB512]

That's because corporations and lobbies run our government. It's interesting that contributing money to a political campaign counts as "free speech". Imagine if that was banned.

[@kykwiltz402]

@@christinefury1040 Abolish Citizens United!

[@KathyOBrien-n6t]

We are going to miss ms Porter. I hope she gets a position with the Harris/Walz administration. Vote blue 🇺🇸💙🔵🌊

[@EdugeBDroN]

This lady has common sense...very difficult in us congress especially about israel

[@society_for_praising_appli6261]

Thank you for this important information.

[@goodshepard00]

I love how logical and fierce Katie Porter.

[@thegreatfrap]

This is what competent representation looks like. State department rep should be embarrassed.

[@sabin97]

what she said is evil. she started off by condemning palestine for trying to defend itself.

[@thegreatfrap]

@@sabin97 I'm under no illusion that any representative in Congress shares my views or values entirely. Sounded to me like Porter wants the federal government to abide by the Leahy laws which would end arms shipments to a belligerent actor, Israel, which acts with impunity. That's something we probably both agree with.

[@sabin97]

@@thegreatfrap i'm not talking about your values entirely. i'm talking about a single issue here. palestine having the right to defend itself. she's against that. she goes as far as condemining palestine for trying to defend itself in her very first sentence. and she supports the actions of the na-zis going as far calling it "self defense". she's in line with drumpf and netanyahu. are you?

[@thegreatfrap]

@@sabin97 I think we're talking past each other. I don't agree with how she frames the issue either. What I do appreciate, is that she used her time to argue for ending arms shipments to Israel.

[@kristinlueb5606]

Shes an Icon!!

[@leslietascoff9784]

Bravo Katie! 😎

[@black-rose---------7793]

Katey Porter is my favourite and I'm Australian lol

[@christinefury1040]

Love her!

[@larrythayer9844]

Love her , if only she had the power

[@jillclarke7264]

I love Katie. She is the real deal

[@AhJodie]

Bravo! Wow, we keep learning more and more!

[@griffini19]

Rep Porter kicks ass with the truth. DEAL WITH IT.

[@adilhakam887]

Amen to what this brave lady says

[@georgeeden3395]

No use having laws if nobody takes any notice of them

[@SarahDeshay]

This is how government should work

[@lindaturgeon1618]

Katie P is so intelligent! I respect her so much!

[@dimimegesis]

i want to understand that law better. i am unclear on Representative Porter's purpose and on to what in the Leahey Law she is referring. *** edit: Representative Porter appears to be correct. (a) IN GENERAL. - No assistance shall be furnished under this Act or the Arms Export Control Act to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country if the Secretary of State has credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights.

[@markjohnson4217]

It sounded as though even if there have been credible accusations filed against a foreign nation of human rights violations, that this would sow sufficient lack of confidence to withdraw ALL military assistance to an ally. It does not seem to require any immediate burden of proof. An accusation from any credible source (such as the ICJ) is more than enough impetus to justify such a withdrawal.

[@cyclingjoezone]

She rocks!

[@tomallen5837]

I'm so sorry she got squeezed out of Congress. She is so effective. And the way she was squeezed out is horrible. You can blame the Democrat Elites for this.

[@nomadicroadrat]

Porter always nails it. Does her homework, knows the answers and questions accordingly. By now those coming before her committee should know they had better do their homework as well.

[@makeamericagreenagain8511]

I love Katie Porter. ❤

[@dustin9132]

I'm gonna miss her.

[@kykwiltz402]

There should be a place for her in the Harris administration. She's too good not to offer her a position.

[@donc89]

Wow! This needs to be mass-shared!

[@michaelutech4786]

I love so much how she is to the point, unpretentious and always relevant. Her argument has closure. It does not depend on ideology, assumptions or any kind of showmanship. Premise: Israel wants to be treated fairly. Aid grants are regulated by objective rules. Rules are not applied. Boom. No need to involve history, no need to attack Republicans, no need to attack "moderate" Democrats. No need to ask for the condemnation of enemies. No need to have the "right" ideology. Just a plain and simple argument. Wonderful. If there is more than one American who is like Katie Porter, why are they not elected into office? That would make this country great. Not again, but actually great. I hate it that she felt the need to do some condemnation before she dared to make this argument. But that just goes to show how rotten the rest of America is.

[@Google_Does_Evil_Now]

She's exposing corruption, war crimes, global terror, and there's no show of support towards her from the other people. It shows just how many of them are corrupt.

[@asiawiosna694]

Brawo brave Katie Porter !❤️🇺🇸

[@fgv1001]

Katie is one of the few in Congress that I admire.

[@dena6837]

I love her.

[@adatay8832]

Omg…. The white board!! Be afraid …. Be very afraid!!

[@antonio6873]

God please protect this woman!

[@beverlymowe1021]

Don’t mess with Katie Porter when she has her charts she knows her stuff

[@sjbechet1111]

Honesty and integrity. You can see it making them gag.

[@dougwilliams7667]

Nice job congresswoman 💙🇺🇸

[@niloo_atribecalledlove]

Katie Porter for President. She keeps these politicians honest.

[@user-du2of3lh1g]

You want America to be great again do your job like her and things would run like it supposed to be instead of becoming the reality TV show it is today

[@litning123]

Which countries, other than Israel, have given more than $300M to the campaign committees of 300-something members of Congress, both Republicans and Democrats?

[@brmam1385]

The smartest, most prepared Congress person ever. Congress will be much less without her. Thank you Pelosi for making that happen (sarcasm)!

[@vickieheather9682]

I Love Watching Her Do Her Thing! Harris/Walz Administration Needs Her.

[@angangieangela5216]

The empty seats is so very insulting

[@guyverGODZILLAheiseiERA]

And they still getting paid for EMPTY SEATS

[@gerardbyrnes5780]

It's a committee. Everyone that is supposed to be there is there. It's not all of congress.

[@society_for_praising_appli6261]

AND, you and I can witness it!

[@nj1638]

They’re strategically empty.

[@gerardbyrnes5780]

@@nj1638 Do you know what a Congressional Committee is and how it works? Would you have them bring interns in, just to fill them so it looks good? Every member of the committee was in attendance, who else did you want there that wasn't?

[@maureenleah13]

When Katie Porter brings a visual aid, you'd best be ready.

[@MrTdacosta]

I could watch this woman all day long! If ever she wants to change scenery, we’d love to have her in Mass!

[@fuzzytb]

If I met Ms Porter, I would thank her and shake her hand. If she started asking me questions, I’m sure I’d get knots in my stomach.