Interview: Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Margaret Brennan on 'Face the Nation,' November 24, 2024

MARGARET BRENNAN: We return to 'Face the Nation' with the pleasure of hosting Maryland's Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen today.

SEN. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN: Always a pleasure to join you, Margaret.

MARGARET BRENNAN: As the cycle of Democratic leadership draws to a close, Congress is faced with significant tasks. Before December ends, there's the need to decide on government funding, push through the defense bill, the NDAA, and address the farm bill extension. I also find it important that there's a keen interest in pushing judicial confirmations. What are your foremost priorities?

SEN. VAN HOLLEN: Along with the items you listed, I rank disaster relief funding as critical. The nation has faced numerous adversities, from hurricanes to natural disasters. In Maryland, the Key Bridge in Baltimore faces a crucial restoration effort following its collapse. Historically, we've united to support fellow citizens during such crises. The President has proposed a $100 billion emergency relief package, which includes support for the Key Bridge. It's essential we secure this before year's end to offer necessary relief without delay.

MARGARET BRENNAN: There's talk of $8 billion allocated just for the bridge. Is that accurate?

SEN. VAN HOLLEN: The figure involves broader emergency relief efforts, not solely dedicated to the bridge. Roughly $2 billion is earmarked specifically for the bridge repairs.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Do you have trust in the timely delivery of this support?

SEN. VAN HOLLEN: I am optimistic that both sides of the aisle will back this imperative disaster relief. It's become a tradition to stand together when disasters strike our nation.

The New Congressional Powers

MARGARET BRENNAN: With a fresh Congress and a new president in the picture, the dynamics have shifted. Republicans now hold 53 Senate seats. They might bypass Democratic support to confirm President-elect Trump's agency picks. Do you support any of these appointments, maybe Marco Rubio for Secretary of State or the new candidate for Labor Secretary?

SEN. VAN HOLLEN: The vetting and hearing process remains paramount. Under constitutional duties, the Senate advises and consents on nominations, a responsibility I uphold with utmost seriousness. I'm disturbed by discussions implying President-elect Trump might exploit recess appointment tactics to sidestep constitutional procedures. It falls upon the new Senate Republican leadership to honor senatorial privileges and not sidestep them.

The Middle East Dilemma

MARGARET BRENNAN: Your statements criticized President Biden's inaction in addressing the humanitarian issues in Gaza, labeling it a dark mark on his record. In these concluding weeks, is there a chance to rectify this?

SEN. VAN HOLLEN: Opportunities to address these issues do exist. I endorsed President Biden's journey to Israel post the violent Hamas acts in October of last year, firmly supporting Israel's defense. However, President Biden hasn't leveraged US influence to assert his policy effectively. We observe a recurring scenario where Biden's demands of Netanyahu go unheeded or outright rejected, yet more US aid follows. Such leverage is underutilized. In these closing months, I urge the President to robustly employ America's influence to enforce American laws, ensuring humanitarian access to Gaza and adherence to war conduct stipulations.

MARGARET BRENNAN: The debate often boils down to being pro or anti-Israel, but you along with 18 other Senators voted recently to pause specific offensive weapons shipments to Israel. The State Department claims corrective actions by Israel necessitate continued aids. Are you challenging the truthfulness of such assertions?

SEN. VAN HOLLEN: The President hasn't fully adhered to US legal standards concerning this issue. Secretaries Austin and Blinken's October letter to Israeli officials reveals gaps in managing civilian harm claims, with 500 such incidents under the State's review. An effective examination hasn't materialized.

Broken Processes and Responsibilities

MARGARET BRENNAN: What underlies this compromised process?

SEN. VAN HOLLEN: The process remains broken, largely due to a lack of resolve to address these challenges. Many prefer not to validate the evident truth—US arms often breach international humanitarian laws. Despite explicit findings in this year's NSM-20 report highlighting misuse probabilities, the administration neglected concrete enforcement actions.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Private talks with US officials question the feasibility of imposing short-term halts, fearing reversals from the Trump administration. How would you counter this perspective?

SEN. VAN HOLLEN: This isn't a new responsibility. Over the past year, strategic interventions by President Biden were viable. High-ranking officials assured me this conflict would end recently. Hostage families I've met blame Netanyahu for thwarting ceasefires and recoveries of their kin. The Defense Minister's call for prioritization led to his dismissal, yet Biden's criticisms have been sparse.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Even with elections concluded, why this inertia from the President?

SEN. VAN HOLLEN: Frankly, I'm unaware. It's perplexing why President Biden hesitates to harness American clout for his substantial goals. His aspirations for post-conflict governance in Gaza via the Palestinian Authority or a two-state resolution are largely ignored by Netanyahu, who openly counters the President's pursuits while aid persists. We're not against supporting Israel, but our assistance must align with American laws and values.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Senator Van Hollen, thank you for delineating your stance. We'll resume shortly.