U.S. Rep. Cory Mills helps 77 Americans exit Israel, says he plans to go back for more

U.S. Rep. Cory Mills, a combat veteran who also has specialized in international security, flew to Israel and helped 77 Americans exit the warring nation in the past two days following last week's deadly Hamas attacks on civilians.

Mills, R-New Smyrna Beach, said from Jordan Wednesday his office was getting "a ton of requests" from stranded Americans for help in getting out of Israel.

"I just kind of made the decision that I needed to step up and do something," Mills told Fox News. "We talk about the difference between statesmen and politicians. One acts and one talks."

The congressman posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that his mission was, in part, necessary because of failures of U.S. foreign policy.

"Since the Biden admin has failed to do their job once again, I've stepped in to rescue Americans stranded in war-torn Israel," Mills tweeted. "In 2021, I was part of the team that conducted the first successful overland rescue mission of Americans from Afghanistan after the withdrawal of U.S. troops. Against all odds, our team saved four American citizens, even with the Biden administration working against our efforts. While this admin has a record of leaving Americans behind, I refuse to be a part of their reckless inaction."

Mills said he and his team are continuing to look at ways to help safely get more Americans out of Israel as it conducts its war against Hamas, the militant group that controls the Gaza Strip, home to some 2 million people, mostly Palestinians.

The News-Journal has reached out to Mills' office for comment but has not yet heard back.

Mills, whose district straddles northern Seminole and southern Volusia counties, co-founded Pacem Solution International LLC and Pacem Defense LLC, which have provided intelligence collection and security.

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