House of Representatives approves $1b. for Iron Dome by landslide
| Published date | 23 September 2021 |
| Author | OMRI NAHMIAS |
| Publication title | Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel) |
The bill is now headed to the Senate, which will need to approve it as well.
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Prime Minister Naftali Bennett thanked members of Congress from both parties for their "overwhelming support of Israel and commitment to its security.
"Whoever tries to challenge that support got their answer today," he added. "The people of Israel thank the American people and their representatives for their strong friendship."
On Tuesday, the Democratic leadership had to remove the $1b. provision from a continuing resolution amid pushback from progressives. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer announced that he would bring a suspension bill, which requires support from two-third of members, to approve the provision with support of members from both parties.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut), chair of the House Appropriations Committee, introduced the bill on the House floor.
"I rise in support the Iron Dome Supplemental Appropriations Act," she said. "In May, during the latest period of increased violence between Israel and Hamas, more than 4,000 rockets were launched from Gaza. Using radar technology and missiles to track and destroy incoming rockets, the Iron Dome intercepted over 90% of the rockets that would have landed in civilian populated areas. This system, with help from Congress's funding, saved thousands of lives in that month alone.
"This funding, as the bill language clearly states, is limited to a system that is entirely defensive," said DeLauro. "This bill demonstrates Congress's commitment to our friend and ally Israel is bipartisan and ironclad. It fulfills our moral imperative to protect the lives of innocent civilians and helps build the foundations for peace. I urge my colleagues to support this bill."
"This funding is critical and time-sensitive," said Kay Granger (R-Texas), the Appropriations Committee ranking member. "We must ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself in the face of real and growing threats," she said. "Providing this funding sends an important message to Israel and those who wish them harm that the United States stands with Israel and against terrorists. We must reassure our allies that America will never turn its...
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