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United States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act of 2018

Floor Speech

Date: Sept. 12, 2018
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Foreign Aid Foreign Affairs

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Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the House amendment to S. 2497, the Ileana Ros-Lehtinen United States- Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act of 2018.

This bill would enshrine in law the 2016 U.S. Memorandum of Understanding that the Obama Administration reached with Israel.

This landmark agreement provides for historic levels of security cooperation with and assistance to Israel. Enacting this legislation would send an unmistakable message to Israel's enemies that the American commitment to Israel's security is ironclad.

Israel continually faces threats from all sides, and we have the responsibility to be sure that Israelis have everything they need in order to defend her citizens.

Whether it's missiles, tunnels, arson kites, or potential border breaches from Hamas in Gaza, rockets from Hezbollah in Lebanon, drones from Iranian forces in Syria, or whatever other lethal attempt may be devised, Israel must be ready to combat whatever comes her way.

Mr. Speaker, Israel's security is nonnegotiable. With enemies committed to the country's destruction throughout the entirety of its 70-year existence, Israel's qualitative military edge is absolutely necessary, and I am pleased that this bill ensures that this edge will be maintained.

Even amidst persistent security threats, Israel has been a remarkable leader in technological and humanitarian endeavors. This legislation, by enhancing U.S.-Israeli cooperation in space exploration and international development, will strengthen both of our countries and many other parts of the world.

Mr. Speaker, as we work on a bipartisan basis to ensure that the U.S.-Israel relationship remains strong far into the future, I can think of no more fitting namesake for this bill than my friend and colleague, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.

Israel has a true friend and supporter in Ileana, and as she departs at the end of this Congress, we will all be well served to follow her example of working across the aisle to ensure that American support for Israel remains unbreakable.

To that end, I proudly urge the passage of the Ileana Ros-Lehtinen United States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act of 2018.

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