United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012

Floor Speech

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Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor and strong supporter of the United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012, I rise in support of the bill.

The House originally passed this measure by a vote of 411 to 2 in May. The Senate then passed the measure by unanimous consent on June 29. The purpose of the bill is to extend to Israel a U.S. Government loan guarantee and U.S. defense stockpile transfer authority.

Israel is an essential American ally in the Middle East. The rapid change that region is undergoing will have a significant impact on the national security of both our countries. In light of this, S. 2165 helps to reinforce our support for the security of Israel by extending until Sept. 30, 2015, the U.S. Government loan guarantees. The measure also expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should take a number of actions to strengthen the defense of Israel, including: providing support for its ``Iron Dome'' air defense system; providing Israel with air refueling tankers and specialized munitions; and expanding intelligence cooperation between our two countries.

By passing this bill today, we reaffirm our support for the right of Israel to defend itself and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to Israel as an ally of the United States.

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