Rep. Schneider's Bill to Strengthen U.S.-Israel Defense Partnership Passes U.S. House

Press Release

Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) and Rep. Doug Collins's (R-GA) legislation to increase military cooperation between the U.S. and Israel unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives today by a vote of 399 to 0.

The Israel Qualitative Military Edge Enhancement Act ensures Israel retains a strategic and tactical advantage, including the weapons necessary to protect herself from both conventional as well as cyber threats.

"Our strategic partnership with and support of the democratic, Jewish State of Israel is crucial for both countries,"Schneider said. "As Israel continues to face a broad spectrum of threats, including Hizbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, increasing extremist presence in Syria and Sinai, and of greatest concern, the threat of a nuclear Iran, we must reinforce our unbreakable, strategic bond, and this bill will help Israel preserve her ability to defend herself by herself."

By increasing the frequency of the formal assessment of Israel's strategic position vis-a-vis existing and emerging threats from every four to every two years, the Israel Qualitative Military Edge Enhancement Act will better guarantee that Israel is always prepared to confront constantly evolving conventional and asymmetrical threats.

The specific inclusion of cyber warfare in the assessment reflects the dramatic change in the nature of threats and ensures Israel maintains the qualitative edge against all nature of threats to her security.

As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Schneider is active in advocating for a strong U.S.-Israel partnership and for increasing sanctions against Iran. He coauthored new, broader sanctions against Iran and, in October, led 77 of his colleagues in urging the Obama Administration to authorize additional sanctions on Iran.

In May, Schneider and Collins penned an op-ed about the need for the Israel Qualitative Military Edge Enhancement Act. To view a copy, click here.

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