[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 111 (Friday, August 7, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1576-E1577]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             AID TO ISRAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN E. ENSIGN

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 6, 1998

  Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. Speaker, just a few weeks ago, Iran test fired the 
Shihab-3 missile. Intelligence estimates by the CIA and the Israelis 
proved to be correct. This missile will likely have a range of 930 
miles putting Israel's security in jeopardy. But this is not an issue 
for our closest friend in the Middle East, this is an American issue 
because it affects global security and our thousands of troops that are 
based in that critical region. Iran's stockpiling of chemical and 
biological weapons and acquisitions of nuclear technology make the 
situation even more dire.
  There are two ways for our government to prove its commitment to 
dealing with this critical issue. The first is sanctioning entities 
that aid in Iran's missile development. I, like a majority of the 
House, cosponsored the Iran Missile Proliferation Sanctions Act 
(IMPSA), and it passed this body 392 to 22. Last week the President 
followed Congress' lead and strengthened an existing executive order by

[[Page E1577]]

placing sanctions on 7 Russian entities. We must keep a close watch on 
this and remain vigilant on the issue of Iran's acquisition of weapons 
of mass destruction and the weapons to deliver them. President Clinton 
will be traveling to Russia in September, and if the legislation is 
still needed, we should bring up IMPSA for veto override.
  Another way to counter the Iranian threat is by strengthening our 
closest ally and outpost in the region. In September, when we return to 
Washington, we will vote on the Foreign Operations Appropriations bill 
which contain Israel's annual aid package. I have voted for this bill 
in the past because I believe that foreign aid, when used wisely, is an 
important instrument in American foreign policy.
  This year, I again intend to vote for aid for Israel, and I want to 
draw special attention to what makes this bill so special and historic. 
Based upon Prime Minister Netanyahu's pledge to a joint meeting of 
Congress two years ago, Israel has started to reduce its request for 
aid. Imagine an aid-receiving nation saying it does not need as much 
money--well it's happening this year.
  Israel has made dramatic economic strides over the past two decades 
including the privatization of most of its industries. As a friend and 
supporter, the United States helped in Israel's economic gains. Now 
Israel is telling us that they feel confortable phasing out all of 
their economic aid over a ten year period. However, based upon the 
continued threats in the region like Iran, Israel does need continuing 
military assistance which I will continue to support. I am also pleased 
a note that it looks as though this year's Foreign Operations 
Appropriations bill will hold spending level to that of Fiscal 1998.

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