[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 77 (Thursday, May 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E901]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




UNITED STATES-ISRAEL ROCKET AND MISSILE DEFENSE COOPERATION AND SUPPORT 
                                  ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. ALLYSON Y. SCHWARTZ

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 19, 2010

  Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Israel 
Rocket and Missile Defense Cooperation and Support Act, legislation 
that recognizes the significance of our partnership with Israel, the 
mutually beneficial and historic nature of the relationship and our 
ongoing commitment to ensure its security for the State of Israel.
  For decades, support for Israel in Congress has been bi-partisan. In 
fact, it is one of the few issues where Republicans and Democrats have 
consistently agreed. Leaders of both parties recognize the importance 
of a strong and steadfast U.S.-Israel relationship and work together to 
strengthen it.
  Israel remains one of our most trusted and reliable allies. Terrorist 
organizations that vow to destroy Israel also vow to destroy the United 
States. As we continue to combat extremism worldwide and the violence 
it incites, a strong U.S.-Israeli strategic partnership is essential.
  Since coming to Congress, I have consistently and fervently supported 
America's commitment to the safety and support of Israel. In part, my 
commitment to Israel is based on the experiences of my mother, who fled 
Austria to escape the Nazis and emigrated alone at age 16 to the United 
States. My mother's stories have given me a deep understanding of the 
importance of Israel as a safe haven for Jews and as a strong voice on 
behalf of the Jewish people.
  The bill before us will better enable Israel to be a safe haven for 
Jews. It will formalize the United States' commitment to provide 
support for the deployment of Israel's ``Iron Dome'' missile defense 
system. This system will help protect Israeli citizens from the short-
range rocket attacks of the Hamas and Hezbollah terrorist attacks.
  I thank my colleagues for their support of Israel and for enhancing 
Israel's ability to defend itself. Our action today reaffirms our 
commitment to our closest of allies, Israel.

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