[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 74 (Tuesday, May 22, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S3420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    ENHANCED ISRAELI MISSILE DEFENSE

  Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. President, on April 19, 2012, I introduced 
S. 2325, the Iron Dome Support Act, along with my colleagues Senators 
Boxer and Kirk. This bipartisan bill authorizes further assistance to 
Israel for the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system. As of today, 17 
of our colleagues have also joined us on this bill, because we all 
recognize that an investment in the Iron Dome is an investment in peace 
and security in the region.
  The Iron Dome system uses small radar-guided missiles to blow up 
Katyusha rockets and mortar bombs in midair coming from 3 to 45 miles 
away--and can do so in any weather condition. The Israeli Defense Force 
reports that Iron Dome has already proven itself to be 90 percent 
successful intercepting rockets well before they could potentially hit 
residential neighborhoods, busy highways, shopping centers, or crowded 
streets in southern Israel.
  This is an incredible piece of technology. Right now, there are 3 
Iron Dome batteries in the south of the country. But Israel remains 
vulnerable to attacks on other fronts from terrorist groups. That is 
why I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting S. 2325. 
Increased support for this legislation will send a strong message to 
include additional funding for Iron Dome batteries in order to protect 
all of Israel.
  The Iron Dome is just one of the ways the United States supports 
Israeli missile defense. The Arrow Weapons System and David Sling 
protect Israel from medium and long distance threats to the country's 
existence.
  We are developing these systems in cooperation with the Israeli 
government, so we can harvest the technology for future American 
systems. Our backing is important to keep the deployment of these 
systems on track as they must keep pace with the aggressive development 
of threat missiles.
  As the markup of the various defense bills moves ahead this month and 
next, I urge my colleagues to fully support the accelerated deployment 
of anti-missile systems vital to the survival of our Israeli allies.

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