[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 107 (Tuesday, July 17, 2012)]
[House]
[Pages H4884-H4888]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     UNITED STATES-ISRAEL ENHANCED SECURITY COOPERATION ACT OF 2012

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass 
the bill (S. 2165) to enhance strategic cooperation between the United 
States and Israel, and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                                S. 2165

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``United States-Israel 
     Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Since 1948, United States Presidents and both houses of 
     Congress, on a bipartisan basis and supported by the American 
     people, have repeatedly reaffirmed the special bond between 
     the United States and Israel, based on shared values and 
     shared interests.
       (2) The Middle East is undergoing rapid change, bringing 
     with it hope for an expansion of democracy but also great 
     challenges to the national security of the United States and 
     our allies in the region, particularly to our most important 
     ally in the region, Israel.
       (3) The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran is 
     continuing its decades-long pattern of seeking to foment 
     instability and promote extremism in the Middle East, 
     particularly in this time of dramatic political transition.
       (4) At the same time, the Government of the Islamic 
     Republic of Iran continues to enrich uranium in defiance of 
     multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions.
       (5) A nuclear-weapons capable Iran would fundamentally 
     threaten vital United States interests, encourage regional 
     nuclear proliferation, further empower Iran, the world's 
     leading state sponsor of terror, and pose a serious and 
     destabilizing threat to Israel and the region.
       (6) Over the past several years, with the assistance of the 
     Governments of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Syria, 
     Hizbollah and Hamas have increased their stockpile of 
     rockets, with more than 60,000 now ready to be fired at 
     Israel. The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran 
     continues to add to its arsenal of ballistic missiles and 
     cruise missiles, which threaten Iran's neighbors, Israel, and 
     United States Armed Forces in the region.
       (7) As a result, Israel is facing a fundamentally altered 
     strategic environment.
       (8) Pursuant to chapter 5 of title 1 of the Emergency 
     Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003 (Public Law 
     108-11; 117 Stat. 576), the authority to make available loan 
     guarantees to Israel is currently set to expire on September 
     30, 2012.

     SEC. 3. STATEMENT OF POLICY.

       It is the policy of the United States:
       (1) To reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the security 
     of the State of Israel as a Jewish state. As President Barack 
     Obama stated on December 16, 2011, ``America's commitment and 
     my commitment to Israel and Israel's security is 
     unshakeable.'' And as President George W. Bush stated before 
     the Israeli Knesset on May 15, 2008, on the 60th anniversary 
     of the founding of the State of Israel, ``The alliance 
     between our governments is unbreakable, yet the source of our 
     friendship runs deeper than any treaty.''.
       (2) To help the Government of Israel preserve its 
     qualitative military edge amid rapid and uncertain regional 
     political transformation.
       (3) To veto any one-sided anti-Israel resolutions at the 
     United Nations Security Council.
       (4) To support Israel's inherent right to self-defense.
       (5) To pursue avenues to expand cooperation with the 
     Government of Israel both in defense and across the spectrum 
     of civilian sectors, including high technology, agriculture, 
     medicine, health, pharmaceuticals, and energy.
       (6) To assist the Government of Israel with its ongoing 
     efforts to forge a peaceful, negotiated settlement of the 
     Israeli-Palestinian conflict that results in two states 
     living side-by-side in peace and security, and to encourage 
     Israel's neighbors to recognize Israel's right to exist as a 
     Jewish state.
       (7) To encourage further development of advanced technology 
     programs between the United States and Israel given current 
     trends and instability in the region.

     SEC. 4. UNITED STATES ACTIONS TO ASSIST IN THE DEFENSE OF 
                   ISRAEL AND PROTECT UNITED STATES INTERESTS.

       It is the sense of Congress that the United States 
     Government should take the following actions to assist in the 
     defense of Israel:
       (1) Seek to enhance the capabilities of the Governments of 
     the United States and Israel to address emerging common 
     threats, increase security cooperation, and expand joint 
     military exercises.
       (2) Provide the Government of Israel such support as may be 
     necessary to increase development and production of joint 
     missile defense systems, particularly such systems that 
     defend against the urgent threat posed to Israel and United 
     States forces in the region.
       (3) Provide the Government of Israel assistance 
     specifically for the production and procurement of the Iron 
     Dome defense system for purposes of intercepting short-range 
     missiles, rockets, and projectiles launched against Israel.
       (4) Provide the Government of Israel defense articles and 
     defense services through such mechanisms as appropriate, to 
     include air refueling tankers, missile defense capabilities, 
     and specialized munitions.
       (5) Provide the Government of Israel additional excess 
     defense articles, as appropriate, in the wake of the 
     withdrawal of United States forces from Iraq.
       (6) Examine ways to strengthen existing and ongoing 
     efforts, including the Gaza Counter Arms Smuggling 
     Initiative, aimed at preventing weapons smuggling into Gaza 
     pursuant to the 2009 agreement following the Israeli 
     withdrawal from Gaza, as well as measures to protect against 
     weapons smuggling and terrorist threats from the Sinai 
     Peninsula.
       (7) Offer the Air Force of Israel additional training and 
     exercise opportunities in the United States to compensate for 
     Israel's limited air space.
       (8) Work to encourage an expanded role for Israel with the 
     North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), including an 
     enhanced presence at NATO headquarters and exercises.
       (9) Expand already-close intelligence cooperation, 
     including satellite intelligence, with Israel.

     SEC. 5. ADDITIONAL STEPS TO DEFEND ISRAEL AND PROTECT 
                   AMERICAN INTERESTS.

       (a) Extension of War Reserves Stockpile Authority.--
       (1) Department of defense appropriations act, 2005.--
     Section 12001(d) of the Department of Defense Appropriations 
     Act, 2005 (Public Law 108-287; 118 Stat. 1011) is amended by 
     striking ``more than 8 years after'' and inserting ``more 
     than 10 years after''.
       (2) Foreign assistance act of 1961.--Section 514(b)(2)(A) 
     of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 
     2321h(b)(2)(A)) is amended by striking ``fiscal years 2011 
     and 2012'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2013 and 2014''.
       (b) Extension of Loan Guarantees to Israel.--Chapter 5 of 
     title I of the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations 
     Act, 2003 (Public Law 108-11; 117 Stat. 576) is amended under 
     the heading ``Loan Guarantees to Israel''--
       (1) in the matter preceding the first proviso, by striking 
     ``September 30, 2011'' and inserting ``September 30, 2015''; 
     and
       (2) in the second proviso, by striking ``September 30, 
     2011'' and inserting ``September 30, 2015''.

     SEC. 6. REPORTS REQUIRED.

       (a) Report on Israel's Qualitative Military Edge (QME).--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the 
     Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives 
     a report on the status of Israel's qualitative military edge 
     in light of current trends and instability in the region.
       (2) Substitution for quadrennial report.--If submitted 
     within one year of the date that the first quadrennial report 
     required by section 201(c)(2) of the Naval Vessel Transfer 
     Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-429; 22 U.S.C. 2776 note) is due 
     to be submitted, the report required by paragraph (1) may 
     substitute for such quadrennial report.
       (b) Reports on Other Matters.--Not later than 180 days 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President 
     shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a 
     report on each of the following matters:
       (1) Taking into account the Government of Israel's urgent 
     requirement for F-35 aircraft, actions to improve the process 
     relating to its purchase of F-35 aircraft, particularly with 
     respect to cost efficiency and timely delivery.
       (2) Efforts to expand cooperation between the United States 
     and Israel in homeland security, counter-terrorism, maritime 
     security, energy, cyber-security, and other related areas.
       (3) Actions to integrate Israel into the defense of the 
     Eastern Mediterranean.

     SEC. 7. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term 
     ``appropriate congressional committees'' means--

[[Page H4885]]

       (A) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Armed 
     Services, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Select 
     Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Armed 
     Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Permanent 
     Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (2) Qualitative military edge.--The term ``qualitative 
     military edge'' has the meaning given the term in section 
     36(h)(2) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 
     2776(h)(2)).

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Berman) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida.


                             General Leave

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I ask unanimous consent, Mr. Speaker, that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on Senate bill 2165.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the United States-Israel 
Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012.
  I would like to thank the distinguished majority leader and the 
minority whip, Mr. Cantor and Mr. Hoyer, for sponsoring the House 
version of this legislation, as well as Senators Boxer and Isakson, who 
sponsored the Senate version that this House is considering today.

                              {time}  1720

  For over 64 years, since the United States recognized Israel just 11 
minutes after its creation, the democratic, Jewish State of Israel has 
been one of our closest allies.
  Our shared commitment to peace and to freedom have been the 
foundation of a special bond that has reinforced the safety and the 
security of both of our countries. We have forged a defense partnership 
that has yielded advanced technologies and policies that have benefited 
both of our nations and helped to keep our citizens secure. Our fates 
are tied together. A threat to one of our countries is a threat to 
both.
  And so, as the Iranian regime continues to race toward nuclear 
weapons and sponsor violent extremists like Hamas and Hezbollah, we 
must work together to counter this growing threat, Mr. Speaker.
  And while the United States and Israel are targeted by many of the 
same threats, Israel's proximity to the Iran-Syria-Hamas-Hezbollah 
nexus leaves us no room for error. Our goal, with this legislation, is 
to ensure that Israel has the ability to protect its citizens against 
the dangers that touch their lives every day, against the rockets, 
against the bombs, against the missiles that their enemies stockpile 
while making well-publicized threats every day against the Jewish 
state.
  How do we achieve this goal, Mr. Speaker? By increasing the totality 
of our bilateral security relations. That means increasing joint 
missile defense systems, joint military exercises, and intelligence 
cooperation. We get to learn from them, and they get to learn from us, 
and we all sleep a little more soundly knowing that we have done all we 
can to help our citizens.
  It also means providing increased excess defense articles and 
munitions to Israel. With a host of entities stirring the pot of 
hostility against the Jewish state, it is critical that the United 
States stand foursquare with Israel.
  This legislation also extends authority to provide loan guarantees to 
the Israeli government that provide the Jewish state with a cushion of 
support in times of need, and at no cost to the American taxpayer.
  Mr. Speaker, our ally, Israel, needs our help, and we are situated to 
lend a friend this hand while strengthening our own security in the 
process. Let us stand together today and say that we support a strong 
and secure Israel, not only because Israel is our friend and ally, but 
also because a strong and secure Israel means a strong and secure 
America.
  Now is a particularly important time to send that message, as we face 
the looming specter of this sequester that we're all talking about and 
working hard to prevent.
  Mr. Speaker, if nothing is done to avert this crisis, we will face an 
almost $450 million cut to security assistance to Israel. This would 
include over $100 million in cuts to cooperative missile defense 
programs. These cuts would damage the security of our Nation and our 
ally, Israel, and they must be averted.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I am so pleased to yield such time as he may 
consume to the coauthor of this legislation, our leader, the gentleman 
from Virginia (Mr. Cantor).
  Mr. CANTOR. I thank the gentlelady from Florida for her leadership on 
this issue.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the U.S.-Israel Enhanced 
Security Cooperation Act. As the gentlelady just said, Mr. Speaker, I, 
together with my counterpart, Steny Hoyer, Chairman Ileana Ros-
Lehtinen, and the gentleman from California, Ranking Member Howard 
Berman, in May introduced this bill, and the House passed it with 
nearly unanimous support.
  At a time when we are facing huge fiscal challenges, this bill makes 
it clear that no matter what, the United States always stands strong in 
our support for Israel, with whom we share a commitment to freedom, a 
respect for human life, and a commitment to security.
  Among other things, this bill allows for the continuation of 
longstanding loan guarantees to Israel, we restate the importance of 
maintaining Israel's qualitative military edge, and we improve military 
and intelligence cooperation, particularly with respect to joint 
missile defense.
  We also reiterate our commitment to stand with Israel in 
international forums like the United Nations, where Israel often finds 
itself in an unfriendly environment. And, Mr. Speaker, we encourage 
NATO to welcome an expanded role for Israel. Our investment in Israel's 
security is an investment in American security.
  Beyond this bipartisan expression of America's support for Israel, 
there is much the United States can do to protect our interests and the 
interests of our closest allies in the Middle East. But we cannot do so 
as a spectator.
  The U.S. must lead. We cannot rely on Vladimir Putin and Kofi Annan 
to broker the peace in Syria, or stand idly by as Iran and Russia 
protect Bashar Assad, one of the world's most active state sponsors of 
terrorism. And we cannot and must not allow Iran to acquire nuclear 
weapons capability.
  Mr. Speaker, we must meet the existential threat Iran poses to 
Israel, its neighbors, and the world with strength and engagement. We 
cannot allow situations in the region to unfold without our leadership. 
In fact, during my recent trips to the region, I have found there is 
more agreement on the need for U.S. leadership than anything else.
  Today, Mr. Speaker, the House will send this bipartisan bill to the 
President and deliver the message that, during this pivotal and 
dangerous period in the Middle East, the United States stands tall for 
our ally, Israel.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I thank the gentleman for his remarks, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 2165, the 
United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012, and I 
yield myself as much time as I may consume.
  I want to thank, first of all, my friends, Majority Leader Cantor and 
Minority Whip Hoyer, for bringing this important bill back to the floor 
of the House so that we can accept the Senate's constructive additions 
and send it to the President's desk.
  I'd also like to thank, as did my chairman, Senators Boxer and 
Isakson, and Senator Collins, for their leadership on this resolution 
in the Senate.
  And finally, I want to thank my friend and chairman, the gentlelady 
from Florida, for her continued leadership on the issue of the U.S.-
Israel relationship.
  Members should recall that in May we passed the House version of this 
bill, H.R. 4133, by a near-unanimous vote. We will be taking another 
vote today because the Senate has added an important extension of 
military stockpile reserve authorities. I strongly support this 
addition and thank the Senate for its contribution.

[[Page H4886]]

  Mr. Speaker, since its founding, Israel has faced innumerable 
challenges to its survival, but the serious threats it faces today are 
unprecedented. Deadly cross-border attacks from the Sinai Peninsula 
have taken both Israeli Arab and Israeli Jewish lives.
  Terrorism still penetrates Israel from Gaza in the form of rocket and 
mortar attacks. But unlike in years past, the Iron Dome Anti-Missile 
System, funded in part by the United States, has changed the rules of 
the game. In fact, Iron Dome has been successful in intercepting a 
remarkable 90 percent of incoming rockets aimed at once defenseless 
population centers.
  Currently, there are only a handful of Iron Dome batteries 
operational in Israel. More are needed in order to protect all of 
Israel's 8 million citizens.
  I'm pleased to say that S. 2165 retains language from the Iron Dome 
Support Act, bipartisan legislation I introduced which now has nearly 
110 cosponsors expressing support for providing Israel assistance to 
produce additional Iron Dome batteries.
  This bill also pledges to assist Israel with its ongoing effort to 
forge a peaceful, negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian 
conflict that results in two states living side by side in peace and in 
security. Despite all the obstacles to achieving this goal, we cannot 
give up trying, as peace is profoundly in Israel's strategic interest.
  I applaud Prime Minister Netanyahu's willingness to negotiate 
anywhere, anytime. The Palestinians should take him up on that offer, 
instead of pursuing a campaign to delegitimize Israel at the U.N. and 
elsewhere.
  Mr. Speaker, perhaps the greatest threat to both American and Israeli 
security today is that posed by Iran's nuclear weapons program. I hope 
this problem can be solved diplomatically, but as we all know, only 
massive pressure from the United States and our allies has any chance 
of persuading Iran to give up its quest for nuclear arms.

                              {time}  1730

  In fact, we are currently negotiating a sanctions bill with the 
Senate, the Iran Threat Reduction Act, which Chairman Ros-Lehtinen and 
I introduced and which the House passed late last year. That bill will 
dramatically increase the economic pressure on Iran. Meanwhile, the 
bill before us today makes clear that the U.S. Congress will continue 
to help Israel meet the Iranian threat.
  Gaza-based terrorism, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the 
Iranian nuclear program are not the only threats faced by Israel. 
Recent events in Egypt and Syria, along with the presence of Hamas in 
Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, require Israeli vigilance against danger 
from all directions.
  To that end, this bill, once again, reaffirms our determination to 
support Israel's qualitative military edge against any possible 
combination of regional threats. In reinforcing that commitment to 
Israel's security, this bill extends for 4 years a loan guarantee 
program for Israel that was initiated in 2003. The extension is based 
on legislation that Chairman Ros-Lehtinen and I introduced in March.
  Mr. Speaker, our relationship with our ally Israel is one of the most 
important and closest that we have with any nation in the world. The 
United States and Israel face many of the same threats, and we share 
the same values. Israel's defense minister, Ehud Barak, recently said 
that he can hardly remember a better period of U.S. ``support and 
cooperation'' and common U.S.-Israel strategic understanding than the 
current one.
  The passage of this bill will help ensure that this cooperation 
continues into the future. I encourage all of my colleagues to support 
this legislation.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I am so pleased to yield 4 minutes to my good 
friend, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), who is the chairman 
of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human 
Rights.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished 
gentlelady, the chairwoman of our committee, for her great leadership 
in the defense of Israel. I thank as well my good friend and colleague, 
the ranking member, Mr. Berman. These two individuals work hard every 
day for the peace and security of our friend and ally Israel.
  This is a ``must pass'' bill, Mr. Speaker, as we must reiterate our 
support for the nation of Israel. Our friend and ally Israel lives 
under the daily threat of indiscriminate rocket attacks on their homes 
and businesses, terrorism on public transit, and the unapologetic, 
undeterred, and unacceptable existential threat of a nuclear Iran. 
Despite Iran's signature of the Genocide Convention of 1956, Iran's 
anti-Semitic leader, Ahmadinejad, has repeatedly threatened to wipe 
Israel off the face of the Earth. Iran has ignored its commitments not 
to pursue nuclear weapons under the IAEA, refusing inspections and 
failing the ones they do allow.
  The U.N. has failed to be resolute in its response to Iran or to 
protect Israel, leaving Israel to fend for itself at best but, more 
often, attacking and undermining it at every opportunity. Most recently 
and amazingly, the United Nations allowed Iran to be elected to the 15-
member general committee of the U.N. Arms Trade Treaty Conference, 
which is allegedly developing a treaty regulating the international 
sale of conventional arms. Iran does, after all, have considerable 
experience in this area. Iran has been arming Israel's neighbors for 
decades.
  Freedom House's annual report on the world, which assesses the 
political and civil liberties of nearly every nation on Earth, shows 
that Israel is surrounded by nations that profoundly disrespect the 
political and civil liberties of their own citizens. These nations 
actively foment hate against Israel and have human rights records that 
are among the worst in the world. Syria has now shown its true colors. 
We cannot sit by and wait for Iran to have the opportunity.
  Mr. Speaker, superior deterrence remains among the best guarantors of 
peace, and that has certainly been the case in the Middle East. S. 2165 
enhances Israel's ability to defend itself. When Israel's military 
superiority was unclear in the eyes of its enemies soon after it was 
created, soon after Israel became a state, Israel was tested repeatedly 
with war, yet they won again and again. In response to Israel's clear 
military superiority, Israel's enemies have relied on cowardly acts of 
terrorism. They have attacked with Gaza rockets, with the intifada, 
with the flotilla, and Israel's task has been to overcome those deadly 
aggressions. Mr. Speaker, S. 2165 provides assistance for several 
programs that are effective in deterring attacks and in defending 
Israel, including for the Iron Dome, Israel's successful means of 
defending itself against missiles and rockets targeting Israeli homes 
and businesses.
  With this bill, Israel will be better equipped for any scenario as it 
fulfills its solemn duty to protect its own people. With this bill, we 
also reassert our country's moral obligation and unshakable commitment 
to give Israel every assistance. The U.S. reaffirms, in word and in 
deed, our dedication to the defense of the Jewish state. S. 2165 
expands U.S. military, intelligence, and civilian cooperation with 
Israel, including an offer to the Israeli air force for additional 
training opportunities in the U.S. in order to compensate for Israel's 
limited airspace and other enhanced cooperation on intelligence 
sharing.
  Israel has shown itself to be a great friend of the United States, 
not only in setting the standard for democracy and human rights in the 
region but by being trustworthy with loans--always repaying loans on 
time and in full. This bill recognizes Israel's dependability with an 
extension of the longstanding loan guarantee program for Israel.
  Finally, this bill reaffirms that the only viable option for peace 
and security in the region is an Israeli state and a Palestinian state 
existing side by side. Again, I ask for Members to support this 
important bill.
  Mr. BERMAN. I am very pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentleman 
representing American Samoa and the ranking Democrat on the Asia and 
the Pacific Subcommittee of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. 
Faleomavaega.
  (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend 
his remarks.)
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I thank the gentleman for yielding.

[[Page H4887]]

  Mr. Speaker, I want to associate myself especially with the remarks 
made by the gentlelady from Florida, who is our distinguished 
chairwoman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and with the remarks of 
my senior ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Berman). I 
thank them both for their leadership in bringing this legislation 
forward for consideration and approval before the Members of this body.
  I think there is absolutely no question in terms of the provisions 
provided in this bill. We want to be absolutely certain that our 
government is making every effort to ensure the security of the State 
of Israel.
  I want to again commend the gentlelady from Florida and also my good 
friend from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) for their comments in assuring and 
in giving every absolute notice to other countries of the world so as 
to know where the United States stands in its defense of Israel.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I am so pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman 
from Ohio (Mr. Chabot), who is the chairman of the Foreign Affairs 
Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia. He deals with these 
issues every day.
  Mr. CHABOT. Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
  I really do appreciate the great leadership Chairwoman Ros-Lehtinen 
has shown on this issue and on so many issues around the world. I 
appreciate as well the great leadership of Mr. Berman, the ranking 
member. Together, in a bipartisan manner, both have really done a great 
job for our country, and we appreciate that.
  Despite the tremendous progress that has been made toward ensuring 
Israel's continued security, critical challenges still remain. Now, 
perhaps more than at any time since the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Israel 
faces real and direct threats to its very homeland. Although the so-
called Arab Spring has raised hopes that with time and hard work 
democracy may take hold in Arab lands, it has also ushered in what 
will, no doubt, be a period of profound and prolonged instability.

                              {time}  1740

  And while we most certainly should be working with Arab countries in 
this time of transition, we must not forget Israel, the Middle East's 
only established democracy and our friend and ally, which faces 
unprecedented threats to its security. Some of these are threats that 
Israel has not had to deal with in a very long time.
  To the west, Israel faces new and untested Egyptian leadership, which 
has sent some troubling messages about its intentions for Egyptian-
Israeli bilateral relations. To the north, fighting in Syria is 
continuing to intensify, and all signs suggest that the country may 
collapse into full-scale civil war. Other threats are sadly perennial. 
To Israel's north and west, terrorists remain poised to attack and 
otherwise disrupt normal life for millions of Israeli citizens. To the 
east, the Iranian threat looms large on the horizon, and they threaten 
Israel and the entire region with the prospect of a nuclear weapon's 
capable radical regime right next door.
  There is no question that the illicit Iranian nuclear program must 
remain at the very top of our priority list. It's certainly at the top 
of Israel's priority list. The nuclear program is, however, a symptom 
of the disease rather than the disease itself. The nuclear program is a 
paramount challenge to U.S. core national security interests, as well 
as those of our allies, and it must be addressed. As long as this 
regime is in power and the region continues to experience the kind of 
instability we're now witnessing, we must commit ourselves fully to 
doing everything we can to help aid Israel in securing itself.
  I urge the adoption of this very important resolution.
  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, may I ask how much time is remaining on each 
side.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Chaffetz). The gentleman from California 
has 13\1/2\ minutes, and the gentlewoman from Florida has 5\1/2\ 
minutes.
  Mr. BERMAN. With that, Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 5 
minutes to our distinguished whip, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. 
Hoyer).
  Mr. HOYER. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Again, as I do repeatedly when I rise to speak on issues related to 
our closest ally in the Middle East, Israel, and the relationship 
between our two countries, I congratulate the chairwoman of the 
committee, the gentlelady from Florida, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, for her 
leadership on this issue and focus on the importance of not only the 
relationship, but on the importance of making sure that Israel is 
strong and able to defend herself.
  I also congratulate the gentleman from California (Mr. Berman). I 
don't know anybody who, for a longer period of time, has focused on the 
issue of keeping the relationship between Israel and the United States 
strong, vibrant, and open, and who has, on this floor, in committee, in 
our caucus, and around this country, educated people any more than he 
has to the necessity to keep this relationship strong and to keep 
Israel strong.
  So I rise to thank both of them for bringing this issue to the floor.
  Mr. Speaker, I was proud to cosponsor this legislation with my 
friend, the majority leader, Mr. Cantor. That piece of legislation, 
which Ms. Ros-Lehtinen and Mr. Berman brought to the floor some months 
ago, passed here with a vote of 411-2, showing the overwhelming 
bipartisan support this issue has. This is clearly an issue, unlike so 
many that we deal with, that enjoys not only bipartisan support between 
the two parties, but support of philosophical perspectives from all 
over this caucus and this country. We don't always see eye to eye on 
matters of policy, but we always find common ground when it comes to 
strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship.
  This is the case for two very important reasons. The first is because 
the United States and Israel are linked by history and by the common 
glue of shared values: democracy, free enterprise, respect for human 
rights, and the rule of law. Secondly, because a strong Israel is in 
America's national security interest.
  We make that point almost every time we speak because it's important 
for all of our constituents, our fellow Americans to understand that 
the investment that we make in Israel, the investment in terms of time, 
in terms of support, in terms of finances, and in terms of military 
assistance, are all in the interest of the United States of America and 
its citizens. Yes, it is to Israel's benefit as well, but primarily the 
United States acts because it sees as critical to its own interests the 
safety, security, and sovereignty of Israel.
  Military and security ties with Israel help the Pentagon and our 
intelligence agencies track threats to Americans at home and abroad, 
and they enable us to partner on the development of technologies that 
help keep our people safe.
  The number one regional threat of course, as all of us know, is the 
prospect of a nuclear Iran. That is of great concern to every nation in 
the world. The nonproliferation of nuclear weapons is a principal tenet 
of the nations of the world, adopted by the United Nations and adopted 
in treaties.
  Iran must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, as it would 
dramatically destabilize the region, and Iran's leaders have already 
threatened American targets in that part of the world. Again, it is 
important to note that are some 250,000 Americans within the range of 
Iranian missiles.
  Of course, there are untold economic interests of the United States 
and of the international community. Enhanced security cooperation with 
Israel is one of the many tools we have to help prevent Iran from 
achieving nuclear weaponization and to protect American assets in the 
region.
  This bill strengthens that cooperation in several ways:
  It authorizes aid for the joint U.S.-Israel Iron Dome missile 
defense, a critical investment.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. BERMAN. I yield the gentleman an additional 2 minutes.
  Mr. HOYER. It also increases U.S. strategic stockpiles in Israel and 
provides Israel with additional weaponry as a first line of defense for 
the United States, as well as for Israel.
  Furthermore, this bill extends loan guarantees for Israel and 
encourages an expanded Israeli role in NATO.
  Mr. Speaker, it is so encouraging to see that even while we may 
divide on other matters, this House will pass the legislation before us 
with strong, overwhelming bipartisan support. That

[[Page H4888]]

sends a message that hopefully cannot be missed, a clarity of purpose 
expressed by this Congress, the policymaking body of this Nation, that 
speaks for all the people of our Nation. Hopefully, those who would 
pose a threat and risk to us and to our allies would take note of that 
unanimity of purpose. Let us continue to ensure that close U.S.-Israel 
ties are an issue that unites us as Americans.
  As I said, the House overwhelmingly passed this measure earlier this 
year, 411-2. Now the Senate has sent it back to us for final 
consideration. I congratulate my friend, Senator Boxer, and the 
Republican leadership of the Senate, as well.
  I hope we can pass it again today. I know we will, and I hope it's 
with even greater support. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this 
bill--for America, for Israel, and for international security.

                              {time}  1750

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I only have some closing remarks and 
have no further requests for time, so I will wait for my colleague from 
California to yield back.
  Mr. BERMAN. After what we just heard, I would not suggest any further 
speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  The United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012 
states, and it makes it very clear, that U.S. policy is to: reaffirm 
the commitment to Israel's security as a Jewish state; also to provide 
Israel with the military capabilities to defend herself and help 
preserve its qualitative military edge; also to expand military and 
civilian cooperation; to assist in a negotiated settlement of the 
Israeli-Palestinian conflict that results in two states living side by 
side in peace and security, which is all of our goals; and also 
encourage Israel's neighbors to recognize Israel's right to exist as a 
Jewish state.
  This bill expresses the sense of Congress that the United States 
should take specified actions to assist in the defense of Israel; it 
amends the 2005 Department of Defense Appropriations Act to extend 
authority to transfer certain Department of Defense items to Israel; it 
amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to extend authority to make 
additions to foreign-based defense stockpiles; and, lastly, it amends 
the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2003 to extend 
specified loan guarantee authority to Israel.
  This is in the U.S. national security interest, and I hope that the 
House overwhelmingly passes this important bill.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of ``S. 2165; U.S.-
Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012.''
  Since 1948 the U.S. and Israel have shared a special bond.
  Israel is our greatest ally in a region defined by conflict.
  Today, there are significant events in the Middle East that present 
unique security challenges.
  From the upheaval in neighboring states to the defiance of the IAEA 
by the Iranian regime, Israel is under constant threat.
  The Israelis should not be forced to live under duress from a nation 
that denies the holocaust and Israel's right to exist.
  As a nation we must never waiver in our support of Israel's inherent 
right to self-defense against these threats.
  Congress must provide the technology and weapons systems that provide 
a military advantage over aggressors.
  This enhanced cooperation between the U.S. and Israel will provide 
stability in an increasingly unstable region.
  Israel must have the capability and consent to defend themselves or 
the region will fall deeper into chaos.
  I urge my colleagues to support this responsible legislation.
  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation.
  The House passed its version of this legislation in May 2012, with my 
strong support. The Senate has elected to improve the loan guarantee 
and stock-pile authorities in its version, which I am also pleased to 
support.
  United States and Israel have built a strong, unique and special 
relationship, and passage of this legislation will only strengthen 
those bonds. The political changes that are sweeping through North 
Africa and the Middle East are creating new uncertainties for the 
United States and Israel. The revolutions that are underway may not 
produce the much-hoped for democratic ``Arab Spring''. Indeed, the 
ascension of Muslim Brotherhood member Mohamad Morsi to the Egyptian 
presidency is a development whose consequences cannot be predicted with 
certainty at the moment. During such times of uncertainty, it is 
important that America send a clear message to the region that we will 
continue to stand by our ally, Israel. This bill helps us do exactly 
that, which is why I am pleased to support it.
  Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4133, now 
S. 2165, the U.S.-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012. I 
am proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation and I urge all of my 
colleagues to join me in voting for this bill.
  Israel continues to face unprecedented and unpredictable challenges 
from many of its neighbors. American support for Israel must remain 
unequivocally solid. This legislation is the latest important effort to 
continue and expand our deep mutual relationship. I am pleased that the 
House of Representatives is considering H.R. 4133 today, as it is of 
the utmost importance.
  In addition to reaffirming our continued commitment to Israel, this 
legislation will provide Israel with many new military capabilities 
needed to defend itself against any threats. It is important for those 
who may wish to do Israel harm to know that they will not be 
successful. Specifically, this bill will provide Israel with new 
missile defense capabilities, mid-air refueling tankers, and 
specialized munitions. Each of these are key components for ensuring 
Israel's continued sovereign right to exist. In addition to these items 
this bill thoughtfully provides Israel with certain defense equipment 
that is being left behind by the withdrawal of American forces from 
Iraq.
  In addition to the conveyance of equipment, this bill greatly 
increases our intelligence sharing operations and offers the Israeli 
Air Force aditional training resources in the United States. This is 
very important given the severely limited training grounds for the 
Israeli Air Force in its own country. I am especially pleased with the 
agreement for increased intelligence cooperation. This new level of 
intelligence collaboration will substantially assist our own 
intelligence services in keeping Americans safe. This legislation 
greatly benefits both countries; it is truly a remarkable partnership.
  These efforts are paramount, but we must not rest. When we pass this 
legislation today, we must know that this is only the next step, and is 
not the final step in ensuring Israel's freedoms and right to exist. I 
remain committed to work with my colleagues for helping expand the US-
Israeli partnership.
  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.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, S. 2165.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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