[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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