[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 123 (Friday, August 1, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      FY15 IRON DOME SUPPLEMENTAL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 1, 2014

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this emergency 
supplemental furthering our commitment and support to our steadfast 
ally through critically-needed funding for the Iron Dome missile 
defense system.
  Israel is currently embroiled in a devastating war on terrorism. For 
weeks, Hamas, an internationally-recognized terrorist organization, has 
indiscriminately fired thousands of rockets into Israel and has built 
miles of tunnels to launch vicious land attacks.
  Just yesterday, in a dastardly breach of the humanitarian ceasefire, 
Hamas operatives reportedly surfaced from a tunnel, killed two Israeli 
soldiers, and abducted a third, Hadar Goldin. I join the Administration 
in demanding his immediate and unconditional release.
  We are all heartbroken by the devastating loss of human life on both 
sides. But the fact remains, Hamas is responsible for this war, 
cowardly booby-traps in UN-health clinics, hiding rockets in UN-run 
schools, instructing Gazans to ignore Israeli warnings to relocate to 
protect its weapons instead, and repeatedly violating internationally-
backed ceasefires.
  Innocent Israelis and Palestinians have already suffered an enormous 
toll. Yet Hamas remains committed to wreaking fear and havoc on as many 
civilians as possible.
  That is why this measure is vital. Iron Dome has already protected 
millions of Israelis who must have our full backing.
  The additional $225 million will accelerate production of Iron Dome 
to counter short-range rockets.
  I urge immediate passage.

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