[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 146 (Wednesday, December 3, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H8285]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ISRAEL
(Ms. FOXX asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute.)
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to acknowledge the special
relationship between the United States and Israel.
This year, we have witnessed yet another ugly chapter in the history
of Israel's enduring fight to defend her sovereign borders and protect
her people from terrorist attacks.
On August 1, Congress approved a measure to deliver an additional
$225 million in aid to Israel, with the aim of replenishing funds for
the Iron Dome antimissile defense system in the midst of the conflict
between Israel and Hamas.
It was absolutely the right thing to do because America's national
security interests are directly tied to developments in the Middle East
and specifically to Israel's own security. Strategic cooperation
between the U.S. and Israel is vital to the well-being of both
countries.
The simple truth is, throughout history, Israel has made numerous
concessions in the pursuit of peace while seeking only the right to
exist. The country is a beacon of democracy in a sea of violence and
hostility, and its ability to function and defend itself against
terrorism is in no small part due to the support from the United
States.
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