[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 6]
[House]
[Pages 8610-8615]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




UNITED STATES-ISRAEL ROCKET AND MISSILE DEFENSE COOPERATION AND SUPPORT 
                                  ACT

  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 5327) to authorize assistance to Israel for the Iron Dome 
anti-missile defense system, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 5327

       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 Rocket 
     and Missile Defense Cooperation and Support Act''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Congress finds the following:
       (1) The Jewish State of Israel, as a close and 
     indispensable ally of the United States, with whom the United 
     States enjoys mutually-beneficial military, intelligence, 
     homeland security, scientific, technological, and other 
     cooperation, deserves all necessary assistance to defend 
     itself and its citizens from the many threats that it 
     continues to face.
       (2) The State of Israel has been under grave threat and 
     frequent attack from missiles, rockets, and mortar shells 
     fired at Israeli civilian targets by militants from the 
     Foreign Terrorist Organization Hamas on its southern border 
     and by the Foreign Terrorist Organization Hezbollah on its 
     northern border, which have killed, wounded, or inflicted 
     psychological trauma on countless Israelis.
       (3) The United States remains committed to Israel's 
     qualitative military edge, including its advantage over non-
     state actors such as Hamas and Hezbollah, which boast 
     increasingly sophisticated and powerful weapons as a result 
     of support from Iran, Syria, and other state actors.
       (4) Regional stability and lasting peace between Israel and 
     the Palestinians requires that Israel can ensure the safety 
     of its population against rocket, missile, and other threats.
       (5) The United States can help to advance its own vital 
     national security interests and the cause of peace by 
     supporting Israel's ability to defend itself against rocket, 
     missile, and other threats.
       (6) The State of Israel announced in January 2010 the 
     successful testing of its Iron Dome Short Range Artillery 
     Rocket Defense System which is designed to intercept short-
     range rockets, missiles, and mortars launched by militants in 
     Gaza and southern Lebanon.
       (7) In the face of threats from its neighbors and non-state 
     actors, Israel historically has sought the means to defend 
     itself, by itself.
       (8) President Barack Obama has stated: ``Our commitment to 
     Israel's security is unshakable.''.
       (9) Vice President Joe Biden has stated: ``From my 
     experience, the one precondition for progress is that the 
     rest of the world knows this--there is no space between the 
     U.S. and Israel when it comes to security--none.''.
       (10) Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates has stated: 
     ``President Obama has affirmed, the United States commitment 
     to Israel's security is unshakable, and our defense 
     relationship is stronger than ever, to the mutual benefit of 
     both nations.''.
       (11) President Obama recently requested funds to help the 
     State of Israel procure and maintain Iron Dome missile 
     batteries.

     SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF ASSISTANCE TO ISRAEL FOR IRON DOME 
                   ANTI-MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM.

       The President, acting through the Secretary of Defense and 
     the Secretary of State, is authorized to provide assistance 
     to the Government of Israel for the procurement, maintenance, 
     and sustainment of the Iron Dome Short Range Artillery Rocket 
     Defense System for purposes of intercepting short-range 
     rockets, missiles, and mortars launched against Israel.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. McMahon) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe) each will 
control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.


                             General Leave

  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this 
legislation and yield myself as much time as I may consume.
  H.R. 5327, the United States-Israel Rocket and Missile Defense 
Cooperation and Support Act of which I am a proud original cosponsor, 
authorizes funds for the State of Israel to facilitate the deployment 
of the Iron Dome missile defense system. I would like to thank the 
distinguished gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Nye) for introducing this 
important legislation.
  Madam Speaker, as we all know, the residents of Israel are subject to 
the constant threat of terrorist attack--not just threat but actual 
attack. Israelis living in the southern city of Sderot have been 
terrorized by more than 8,000 indiscriminate rocket and mortar attacks 
on their homes, schools and communities. Passage of the U.S.-Israel 
Rocket and Missile Defense Cooperation and Support Act today will help 
provide Israel with a reliable missile shield that could lead to a 
major strategic shift in Israel's approach to dealing with the 
persistent missile threat.
  For years, the primary tool that Israel has used to protect its 
citizens from Hamas and Hezbollah missile attacks is an early warning 
system that sets off sirens telling people to hurry into bomb shelters. 
This is a passive defense which aims to minimize fatalities among 
helpless, unprotected civilians. The deployment of the Iron Dome 
missile shield will give Israel the capability to provide active 
defense. This advanced system has the capability of knocking Qassams, 
Katyushas, mortars and other deadly projectiles out of the sky, 
rendering them harmless.
  President Obama's decision to provide the necessary funding to 
support Israel's deployment of the Iron Dome system demonstrates 
America's enduring commitment to Israel's enduring defense and the 
Obama administration's commitment to ensuring Israel's security. As 
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates recently said, ``President Obama has 
affirmed, the United States' commitment to Israel's security is 
unshakable, and our defense relationship is stronger than ever, to the 
mutual benefit of both nations.'' Madam Speaker, U.S.-Israeli 
cooperation on the Iron Dome system will help advance the cause of 
peace by supporting Israel's ability to defend herself against 
terrorist attacks. This will give Israel the security it requires to 
live in peace and to make difficult sacrifices for peace. I believe 
defensive technologies like Iron Dome are a real-world necessity for 
Israel as it moves from proximity talks to direct talks and eventually 
to a final two-state solution.
  Madam Speaker, the United States and our ally Israel share many of 
the same security challenges, from combating terrorism to confronting 
the threat posed by Iran's nuclear weapons program. President Obama and 
the Democrats in Congress recognize the threat posed by Hamas and 
Hezbollah to Israel, and we will continue to do what is necessary to 
keep Israel safe and promote the cause of peace, but we cannot have 
peace until Israel is safe. Today we stand shoulder to shoulder with 
the people of Israel in their quest for peace and the right to live 
lives free of terrorism. I encourage all of my colleagues to vote 
``yea'' on this important legislation.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  One of the foundations of America's national security policy is and 
must remain our deep alliance and our friendship with the democratic, 
Jewish State of Israel. We not only share our deepest values with 
Israel, but we also enjoy close, mutually beneficial, bilateral 
cooperation in many fields, including defense, intelligence, homeland 
security, science, technology and education. And as many have noted, 
Israel is a stabilizing force, and our alliance with Israel is a force 
multiplier in a region of great strategic importance to not only Israel 
but the United States.

[[Page 8611]]

  In short, the United States' support for Israel advances our own 
security interests. But every day the threat to the democratic, Jewish 
State of Israel grows and continues to grow. As the Iranian regime 
draws closer to obtaining the capabilities for nuclear weapons and the 
missiles to deliver them, as that same regime sponsors Hezbollah, Hamas 
and other foreign terrorist organizations, and as the Syrian regime 
follows in its footsteps in these regards, the goal is very simple: To 
destroy Israel and the Jewish people, with the United States next.
  Madam Speaker, the little fellow from the desert, Ahmadinejad, has 
denied the Holocaust. He has compared Israel to a ``germ,'' threatened 
to ``wipe Israel off the map,'' and has spoken of his goal of ``a world 
without America and Zionism.'' The dictator of Syria has threatened 
Israel with ``violent resistance.'' Hamas' covenant calls for killing 
Jews and destroying the nation of Israel. Hezbollah's leader has 
reportedly stated that ``If the Jews all gather in Israel, it will save 
us the trouble of going after them worldwide.''

                              {time}  1530

  Madam Speaker, we should take these threats from Syria, Iran, 
Hezbollah, and Hamas as serious threats to world stability, and 
specifically to the nation of Israel. They have backed up these threats 
with their evil deeds. For the last decade, thousands of rockets and 
mortars have been fired by Hezbollah from the north and Hamas to the 
south, sponsored by Iran and Syria with reported aid from the nation of 
North Korea. Since Israel's defense operations against Hezbollah in 
2006, Hezbollah has rapidly rearmed again, thanks to Syria and Iran and 
North Korea, and reports indicate they now have over 40,000 rockets 
aimed at Israel.
  Recent reports indicate that Syria is providing Hezbollah with long-
range missiles that could strike most of Israel, and that some of that 
weaponry was reportedly manufactured by those folks in North Korea. I 
would add incidentally that it doesn't help matters when senior 
administration officials say the United States should build up what 
they call more moderate elements of Hezbollah. There are no moderate 
elements of Hezbollah. Hezbollah is not a mainstream political party. 
They are a blood-thirsty terrorist group. But I digress, Madam Speaker.
  To Israel's south, Hamas and other violent militant groups in the 
Gaza area have fired thousands and thousands of rockets and mortars on 
civilian targets in southern Israel since 2000, killing, wounding and 
inflicting deep psychological trauma on Israeli citizens.
  Madam Speaker, I doubt if we would long put up with rockets coming 
from the north of our border and from the south of our border, but the 
Israelis have to put up with the terror from the north and the south on 
a constant basis. Since the conclusion of Israel's defensive operation 
in January 2009, the rockets and mortars have abated, but they have not 
stopped entirely. In fact, over 200 have been fired in the last 16 
months.
  To defend the Israeli people, the State of Israel is developing a 
multi-layered rocket and missile defense system. It is a defense 
system, not an offensive system. It is called the Iron Dome for short-
range threats, the David's Sling for medium- to long-range threats, and 
the Arrow for long-range ballistic missiles.
  But as we know, national security comes at a heavy cost. Israel has a 
higher ratio of defense spending to gross domestic product and spends 
more on defense as a percentage of its budget than any developed 
country. Israel should not bear these costs single-handedly.
  Madam Speaker, when Hamas and Hezbollah, backed by Iran and Syria, 
threaten Israel, they also are threatening us, and we need to respond 
accordingly. What we should do is stand with Israel just as Israel 
stands with us, and we should continue to provide Israel with the 
support it needs to defend itself by addressing and stopping the 
comprehensive threat posed not only by Hamas and Hezbollah, but their 
state sponsors, specifically Iran and Syria.
  That is why I strongly support H.R. 5327, the United States-Israel 
Rocket Missile Defense Cooperation and Support Act, which authorizes 
the United States to support Israel with the procurement, maintenance, 
and sustainment of the Iron Dome system.
  I would like to thank my distinguished gentleman from Virginia (Mr. 
Nye) and the ranking member of our Foreign Affairs Committee, the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), and Mr. Turner from Ohio 
for sponsoring this vital legislation. I urge my colleagues to pass 
this legislation and make the message clear: the United States will 
stand with Israel and our other allies, and we will stand against our 
mutual enemies, no matter the cost.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Nye).
  Mr. NYE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to reaffirm and strengthen the 
U.S.-Israeli bond in mutual defense and security by introducing H.R. 
5327, the United States-Israel Missile Defense Cooperation and Support 
Act.
  The relationship between our countries is unlike any found in the 
world, and our friendship gives both Israel and the United States peace 
of mind in knowing that we will always support one another's security.
  A safe homeland begins abroad, and Israel has long been central to 
that security. For instance, it is because of Israel's strength and 
cooperation that the U.S. no longer has to constantly keep a carrier 
strike group in the Mediterranean, allowing us to use our forces more 
judiciously.
  I am proud to introduce this legislation which is supported by the 
President's recent decision to provide funding to support Israel's 
deployment of the Iron Dome missile defense system. The Iron Dome 
system will help protect Israeli citizens living in cities like Sderot 
who have been terrorized by over 8,000 indiscriminate rocket and mortar 
attacks on their homes, schools, and communities. The funds authorized 
by this bill will allow Israel to build two Iron Dome batteries which 
will be deployed in the southern and northern areas of the country as 
needed. Israeli defense officials estimate that Iron Dome could be 
deployed and functional this year.
  Lasting peace between the Israelis and Palestinians requires that 
Israel can ensure the safety of its population against missile threats. 
Therefore, U.S.-Israel cooperation on the Iron Dome system will help 
advance the cause of peace by supporting Israel's ability to defend 
itself against terrorist attacks. Cooperation on important technologies 
such as Iron Dome proves that the U.S.-Israeli security cooperation is 
stronger than ever and is also beneficial to both nations as we 
continue to collaborate to develop our most sensitive defense 
technologies.
  Congress stands shoulder to shoulder with Israel in their quest for 
peace and the right to live free from terrorism. This legislation is a 
tribute to America's commitment to Israel's defense and to the 
President's continued and expanding support for Israel's security.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 15 seconds to the 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Nye).
  Mr. NYE. I would like to thank Chairman Berman, Ranking Member Ros-
Lehtinen, Ms. Giffords, Mr. McMahon, Mr. Himes, Mr. Ackerman, Ms. 
Kosmas, Mr. Bishop, and Mr. Turner for their support of this crucial 
legislation as original cosponsors, and I urge my colleagues to support 
this measure.
  Mr. POE of Texas. I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from 
Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky), a member of the Permanent Select Committee 
on Intelligence.
  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the U.S.-Israel 
Missile Defense Cooperation and Support Act.
  Too many Israeli families live under the daily threat of rocket 
attacks from

[[Page 8612]]

Hezbollah and Hamas. President Obama's decision to provide $205 million 
in support of the Iron Dome rocket defense system will help Israel 
defend its citizens against these deadly terrorist attacks.
  I traveled to Israel last month, and I believe the status quo in the 
Middle East is unsustainable. Lasting peace between Israelis and 
Palestinians will only be possible if Israel can ensure the security of 
its population. And that is why U.S. support for defensive weapons 
systems like Iron Dome is so important. This legislation clearly 
demonstrates that the United States Congress and President Obama will 
not compromise when it comes to Israel's security. I am proud to 
support this legislation, and I want to thank its sponsors.
  Mr. POE of Texas. I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to Representative Moran 
from Virginia, a member of the Committee on Appropriations.
  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this bill 
of which I am also a cosponsor.
  Last week, President Obama submitted a request to Congress to 
authorize funds for this important missile defense system which will 
shield Israeli civilians from indiscriminate short-range missile 
attacks. The bill is consistent with support of human rights for 
Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, and of efforts to enhance 
Israel's security and defense of her citizens from violent rocket and 
missile attacks.
  This reflects the role that the United States can play in saving 
lives on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; and if we can 
save lives and promote a sustainable peace, then we must play that role 
from both a moral as well as a geopolitical motivation because when 
people feel secure, they think differently than when they feel under 
siege. Their priorities change. And this missile defense system could 
be a game changer. It deserves our support.
  Mr. POE of Texas. I continue to reserve.
  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from 
New Jersey (Mr. Rothman), a member of the Appropriations Committee and 
its Subcommittee on Defense.
  Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from 
Staten Island, Congressman Nye, and Congressman Poe for your work on 
this important issue.
  Madam Speaker, why is it important for the United States to defend 
the national security of the State of Israel? Well, it is important 
because the national security of the State of Israel is critically 
important to the national security of the United States of America.
  How is that so? Well, we know first of all that the United States has 
been working with Israel and her technicians on improved missile 
defense technology. The Arrow missile system is a joint U.S.-Israel 
technological wonder that protects the United States and its forces 
around the world from incoming missilery from within zero to 600 miles. 
We know that the U.S. is working on a project with Israel called 
David's Sling, again a defensive system to protect U.S. forces and 
Israeli forces and people from rockets and mortars fired between 43 and 
150 miles.
  We are also working with the State of Israel, the United States is, 
on a very sophisticated anti-missile system called Arrow 3, which would 
allow us to defend against ICBMs fired as far as 1,200 miles away and 
get those missiles 1,200 miles away before they were over American soil 
or over our troops in the region or over our ally, the State of Israel.
  So the money that we invest in missile defense with the State of 
Israel and having our scientists working jointly together is in the 
vital national security interest of the United States and in the vital 
national security interest of the State of Israel which provides 
Americans so many benefits, not just the benefits of supporting a 
fellow democracy and a nation who our Founders referred to as people 
deserving of the right to return to their natural homeland.
  Israel has a strategic importance to the United States as well. It is 
located on the Mediterranean. It is located near the Red Sea. It is a 
bad neighborhood. A lot of the actors who would want to hurt Americans 
around the world and on U.S. soil are inspired, if not financed, from 
that region.
  Israel has one of the world's greatest intelligence services. We 
Americans get day-to-day updates from that intelligence service which 
benefit us in our fight against terrorists who are trying to kill 
Americans around the world and on American soil.
  And of course the money that we give Israel for its military 
acquisitions, 70 percent of the money is required to buy American-made 
munitions; American made.
  Those are just some of the reasons. U.S. generals want Israel to have 
a missile defense system that will be able to be used to protect U.S. 
troops in the region as well as our ally, the State of Israel.
  Also, as one of my colleagues mentioned earlier, we increase the 
chance for peace if potential adversaries know not only that we have a 
strong offensive power, but that we have a strong defense. So if they 
know that whatever they shoot at us won't land, won't blow up on us, 
and that we will then respond with overwhelming power and they haven't 
laid a glove on us, so to speak, then they will be deterred. They will 
say, gee, if I throw everything at them and it won't work because they 
are protected by this anti-missile system, and they will respond 
overwhelmingly, why the heck should we fire at them in the first place.
  That is why a missile defense system for the United States has been 
so important. That's why a missile defense system for our number one 
strategic military ally in the region, the Jewish State of Israel, is 
so important for the United States. It will help protect Israel. It 
will help protect American troops in the region, and it will help 
reduce the chances of war if those who want to destroy Israel know 
Israel can survive an attack and then be ready with its own offensive 
response.
  I thank the gentleman for offering this bill, and I urge all of my 
colleagues to support it as well.
  Mr. POE of Texas. I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz), chairwoman of the Legislative Branch 
Subcommittee on Appropriations.

                              {time}  1545

  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 
5327, the United States-Israel Rocket and Missile Defense Cooperation 
and Support Act. As a staunch supporter of the Jewish State of Israel, 
it gives me great pride to be a cosponsor of this resolution, which 
will provide Israel with the funding it needs to maintain the safety 
and security of her citizens.
  By authorizing funds requested by President Obama for Israel's Iron 
Dome defense system, Congress and President Obama's message to the 
people of Israel is loud and clear: Our commitment to Israel's security 
is unshakable. And, through this funding that will help Israel produce 
and maintain an effective defense against short-range missiles, 
rockets, and mortars such as those used by Hamas and Hezbollah, we are 
backing up our words with action.
  I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on helping to maintain Israel's 
qualitative military edge and vote ``yes'' on H.R. 5327. And I commend 
my colleague, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Nye) for his leadership 
on this very important issue.
  Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve.
  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
New York (Mr. Nadler), the chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on 
the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.
  Mr. NADLER of New York. Madam Speaker, we all hope for a peace 
agreement negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians. Such an 
agreement, providing for adequate security safeguards for Israel, would 
benefit the citizens of Israel and would benefit the Palestinians. It 
would also help stabilize the

[[Page 8613]]

Middle East and would inure to the national security interests of the 
United States.
  Every American administration for the last 40 years has recognized 
that prerequisite to the successful conclusion of any peace agreement 
is the maintenance of Israel's qualitative military superiority over 
any potential combination of state and nonstate aggressors. In recent 
years, unfortunately, we have permitted Israel's military superiority 
to lag, to begin to fall down.
  I want to congratulate the administration, the Obama administration 
for recognizing this and, in the last year and a half, sharply stepping 
up U.S. military assistance and U.S. military cooperation with Israel.
  Now we also face the threat from Iran and the threat of 40,000 
rockets and missiles supplied by the Iranians in Lebanon in the 
possession of Hezbollah, which has said that it wants to kill every 
Jew. It would be nice if all the Jews moved to Israel so they could 
kill them with one swoop. And this accumulation of 40,000 rockets has 
been done in violation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which 
has not been enforced. So, hence, this bill.
  This bill, which comes to us from the administration, to provide 200-
and-some-odd million dollars for the Iron Dome antimissile system is 
another step in maintaining Israel's military superiority and in 
protecting Israel's citizens against possibly unprovoked aggression and 
is an absolute prerequisite if we hope to see any peaceful settlement 
in the Middle East.
  I, therefore, congratulate the administration on taking this step and 
on the steps it has made to maintain Israel's military superiority. I 
thank the sponsors, and I urge the passage of this bill.
  Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, the State of Israel, the nation of Israel, is not a 
big place. It's a little, bitty country. It's smaller than the State of 
New Jersey. From north to south, at the longest point, it's 200 miles. 
East to west, it's 75 miles. And ever since their existence, nations 
all around them have been wanting to destroy the nation of Israel.
  Let there be no mistake about it, Madam Speaker. Israel is our ally. 
Israel has the absolute right of self-defense, to protect the dignity 
of its country and to protect its citizens. That is the first duty of 
every government and of every nation. This resolution helps Israel 
protect itself and its citizens.
  Israel has the absolute right to exist. And it should be known to the 
world that we will stand with Israel to make sure they have the right 
to exist. Israel is saying to Hezbollah and Hamas, Syria, Iran, and 
even North Korea, Leave us alone. That is the right that Israel has, to 
be left alone in that region.
  This resolution also says, Madam Speaker, and reaffirms a statement 
made 50 years ago by President John F. Kennedy when he made the comment 
in his inaugural address, and I quote, ``Let every nation know, whether 
it wishes us well or ill, that we will pay any price, bear any burden, 
meet any hardship, support any friend and oppose any foe to assure the 
survival and the success of liberty. This we pledge and much more.''
  This resolution, Madam Speaker, reaffirms that commitment by 
President Kennedy over 50 years ago.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I shall 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I join in agreement with all the speakers who have 
spoken on this resolution, the importance of America's continuing 
friendship, support, and solidarity with the people of Israel.
  Many speak about how this is an issue that is so important for 
America's national security, and that is true. I'm a New Yorker. You 
may have noticed that. I know with my accent I didn't have to say it. 
But I was also in New York on September 11, and like so many New 
Yorkers, we saw firsthand the threat of terrorism right at our 
doorstep; not just the threat, but the reality. And it's that threat 
and that reality that the people of Israel live with every day. They 
are on the front line. So, yes, it is in our national interest.
  But it also speaks to the very morality and soul of our Nation that 
we stand by our friend, that we stand by our colleague in this world 
battle, and that is the nation of Israel. And so this bill is just one 
more step in that statement. It is important for America to do it 
because, if we didn't, then we would no longer be America.
  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, the security of our ally Israel 
is threatened by the proliferation of rockets its enemies possess along 
its borders. In both the south and the north, millions of Israelis live 
within range of Hamas and Hizballah rockets.
  In the last decade, more than 16,000 rockets and mortars have been 
launched over Gaza and Lebanese borders into Israel. These attacks have 
targeted and killed innocent civilians.
  With the backing and support of Iran and Syria, Hizballah now has an 
arsenal of more than 42,000 short- and long-range rockets, which are 
aimed at Israel. This number of rockets is more than three times larger 
than what Hizballah had prior to the 2006 war with Israel. U.S. 
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has warned that Hizballah's ``arsenal 
of rockets and missiles now dwarfs the inventory of many nation-
states.''
  The ability of Hamas and Hizballah to launch attacks on Israeli 
civilians is a threat to Israel's security that must be countered. To 
protect its people, Israel developed Iron Dome, a short-range rocket 
defense system that will protect civilians living near Israel's border. 
H.R. 5327, the United States-Israel Missile Defense Cooperation and 
Support Act, authorizes U.S. assistance to help Israel speed up 
production and deployment of this rocket defense system so that more 
Israelis are protected from the indiscriminate attacks of its enemies.
  But this legislation does more than improve Israeli security; it also 
enhances the security of the U.S. The missile defense technology being 
developed in cooperation with the U.S. will help us better defend 
ourselves, and may one day help protect U.S. military bases in the 
Middle East.
  I support the legislation before us and urge my colleagues to vote in 
favor of this legislation that will help Israel maintain its 
qualitative military edge.
  Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Israel 
Rocket and Missile Defense Cooperation and Support Act, legislation 
that recognizes the significance of our partnership with Israel, the 
mutually beneficial and historic nature of the relationship and our 
ongoing commitment to ensure its security for the State of Israel.
  For decades, support for Israel in Congress has been bi-partisan. In 
fact, it is one of the few issues where Republicans and Democrats have 
consistently agreed. Leaders of both parties recognize the importance 
of a strong and steadfast U.S.-Israel relationship and work together to 
strengthen it.
  Israel remains one of our most trusted and reliable allies. Terrorist 
organizations that vow to destroy Israel also vow to destroy the United 
States. As we continue to combat extremism worldwide and the violence 
it incites, a strong U.S.-Israeli strategic partnership is essential.
  Since coming to Congress, I have consistently and fervently supported 
America's commitment to the safety and support of Israel. In part, my 
commitment to Israel is based on the experiences of my mother, who fled 
Austria to escape the Nazis and emigrated alone at age 16 to the United 
States. My mother's stories have given me a deep understanding of the 
importance of Israel as a safe haven for Jews and as a strong voice on 
behalf of the Jewish people.
  The bill before us will better enable Israel to be a safe haven for 
Jews. It will formalize the United States' commitment to provide 
support for the deployment of Israel's ``Iron Dome'' missile defense 
system. This system will help protect Israeli citizens from the short-
range rocket attacks of the Hamas and Hezbollah terrorist attacks.
  I thank my colleagues for their support of Israel and for enhancing 
Israel's ability to defend itself. Our action today reaffirms our 
commitment to our closest of allies, Israel.
  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 5327, the 
United States-Israel Missile Defense Cooperation and Support Act of 
2010. This legislation authorizes $205 million dollars for the 
development and implementation of the Iron Dome--a missile defense 
system--that will be placed on Israel's borders with Gaza and Lebanon, 
and professes support for the security of Israel. I

[[Page 8614]]

strongly support that. However, like many Israelis, I believe that 
Israel's security depends upon a stable and peaceful relationship with 
its Palestinian neighbors.
  H.R. 5327 proposes that the means to achieve security for Israel is 
through investing in a missile defense system. I do not support that, 
and neither should anyone truly supportive of the security of Israel. 
Physicists have amply demonstrated that missile defense systems do not 
work. They can't hit a missile with a missile without rigging the tests 
in ways that are not simulations of realistic operation conditions. The 
missile system offered in H.R. 5327 will not stop any missiles, except 
by sheer luck, coming from Gaza or Lebanon.
  This missile defense system will give a false sense of security to 
the Israelis, and it will serve to threaten countries in the region. 
The missile system proposed in H.R. 5327 will cause more 
destabilization, not less. It will cause nerves in the Middle East to 
become more frayed, not less. It will bring about the prospect of a 
military conflict more than it will bring about peace and 
reconciliation in the region.
  I am also concerned that 43 years of military occupation in the West 
Bank, and the crippling siege of Gaza that has entered its fourth year, 
continue to undermine Israel's security. Investment in a missile 
defense system will not eliminate the need to address these issues that 
are a fundamental part of securing Israel's future.
  Last week, U.S. Special Envoy George Mitchell announced the beginning 
of proximity talks that require him to address the concerns of both the 
Palestinian Authority and the Israeli government prior to an attempt to 
restart direct negotiations on the final status issues. The United 
States has a responsibility to act in good faith as an honest broker.
  Negotiations will not be successful as long as the United States 
continues to stand by idly as illegal settlements continue to be built 
in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Furthermore, 1.5 million people in 
Gaza continue to suffer without basic services and Palestinians in the 
West Bank are denied the freedom of movement and prosperity by the 
separation barrier and hundreds of check points.
  The United States can better demonstrate its strong support for 
Israel by helping it move toward good-faith negotiations that ensure a 
peaceful and prosperous future for Palestinians as well.
  Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, I am proud to support the U.S.-Israel 
Rocket and Missile Defense Cooperation and Support Act, H.R. 5327, to 
provide $205 million to support Israel's deployment of the Iron Dome 
rocket defense system.
  Israel is our closest ally and the only true democracy in the Middle 
East, yet throughout its 62-year existence, it has been under attack 
from neighboring states and terrorist organizations like Hamas and 
Hezbollah that deny its right to exist as a Jewish State. Funding for 
this program is consistent with America's promise that there can be no 
space between the U.S. and Israel when it comes to security. U.S.-
Israel cooperation is beneficial to both nations, particularly when we 
collaborate to develop advanced defense technologies like the Iron Dome 
rocket defense system.
  For nearly five years, Israelis were subjected to a rain of terror as 
nearly 8,000 missiles were fired over the border from the Gaza Strip 
following Israel's unilateral withdrawal in 2005, leading to a 
desperate effort by Israel to end the bombardment with Operation Cast 
Lead which began on December 27, 2008. Large population centers like 
Sderot, Ashkelon, Ashdod and Be'er Sheva were hit by rocket and mortar 
fire. Widely derided as `home-made' by the international press, these 
bombs were deadly for those unlucky enough to be in the way. And they 
fell indiscriminately on homes, schools, hospitals and businesses. A 
four year old boy was killed at a nursery school in Sderot. Other 
rockets hit a school and a sports center in Ashkelon. Luck and a system 
of sirens and bunkers kept the death toll down, but thousands were 
injured and thousands more were traumatized by living with daily 
terror.
  Similarly, during the Lebanon War of 2006, residents of Northern 
Israel, including the city of Haifa, were subjected to a barrage of 
Katyusha rockets from Sourthern Lebanon. Nearly 4,000 of these rockets 
fell on Israel during the 5 week conflict.
  While incidents are fewer today, Israeli citizens along the border, 
particularly in the city of Sderot, continue to face occasional rocket 
fire. Evidence suggests that there are now at least as many rockets 
targeting Israel from Lebanon and the Gaza Strip as there were before 
Operation Cast Lead and the 2006 Lebanon War. And while the missiles do 
not fall regularly, they do fall. For example, on August 8, 2009, a 
rocket fired from Lebanon went through the roof of a nursing home in 
Nahariya in Israel, passing through several bedrooms and landing in the 
kitchen. By chance, the rocket hit while residents were on a lower 
level waiting for breakfast and there were only minor injuries and 
shock. Had residents been in their rooms, there would have been many 
deaths.
  Currently, the only defense is a warning siren that sounds 15 seconds 
before the bombs hit, allowing Israelis a few seconds to scramble for 
the nearest bomb shelter or safe room. That's fifteen seconds of terror 
while mothers call frantically for their children and old people 
painfully try to make it to safety. For those who are bedridden, 
there's merely the hope that the bombs will fall elsewhere.
  The best way to end terrorism is to render the terrorists powerless. 
Our $205 million will build a rocket defense system to give Israelis 
another form of self-defense. This defense system will advance the 
cause of peace by enhancing Israel's ability to defend itself from 
attack. Instead of building stronger bunkers and better underground 
facilities, it gives Israelis the hope that the missiles can be 
destroyed before they hit. If the missiles cannot get through, then 
Israelis will not have to cower in their bunkers and basements and safe 
rooms. And perhaps their dreams of a lasting, secure peace will become 
a reality.
  Madam Speaker, I believe this funding offers hope to Israelis weary 
of terror, and reason for optimism for those who understand that peace 
is impossible without the promise of security. Accordingly, I strongly 
support H.R. 5327 and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of it.
  Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I have always supported 
Israel's security and condemned unequivocally violence inflicted upon 
Israeli and Palestinian civilians. Recognizing the defensive nature of 
the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system, designed to guard against 
short-range rocket, missile, and mortar attacks which threaten the 
lives of innocent Israeli citizens, I voted yes on H.R. 5327.
  However, I must express my serious concerns regarding continued and 
increasing trends of militarization in the region. The soaring costs 
associated with an unending cycle of military buildup, both human and 
financial, cannot be ignored in the context of the suffering that 
continued tensions have inflicted upon Israeli and Palestinian 
civilians alike. All parties involved must redouble their efforts and 
resources dedicated to realizing a just and lasting peace between the 
Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world, including by refraining from 
gestures that would jeopardize the progress or viability of meaningful 
negotiations.
  Finally, Madam Speaker, I want to speak to the issue of the urgent 
need to realign our national security spending priorities--a 
realignment we must make within the context of both overall U.S. 
national security interests and in relation to our vital domestic 
requirements. We in the Congress must focus on the difficult choices 
associated with reducing our Nation's unsustainable military spending 
and on investments that will more effectively provide for our enduring 
security, and that of our allies. We must invest in our people, their 
education and our economy--always the backbone of our national 
security. As we scale back the military spending element of our 
national security investment, we must fill some of that vacuum with 
smart and highly leveraged investments in regional stability programs, 
including in the Middle East. Whatever the short-term and tactical 
defense merit of any one weapon system, such as is claimed for the Iron 
Dome antimissile defense system, it pales into insignificance when 
compared to successfully building regional economic development and 
confidence building.
  Mr. WAXMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5327, a 
bill authorizing critical funding to ensure Israel's security. Ever 
since President Kennedy first approved the sale of Hawk missiles to 
Israel in 1962, U.S.-Israel cooperation on defensive missile systems 
has developed into a productive strategic partnership that safeguards 
the security of our ally Israel while advancing our own military edge.
  Iron Dome, the program supported by this bill, is a system of anti-
missile batteries capable of intercepting the short- and medium-range 
Qassam, Katyusha, and Grad rockets that have been used by Hamas and 
Hezbollah to terrorize Northern and Southern Israel.
  The successful testing of the first two operational batteries earlier 
this year demonstrated the system's ability to revolutionize Israel's 
ability to defend against these attacks. The bill before us authorizes 
$205 million for Israel to build and deploy 10 more mobile batteries 
that will be available for rapid deployment wherever and whenever 
needed. And it is important to note that our own military stands to

[[Page 8615]]

benefit from the advanced radar and other technologies that are 
components of this system.
  During its 34-day war with Israel in 2006, the Iranian-backed 
Hezbollah movement unleashed nearly 4,000 rockets against Northern 
Israel. In the 5 years following Israel's complete withdrawal from Gaza 
in 2005, Hamas has unleashed 6,000 rockets on Southern Israel. Until 
now, Israel has had no defenses against such weapons.
  The Obama administration deserves tremendous credit for this 
initiative and its hands-on efforts to advance Israel's defensive 
capability at a critical time.
  It is no secret that Hezbollah and Hamas are rebuilding their 
arsenals. Hezbollah is believed to have rearmed with some 45,000 
rockets and missiles, including Scud missiles and other weapons that 
can hit Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Iran continues smuggling weapons 
material to Hamas via Egypt.
  It is also no secret that Iran has in the past used its terrorist 
proxies in Lebanon and Gaza to provoke Israel and divert international 
attention from its nuclear program and its defiance of international 
law. The 2006 Lebanon war, which was precipitated by Hezbollah's 
kidnapping of three Israeli soldiers, happened just as the IAEA was 
recommending that the United Nations demand that Iran suspend all 
enrichment-related and reprocessing activities.
  This investment to upgrade Israel's security is essential as the 
administration and Congress intensify efforts to pressure Iran with 
sanctions.
  I urge my colleagues to support this measure. I look forward to the 
full deployment of Iron Dome, and I hope that the region moves toward a 
peaceful future that will obviate its need.
  Mr. HOLT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the United 
States-Israel Missile Defense Cooperation and Support Act (H.R. 5327). 
I have had the pleasure of traveling to Israel on many occasions, and I 
have witnessed firsthand the fear that prevents children from running 
freely for fear of being too far from shelter when the next rocket 
attack comes. As we try to facilitate peace negotiations in the Middle 
East, we also have a responsibility to help Israel with the economic, 
social, and security costs resulting from terrorist attacks. That 
includes helping our friend and ally develop defensive technologies to 
protect her population.
  I have supported United States-Israel cooperation on the Arrow, Iron 
Dome, and other antimissile defense systems for years. I am pleased 
that President Obama has requested $205 million for this program and 
that this bill provides the necessary authority for the administration 
to assist in the procurement, maintenance, and sustainment of these 
technologies. Our cooperative effort will benefit both the United 
States and Israel for many years to come. This is a very worthy bill, 
and I urge my colleagues to support it.
  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, at this time I have no further requests 
for time, and therefore, I yield the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. McMahon) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 5327, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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