Today, the House of Representatives voted to fully fund $3.3 billion in lifesaving security assistance to Israel, overcoming a dangerous amendment that would have stripped all the resources for Israel from the NSRP appropriations bill. We are deeply appreciative of the 314 Republicans and Democrats who voted to reject Thomas Massie’s latest anti-Israel effort and are disappointed by the 103 Democrats who voted with Massie to weaken America and our ally Israel.
This so-called messaging vote on Israel’s security sends a dangerous signal to both our allies and our enemies around the world. The Rules Committee allowed this vote at the behest of Rep. Massie, who is seeking every opportunity to undermine the U.S.-Israel relationship in the wake of his primary defeat in May.
Security assistance helps our democratic ally protect its families from unparalleled threats and advances a partnership integral to America’s national security. The appropriations bill passed today by the House funds the ninth year of the 10-year U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) negotiated by President Obama. Under the terms of the MOU, nearly all of this year’s assistance will be spent in the United States, creating American jobs and strengthening our industries. Next year, the final year of the MOU, 100% of the assistance will be spent in the United States.
In addition to fully funding the $3.3 billion in annual security assistance to Israel, the House included several other key pro-Israel provisions in its National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations Act. AIPAC appreciates the House funding the Nita Lowey Partnership for Peace Act and prohibiting any U.S. funding for anti-Israel bodies, including UNRWA, the ICC, ICJ, and the UNHRC’s Commission of Inquiry (COI) against Israel. AIPAC applauds the leadership of the Appropriations Subcommittee, Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart and Subcommittee Ranking Member Lois Frankel, for their work to include the pro-Israel provisions in the bill.
We remain committed to strengthening support in Congress among Democrats and Republicans for America’s partnership with Israel. AIPAC members will be actively engaged throughout this election cycle, and future election cycles, to support members of Congress of both parties who support a strong U.S.-Israel alliance and oppose those who don’t.
