Israel’s Iron Dome Defense System: Congress Passes Funding
As the violence between Hamas and Israel resumes, the United States has moved forward a bill that would provide the Jewish state with necessary funds for its self-preservation.
The bill passed the Senate unanimously on Friday, giving Israel $225 million to fund the missile defense system known as Iron Dome, according to Reuters. The bill now heads to the House and then President Obama's desk for it to fully become law.
This was the second attempt by the Senate to pass the bill as Republicans had voted down an earlier bill. Politico reports that, in an attempt to push through immigration funding legislature for the crisis at the border, Senate Democrats compiled both the money for the border and the Iron Dome funds in a comprehensive bill.
"Our number one ally -- at least in my mind -- is under attack. If this isn't an emergency I don't know anything that is," Senate Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said on the floor of the Senate. However, Republicans rebuffed him, according to Politico.
"I want to fund Israel," replied Coburn. "I also want to make sure our children have a future."
Other Republican lawmakers proposed offsetting the cost the bill by cutting funding to the U.N. and other international organizations, a move Reid opposed, reports Politico. Yet, the money was approved later that day in a standalone bill, reports the Associated Press.
Following the Senate's approval, the bill moved on to the Republican-controlled House where it was approved in a 395-8 vote, reports the news agency. The missile system has protected Israelis from the onslaught of Hamas missiles but at a cost of to American taxpayers. The Associated Press reports that, since the system was created, it has cost the U.S. $700 million and will soon break the $1 billion mark.
Regardless, lawmakers continue to support the system on both sides of the aisle, reports the Los Angeles Times, and argued in favor of the defense system.
"Israeli citizens are being bombarded with missile after missile," said Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. She praised Iron Dome, saying it was "saving lives and protecting towns and cities."
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