Steve Womack: “I thank my friend, Chairman Calvert, for giving me an opportunity to speak on this very vital piece of legislation. It…”

“I thank my friend, Chairman Calvert, for giving me an opportunity to speak on this very vital piece of legislation. It is our solemn duty, Mr. Speaker, to protect our allies and defeat our common enemies. I think we have agreement on both sides of the aisle that we need to do that. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a brutal attack on our friends in Israel. We have all seen the carnage, the assessment of damage, and the terrific loss of life in Israel. This unwarranted and unprovoked attack was a cruel display of the worst of humanity. We should all agree to that. Israel is a stabilizing force in the Middle East. It has to be supported at all costs. From my time as a commander of forces in the Sinai Peninsula, where I had a close working relationship with the IDF, to my time as a Member of Congress on this important subcommittee, I have always been a strong supporter of Israel and will continue to advocate on its behalf. This $17.6 billion appropriated will save Israeli lives, and it will work to defeat Hamas terrorists. The funding will replenish and procure advanced weapon systems, defense articles, and defense services. It will provide for the procurement of the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Iron Beam defense systems to combat short-range rockets and support U.S. military operations in Israel. Mr. Speaker, in short, we need to pass this bill. I encourage all of my colleagues to take a serious look at it. Pass the bill.…”