Ted Deutch: “I thank Ranking Member Engel for his support of this resolution and his outspoken and unwavering support for the…”

“I thank Ranking Member Engel for his support of this resolution and his outspoken and unwavering support for the U.S.-Israel relationship. I also thank Chairman Royce for his support of this as well. And to my friend and partner, Representative Ros- Lehtinen, I thank her as well. It is wonderful working with her on so many issues, but in particular our work on the committee to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship. Thanks as well to Representatives Granger and Lowey for their efforts. Mr. Speaker, reports indicate that the United States and Israel are very close to signing a new memorandum of understanding, a 10-year MOU on security systems. This resolution before us today is very straightforward. It urges the conclusion of those negotiations. It doesn't prescribe terms of the MOU. It says that we need to get the MOU finished. This resolution has the overwhelming bipartisan support of over 275 Members of this House who are cosponsors. Now, the MOU is the backbone of our security relationship with Israel. The assistance provided has ensured and will continue to ensure that Israel is able to defend herself against any and all threats. The threats that Israel faces increase every day. Every day the threat of rocket attacks from Hamas, Islamic Jihad, or Hezbollah looms. Every day Hezbollah adds more advanced rockets to its arsenal of over 150,000 capable of reaching every corner of Israel.…”