Ted Deutch: “I thank Chairman Engel for yielding the time. I rise today in support of H.R. 1837, the U.S.-Israel Cooperation…”

“I thank Chairman Engel for yielding the time. I rise today in support of H.R. 1837, the U.S.-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security Act. I thank Chairman Engel for his support of this legislation, as well as Ranking Member McCaul, and I am especially grateful to my friend, Congressman Joe Wilson, for introducing this bill with me. I also thank the 289 bipartisan cosponsors of this bill. Today, we send a clear message that bipartisan support for the U.S.- Israel relationship, for the security and civilian cooperation between our countries, and for the ties between the American and Israeli people, remains strong and unwavering. Today, we vote to strengthen and enhance this relationship, while also providing victims of terrorism a rightful path to justice and restoring much-needed assistance which contributes to security and saves the lives of Israelis and Palestinians. The security provisions in this bill reinforces the ways in which the U.S. guarantees Israel's right and ability to defend herself against any and all threats, in turn, contributing to our own national security interests in the region. By codifying the 2016 10-year memorandum of understanding, we advance security and stability in a volatile region. But just as our alliance with Israel is about more than just security, this bill is about more than just security as well. Our bond with Israel is rooted in our shared values.…”