Mike Collins: “I do appreciate the opportunity. Of course, you and the ranking member, Mr. Engel, have always been supportive of me…”

“I do appreciate the opportunity. Of course, you and the ranking member, Mr. Engel, have always been supportive of me, and I do appreciate that a great deal as we work on these issues together. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of H.R. 938, the United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2013. This legislation recognizes and enhances the historic and vitally important relationship between the United States and Israel. As the only democracy in the volatile Middle East, ensuring a strong Israel should be the priority of this body and this administration. Recently, this body passed H.R. 1992, bipartisan legislation that I introduced, along with Congressman Schneider of Illinois, to modify QME reports to reflect the ever-changing threats that Israel faces. I am pleased that H.R. 1992 was also included in this Strategic Partnership Act. Specifically, H.R. 1992 shortens the review time of U.S. weapons sales to Israel's neighbors from 4 years to 2 years. In addition, it asks this administration to determine how much of a threat asymmetric and cyber warfare are to Israel's security. Anyone can look in just the last 4 years at how much has changed surrounding our friend Israel. It is important that we take and lower this time frame so that we are constantly making sure they have a qualitative military edge. This is of vital importance.…”