Peter Roskam: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate my colleagues from Georgia and Illinois for…”

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate my colleagues from Georgia and Illinois for their work on this matter. It is incredibly important; and, as Ms. Ros-Lehtinen mentioned a minute ago, the challenges that Israel are facing are incredibly significant. The challenges are moving very, very quickly, Mr. Speaker. There is a storm cloud that is brewing; and rather than waiting to recalibrate, this bill says let's evaluate how Israel is doing in terms of a qualitative military advantage and edge more frequently. As we know, if Israel is strong in the Middle East, good things happen. If Israel is weak in the Middle East, good things don't happen. We have an opportunity now for the House to stand with Israel. As mentioned before by Mr. Collins a minute ago, it is not just for Israel's sake; but it is clearly in the best interest of the United States. There is one democratic ally in the Middle East, and that is the State of Israel. It is incumbent upon us as a co-equal branch of government to encourage the administration to do the right thing, not just from Israel's point of view but from the long-term strategic interest of the United States. I am a cosponsor of this legislation. I am pleased that it is being brought under the leadership of Chairman Royce and his committee to the House floor. I urge its passage.”