On the recordMay 21, 2014
I want to thank Chairman McKeon for including this amendment that I cosponsor with Congressman Roskam. Israel and the United States face common threats in the Middle East, from the ongoing civil war in Syria, continued rocket fire from terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip, and the looming threat of a nuclear-armed Iran. In particular, Iran's brazen quest for nuclear weapons poses an existential threat to our ally Israel. A nuclear Iran would trigger an arms race in the Middle East, further destabilizing a region plagued by persistent volatility and, in the process, threatening U.S. national security and international stability. Military action against Iran is an absolute last resort, only after we exhaust all peaceful options. However, it would be irresponsible not to prepare for a worst-case scenario. This amendment would require the administration to certify that Israel maintains an independent capability to remove existential threats to its own security. Specifically, this report would ensure the smooth transfer to Israel of aerial refueling tankers, advanced bunker- buster munitions, and other capabilities and platforms critical to Israel's self-defense. This is an important amendment for the security of both the U.S. as well as our ally Israel. Mr. McKEON. Madam Chair, I encourage our colleagues to support the en bloc amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.
