Virginia Foxx: “Today, I rise to acknowledge the special relationship between the United States and Israel. This year, we have witnessed…”

“Today, I rise to acknowledge the special relationship between the United States and Israel. This year, we have witnessed yet another ugly chapter in the history of Israel's enduring fight to defend her sovereign borders and protect her people from terrorist attacks. On August 1, Congress approved a measure to deliver an additional $225 million in aid to Israel, with the aim of replenishing funds for the Iron Dome antimissile defense system in the midst of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. It was absolutely the right thing to do because America's national security interests are directly tied to developments in the Middle East and specifically to Israel's own security. Strategic cooperation between the U.S. and Israel is vital to the well-being of both countries. The simple truth is, throughout history, Israel has made numerous concessions in the pursuit of peace while seeking only the right to exist. The country is a beacon of democracy in a sea of violence and hostility, and its ability to function and defend itself against terrorism is in no small part due to the support from the United States. ____________________”