On the recordMay 22, 2018
I oppose the amendment to strike section 1225, which is an important and necessary provision in the fiscal year 2019 NDAA. Iran is a significant threat not only to Israel but to the stability of the entire region, and this provision provides an effective plan to counter their destabilizing efforts. Iran has supported militias in Syria, provided weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon, and helped the Houthi militia to overthrow the government in Yemen. They continue to pose a threat to Israel by building up forces near Israel's northern border and to U.S. forces in the region as well. This provision not only emphasizes the importance of multilateral cooperation, but it encourages the Secretary of Defense to establish a framework for critical mutual investments in ISR assets, ballistic missile defense, and cybersecurity and cyber defense. At its core, section 1225 supports the National Defense Strategy by highlighting the importance of partnerships and the responsibility of all affected nations to contribute in order to achieve shared objectives. It is only through this level of shared responsibility that the United States can expect to manage the threat from Iran, as well as those from Asia and Europe. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Kinzinger).
