Political Quotes

“I have long supported the Iron Dome weapons system to defend Israel from short-range missile attacks. I voted to authorize the United States to assist Israel in procuring the weapons. I voted for massive increases in funding for the Iron Dome during the summer of 2014 when Israel was under a daily barrage of missiles, and I spoke out repeatedly on the House floor in favor of fully funding the Iron Dome. I have been lucky enough to have visited Israel many times. Four years ago, I visited an Iron Dome battery in Israel. A single Iron Dome launcher can protect a medium-sized city. I am pleased that this bill includes $62 million for the program. I have offered an amendment to provide an increase in funding of $10 million, which would be sufficient for the procurement of an additional 500 interceptors. My amendment is designed to ensure that Israel has the means to defend itself against an increase in rocket attacks. As we all know, Israel lives in a dangerous part of the world. Since Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip in 2005, terrorists have fired more than 11,000 rockets into Israel. Over 5 million Israelis currently live under the threat of rocket attacks, and more than a half a million Israelis have less than 60 seconds to find shelter after a rocket is launched from Gaza into Israel. Therefore, I offer this amendment in defense of the civilian population of Israel. I am pleased to hear that the amendment will be accepted.…”