The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved final passage of the United States-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act of 2015. The bill now goes to the President's desk.
Chairman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Ranking Member Ted Deutch (D-FL) of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee and Chairwoman Kay Granger (R-TX) and Ranking Member Nita Lowey (D-FL) of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, made the following statements after Congress passed H.R. 907, the United States-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act of 2015 – a bill they authored. This legislation seeks to strengthen military and economic ties between the United States and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa: “I’d like to thank my congressional colleagues Ted, Kay, Nita, Marco and Ben for working together in a bipartisan and bicameral manner to strengthen our relationship with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. By passing this legislation and sending it to the President’s desk, Congress is sending an important message to our ally Jordan that we will continue to support the Kingdom as it faces potential threats by ISIL and a serious strain on its resources and its economy as a result of the challenges stemming from an influx of Syrian refugees. Jordan has been on the front lines in the coalition fight against ISIL and in the response to the Syrian humanitarian crisis, but we must ensure that Jordan has the resources and support it needs to remain stable and secure.”
Congressman Ted Deutch, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa: “Jordan has been a steadfast ally of the U.S. and a critical partner in the fight against ISIS. The U.S. must continue to support those in the region who are committed to fighting terrorism and who seek to provide refuge for those fleeing violence. This bipartisan legislation will ensure that Jordan can continue to play an important role in the international coalition to counter ISIS and to defends its borders from external threats.”
Congresswoman Kay Granger, Chairman of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee: "Jordan is a very important partner to the U.S. and we must do everything possible to support King Abdullah II and the Kingdom. The United States-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act of 2015 is key to that support and ensuring Jordan will have the resources they need to protect the Kingdom and to fight ISIS and other extremist organizations. Jordan continues to provide stability in a turbulent region. It is vital that the United States maintain the closest possible relations with Jordan, and I believe this legislation is a strong step forward.”
Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Ranking Member of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee: “During such a tumultuous time in the region, with the rise of ISIL and the unprecedented humanitarian needs of millions of refugees, stability and security in Jordan remain vital to U.S. national security interests. As the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, I remain committed to our strategic partnership with Jordan, and I will continue to work as hard as possible to promote stability, economic growth, and prosperity for the Jordanian people.”
H.R. 907 - the United States-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act of 2015 would:
- · Amend the Arms Export Control Act to include Jordan on a list of trusted allies for which Congress may expedite the process so that we sell Jordan much needed military equipment it needs to defend against and fight ISIL;
- · Support a Memorandum of Understanding to increase military cooperation between our two countries, including joint military exercises and personnel exchanges;
- · Support Jordan in its response to the Syria and Iraq refugee crisis.
NOTE: Chairman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Ranking Member Deutch, Chairman Granger, and Ranking Member Lowey are the authors of H.R. 907, the United States-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act of 2015. Senators Marco Rubio and Ben Cardin were the Senate authors of S. 1789, which passed February 3, 2016. The final version of the bill passed the House of Representatives on February 10, 2016.