(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX), Chairwoman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, and Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, introduced H. Res. 729, expressing support for the expeditious consideration and finalization of a new, robust and long-term Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on military assistance to Israel between the United States Government and the Government of Israel.
Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:
“The United States has no greater friend and ally than the democratic Jewish State of Israel. But our major strategic partner is under constant threat in a region marred with terror, violence and instability – all of which are ever present on Israel’s borders. Ensuring Israel maintains its QME is not only U.S. policy, but it is our law. A new MoU between the United States and Israel is needed to help guarantee Israel’s safety and security in the face of these new threats and challenges. That is why it is incumbent upon the Obama administration to conclude a new, robust and long-term MoU with Israel that will increase the amount of assistance over the current agreement, expand its scope, and to do so expeditiously. We stand ready and willing to work with the administration to make sure that this priority is addressed in a manner that is mutually beneficial for the U.S. and our ally, Israel.”
Statement by Deutch:
“The Memorandum of Understanding between our countries forms the backbone of the U.S.-Israel security relationship. Prompt completion of a new agreement will significantly enhance Israel’s ability to defend herself against all threats and deepen our cooperation to ensure Israel’s safety and security for years to come. This bipartisan resolution reaffirms the long-standing Congressional commitment to strengthening the U.S. – Israel relationship.”
Statement by Granger:
“It is vital that the U.S finalize a new, strong Memorandum of Understanding with Israel as soon as possible. Israel faces constant threats that are increasing due to instability in the Middle East and we must provide our closest ally with the support they need to defend themselves. Completion of a long-term MoU will ensure that Israel has that support.”
Statement by Lowey:
“This bipartisan resolution reaffirms the unshakable commitment of the United States to Israel’s security and sends a strong message of support for finalizing a new Memorandum of Understanding between our governments. Without a doubt, the political, security, and economic interests of the United States and Israel are fundamentally enhanced by continued cooperation that strengthens stability and security in the region and bolsters the longstanding, bilateral relationship that exists between our two countries.”
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