I voted Tuesday to help pass the U.S.-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act, comprehensive legislation designed to enhance strategic cooperation between the two critical allies. I urge President Barack Obama to sign the legislation, which also recently passed in the U.S. Senate, immediately.
With the threat of a nuclear Iran and unrest all over the Arab world, the United States must do all we can to help ensure the security of Israel, our closest and most important ally in the Middle East. I’m proud to have voted for the U.S.-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act and urge President Obama to sign it into law right away.
The U.S.-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act states that it is the policy of the United States to:
- Reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the security of the State of Israel as a Jewish state.
- Help Israel preserve Israel’s qualitative military and technological edge amid rapid regional transformation.
- Veto any one-sided anti-Israel resolutions at the United National Security Council.
The bill also puts Congress on record as urging the U.S. Government to:
- Expand joint military exercises and help Israel with defense capabilities like the Iron Dome, specialized munitions and satellite intelligence.
- Examine ways to prevent weapons smuggling into Gaza.
- Work to encourage an expanded role for Israel with NATO.
The bill also requires the President, within 180 days of enactment, to submit a number of reports to Congress on the status of various aspects of the legislation, including a report on efforts to expand cooperation between the United States and Israel in homeland security, counterterrorism, maritime security, energy and cybersecurity.
is the representative of New York’s Fourth Congressional District. She was first elected in 1996.
