There were two major developments on Capitol Hill this week, as the overwhelming majority of Democrats and Republicans once again spoke in a unified voice in support of Israel.
Yesterday, by a vote of 420 to 9, the House of Representatives approved $1 billion in supplemental funding for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system.
Why this matters: This vote reinforces the solid bipartisan consensus in support of Israel’s security and repudiates efforts by those in Congress who are pursuing a dangerous agenda to undermine the U.S.-Israel relationship, weaken Israel’s security, and place Israeli and Palestinian lives at greater risk.
The extremists who voted against this funding want to cut off the vital American support that Israel needs to defend itself and keep civilians safe.
I encourage you to watch Rep. Ted Deutch's response to Rep. Rashida Tlaib, included below my signature.
Late last night, the House authorized funding U.S.-Israel missile defense cooperation, strengthening U.S.-Israel cooperation and taking steps to counter Iran.
These developments showcase the strength of our pro-Israel friends in Congress and what is possible when the broader pro-Israel community comes together.
I will keep you updated as these bills continue to move through Congress.
Below are more key news items form the week.
Brian Shankman Chief Strategy Director for National Affairs
Rep. Ted Deutch Responds to Rep. Rashida Tlaib
In a passionate defense of our ally Israel yesterday on the House floor, Rep. Ted Deutch stood up to the vicious, dangerous lies spoken by Rep. Tlaib about our democratic ally.
Legislation AIPAC is Supporting
Bipartisan Senate Resolution Urging EU to Fully Designate Hezbollah as a Terrorist Organization
Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduceda bipartisan resolution in the Senate urging the European Union to fully designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.
Reps. Ted Deutch (D-FL), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Kathy Manning (D-NC), and Peter Meijer (R-MI) introduced a bipartisan House companion resolution in July.
U.S.-Israel Military Technology Cooperation Act in the House
Reps. Joe Wilson (R-SC), Brad Schneider (D-IL) and Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) introduced the U.S.-Israel Military Technology Cooperation Act this week.
This bill would establish a new U.S.-Israel defense working group to streamline bilateral defense cooperation and innovation to better overcome shared threats.
House Bill to Create U.S.-Israel Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Center
Reps. Jake Auchincloss, (D-MA), Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH), Grace Meng (D-NY), Dean Phillips (D-MN) and Mike Waltz (R-FL) introduced legislation to create a U.S.-Israel Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research and Development Center.
This U.S.-based center would further bilateral cooperation in AI and contribute to the advancement of this critical field. It would serve as a hub for robust research and development in AI across the public, private and education sectors in the two nations.
Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced companion legislation in the Senate in June.
What happened? Over 30 countries, including America, stood with Israel this week in boycotting the U.N. General Assembly event commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Durban World Conference on Racism.
Statement by U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield: "The United States remains opposed to the anti-Israel and anti-Semitic underpinnings of the Durban process, and has longstanding freedom of expression concerns with the Durban Declaration and Program of Action."
Why? Since the first Durban conference in 2001, these forums have been marked by blatant anti-Semitism and one-sided hostility to the Jewish state.
The U.S. and Israel walked out of the 2001 conference in protest at the hostility toward Israel, including efforts to label Zionism as a form of racism.
At this year's conference, Iran's new foreign minister vowed to eliminate Zionism.
"As the new foreign minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I’m honored to announce that my nation’s willpower is dedicated to the total elimination of all forms of racial discrimination, including apartheid and Zionism."
The bottom line: The U.N. Durban IV conference is a cesspool of discriminatory, anti-Israel propaganda.
"Zionism=Racism" is a vicious slander against the Jewish state and its supporters.
Biden Reiterates Commitment to Israel in Speech at U.N., Raisi Attacks U.S. READ MORE
At the U.N. General Assembly this week, President Biden stressed his support for Israel's security and his commitment to preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.
What he said:
"The commitment of the United States to Israel’s security is without question—and our support for an independent Jewish state is unequivocal."
"The United States remains committed to preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon… We’re prepared to return to full compliance with [the deal] if Iran does the same."
Meanwhile, Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi used the platform to attack and sow distrust of America.
What he said:
"The United States’ hegemonic system has no credibility, whether inside or outside the country."
"Sanctions are the United States’ new way of war with the nations of the world."
"We don’t trust the promises made by the U.S. government."
The way forward: The U.S. must continue to make clear that Iran cannot receive sanctions relief through threats and escalations.
Anti-Israel activists attempt to dominate the conversation on social media. Now, it's easier to fight back.
Our new website, ProIsraelTweets.com, enables you to opt-in for us to tweet pro-Israel content on your behalf. The site also has recommended tweets to share and accounts to follow.
The mission of AIPAC is to encourage and persuade the U.S. government to enact specific policies that create a strong, enduring and mutually beneficial relationship with our ally Israel.
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