Since being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives Congressman Knollenberg has been actively engaged in some of the most pressing issues facing the United States and Israel.
As a friend to the United States and our strongest partner in the Middle East, Israel deserves our respect and commitment. Having one of the most diverse districts in the country, Congressman Knollenberg understands the commitment not only between the U.S. and Israel but between American and Israeli citizens. Since 1995, he has been a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations. In this position he has met with high-ranking U.S. and Israeli officials regarding current and future policies.
The easiest way to support Israel is through co-sponsorship of important legislation regarding U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. Congressman Knollenberg has been a consistent supporter of pro-Israel legislation. During the 109th Congress, the House of Representatives considered many bills regarding the current situation in the Middle East. A bill imposing sanctions on Iran so long as they pursue weapons of mass destruction was co-sponsored by Knollenberg. When the bill came to the House floor for a vote, Congressman Knollenberg enthusiastically supported it. He has also supported sanctions against Syria and legislation to strengthen Lebanon’s sovereignty and their inter-governmental fight against Hezbollah.
Congressman Knollenberg’s reputation as a serious and strategic thinker has led to many behind-the-scenes policy changes that have benefited both Israel and the U.S. For instance, since 1994 Congressman Knollenberg has been intrinsically involved in the Israel Resettlement Program. After World War II, Jews around the world were displaced. While many found their way to Israel most Jews settled in what is now the former Soviet Union. The Israel Resettlement Program works to bring those individuals back to their homeland. Congressman Knollenberg has delivered more than $420 million for refugee resettlement. Without this funding thousands of Jews would be displaced throughout Europe.
Often times, during the fiscal budgeting process for the federal government it takes multiple phone calls, letters, and on-the-record statements to ensure important funding is not cut. Congressman Knollenberg has made countless phone calls to high-ranking government officials to ensure funding for Israel is not cut from year to year. In fact, when debating emergency supplemental funds to fight the Global War on Terror in 2002, Congressman Knollenberg put Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage on record stating the Administration would not oppose increasing funding for Israel. This statement paved the way for him to add emergency funds for Israel to the spending bill.
As an Appropriations member Congressman Knollenberg has also been critical of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNWRA). UNWRA is a UN agency specifically structured to aid the Palestinian people as they deal with a civil war between the more moderate Fatah faction and the terrorist group Hamas. It has long been thought that UNWRA uses international funds to support terrorist activity. Congressman Knollenberg has been actively involved in holding UNWRA accountable for the U.S. funding they use. As an appropriator there is no bigger task than ensuring U.S. taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and especially not for terrorist financing. Congressman Knollenberg has advocated for outside audits of UNWRA to ensure they are using funding consistent with U.S. demands.
While annual funding to Israel is crucial to ensuring their safety against neighbors who wish harm against them, Knollenberg also plays a strategic part in important policy decisions. In 2002, Congressman Knollenberg led a Congressional effort to support President Bush’s decision to cease talks with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. Since then, he has also led the fight to ensure no direct U.S. assistance goes to the Palestinian Authority (PA). Until the leading political parties can recognize Israel’s right to exist and denounce terrorism the United States should not support their efforts with international aid. Recently, Congressman Knollenberg supported blocking $86 million President Bush had re-programmed for President Mahmoud Abbas because of the formation of a coalition between Fatah and Hamas.
The government-led partnership between the U.S. and Israel is crucial to maintaining freedom and democracy around the world. However, the local Jewish community is also important to Congressman Knollenberg and that is why he has consistently supported projects for the local community in Oakland County. Jewish Vocational Services, Michigan Jewish Institute, and many other Jewish organizations have benefited from the support of Congressman Knollenberg in obtaining federal funding for their many important programs. Knollenberg is also a frequent keynote speaker at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
For more than half a decade Israel has been the lone democracy in the Middle East. The history between Israel and the United States stems not only from similar democratic governance but also from a consistent belief among citizens of both countries that all individuals have the right to live in peace. Through strategic partnership and long-standing friendship the U.S. and Israel have seen many victories. However, through the hard-work of Members of Congress like Congressman Knollenberg the partnership will continue.
