As a lifelong activist in the pro-Israel community, protecting Israel’s security amidst regional hostility and terrorist threats is my unwavering commitment. During the 112th Congress, I was pleased to join a bipartisan delegation of my colleagues for a trip to Israel where we met with top officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This trip only reaffirmed my longstanding belief that America's unshakeable bond with Israel must extend far beyond mutual military interests. America benefits from Israel’s innovative economy, vibrant cultural and artistic contributions, and deep commitment to democracy and human rights. Congress must stand with Israel in the face of terrorist attacks, extremist propaganda, hostile neighbors in the Middle East, and a radical Iranian regime whose leader talks of a world without Israel.
I am proud that some of my first votes in Congress helped propel legislation strengthening Israel’s security. During my first week in the House, I voted to move the Iran Sanctions Act to conference with the United States Senate, making stringent sanctions on the Iranian regime one step closer to becoming law. I also voted to authorize President Obama’s request to increase funding for Israel’s Iron Dome project, a short range missile defense system that will protect innocent Israeli citizens from rockets and mortars.
I firmly believe that security is paramount to any hope for a peaceful Middle East. It is critical that the Palestinian Authority and other Arab nations end incitement, stop delegitimizing Israel, end their illegal economic embargos, normalize diplomatic relations, and reject the use of terror as a negotiating tool. The Israeli government, including current Prime Minister Netanyahu, has shown clear signs of wishing to achieve a lasting peace through a two-state solution with a demilitarized Palestinian territory. It is now time for Palestine and other Arab nations to meet Israel’s sacrifice and efforts to achieve Middle East peace.
