Congressman Gerlach believes the United States has no greater ally in the world than Israel and that we must continue to support the country, especially during these difficult times.
Terrorist Threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and others
Congressman Gerlach has consistently backed efforts in Congress to condemn terrorist attacks on Israel, to recognize the sacrifice of the Israeli people and to support Israel’s right to protect herself from all enemies. In the 110th Congress, Congressman Gerlach has been a co-sponsor of the following resolutions and co-signed the following letters in support of Israel:
- House Resolution 951, condemning the ongoing Palestinian rocket attacks on Israeli civilians -- A resolution that provides the House with an avenue for expressing outrage over the constant rocket attacks being directed at Israeli civilians from Gaza, and support for Israel’s efforts to respond appropriately.
- Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) letter -- Congressman Gerlach cosigned a letter calling on President Bush to provide assurances that any plans to sell Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) technology to Saudi Arabia will not harm U.S. forces or undercut Israel’s qualitative military edge. The letter states that JDAM technology, which transforms unguided conventional bombs into precision munitions with highly accurate targeting capabilities, could undermine the stability of the region if it falls into the wrong hands.
- Honoring Israel's 60th Anniversary -- Both chambers of Congress resoundingly passed resolutions (House Con. Resolution 322 and Senate Resolution 522) – introduced by the bipartisan leadership of the House and Senate – that recognize the 60th anniversary of Israel and reaffirm the bonds of close friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
- Letter to President Carter. Congressman Gerlach cosigned a letter urging former President Jimmy Carter not to meet with Khaled Meshal, the head of the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas responsible for the deaths of 26 American citizens.
- Resolution Condemning Hamas Terrorism. In the wake of former President Carter's meetings with Hamas leaders, Congressman Gerlach cosponsored H. Res. 1110, which condemns Hamas as a foreign terrorist organization responsible for the murders of 26 U.S. citizens. The resolution calls on Hamas to renounce terrorism, fully disarm and recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. It also reaffirms the House of Representative's strong support for Israel's right to defend her citizens against continuing Hamas terrorism.
Congressman Gerlach has also cosponsored and voted in favor of legislation imposing sanctions on Iran which poses the most significant and immediate threat by another nation against Israel.
H.R. 1400 – Iran Counter-Proliferation Act of 2007.
The Iran Counter-Proliferation Act of 2007 strengthens U.S. tools to cut off funds to Iran's nuclear program and prohibits U.S. nuclear cooperation with those aiding Iran's atomic efforts. The House version of the comprehensive sanctions bill passed the House on September 25, 2007 by a vote of 397-16.
P.L. No: 110-161 – Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2007.
The Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2007 (previously H.R. 2347) authorizes state and local governments to divest from companies investing in Iran's petroleum and natural gas sector and protects fund managers who divest from such companies from potential lawsuits. The House bill was signed by the President on December 26, 2007.
Continuing Support and Cooperation
Congressman Gerlach believes it is important that Congress continues to support Israel through the appropriations process by ensuring that they have the resources necessary to protect themselves from terrorist threats and potentially hostile nations.
2009 will mark the first year of a 10-year plan between the United States and Israel to gradually increase U.S. security assistance to the Jewish state to help it face increasing threats, including a potential nuclear Iran, daily Hamas rocket attacks, Syria’s military build-up and the rearming of Hezbollah. Under the agreement signed in August 2007, the $2.55 billion request will gradually increase until 2013, when it will level off at $3.1 billion per year until 2018.
In addition to supporting the security of Israel and the safety of the Israeli people it is also important that the United States and Israel continue to work together on issues of great importance to both nations. In the 110th Congress, Congressman Gerlach was happy to support Public Law - 110-140, legislation that authorizes from existing funds, $20 million a year through 2012 for joint ventures between U.S. and Israeli businesses and academic institutions for the development and commercialization of alternative renewable energy sources. The House included these provisions in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (H.R. 6, Title IX, Section 917) which was signed by the President on December 19, 2007.
