WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) and House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) introduced H.R. 4133 the U.S.-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act, which is also cosponsored by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Ranking Member Howard Berman (D-CA). This bipartisan legislation affirms the deep military and security ties forged over the past few years between the United States and the State of Israel, and reflects the consensus of Congress that they ought to continue. It also reiterates U.S. policy affirming Israel’s right to defend itself against threats and America’s unshakable commitment to Israel’s security, recognizing that a secure Israel will always be in America’s national interest, especially as our nations work together to combat the threat of terrorism around the world and the danger posed by Iran’s nuclear weapons program, which carries the risk of destabilizing the region.
“The ties that bind the United States and Israel are cemented by our mutual dedication to freedom, opportunity and democracy. We must support our ally and send a message that the United States and Israel will always stand together. Today, my friend Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer and I are introducing legislation to reaffirm our enduring commitment to the US-Israel strategic relationship and to ensure that threats to Israeli and American security will be answered with strength,” Leader Cantor said.
“This bill reflects the immutable and enduring bond between our two nations,” Rep. Hoyer said. “It is a bond that reflects the shared values of our people and our shared interests in preserving stability in the Middle East. The threat from Iran’s nuclear ambitions is real and demands serious, cooperative effort by both the United States and Israel. I am proud to put forward this legislation along with Majority Leader Cantor, and I am hopeful it will pass with strong support from across party lines. It is a reminder that support for Israel is not and should never be a partisan issue.”
