U.S. CONGRESSMAN JOHN C. FLEMING, M.D.

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congressman John Fleming, M.D. released the following statement after the White House announced a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Israel.

“Securing a U.S.-Israel MOU is a priority for both our countries. The United States is committed to our friend and ally, the State of Israel, and has vocally advocated for Israel maintaining its qualitative military advantage, and ensuring that Israel is able to defend herself against looming threats in the region. In fact, on Tuesday I voted in favor of a bipartisan resolution to expedite the MOU, knowing how critical this funding is for Israel and the stability of the region.  

“Even so, it concerns me that the President has asked Israel to forgo funding that Congress may appropriate beyond the terms of this Memorandum. The MOU signals long-standing and ongoing cooperation between two democracies and should be the starting place Congress uses when assessing Israel’s defense needs and allocating federal dollars. Considering the President’s failed international policies and blatant concessions and side agreements in the Iranian nuclear deal fail, the President shouldn’t attempt to tie the hands of our strongest ally before Congress has completed its work."