Granger: America will never turn its back on the great State of Israel.

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX), Lead Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, delivered the following remarks during debate of H.R. 5323, an Iron Dome supplemental appropriations bill.

Mister Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5323, which provides funding for Israel’s Iron Dome system.

I have a long record of supporting Israel and am proud to support this bill today. 

We originally secured funding for Iron Dome in the continuing resolution that was filed Tuesday morning. Unfortunately, that funding was then stripped out to address concerns on the Democrat side and a new CR was introduced. 

In addition, Republicans voted for my Motion to Recommit which could have addressed this issue, but the Majority Party was united in voting against it.  

Let me explain why this bill is important to pass as quickly as possible. 

Four months ago, Israel was under attack from terrorists. The rocket fire into Israel was unprecedented. Countless civilian lives were saved because of the Iron Dome system that the United States has supported year-after-year.  

Due to the attacks this last spring, Iron Dome rocket interceptors need to be replenished. 

This funding is critical and time sensitive. We must ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself in the face of real and growing threats. 

Providing this funding sends an important message to Israel and those who wish them harm, that the United States stands with Israel and against terrorists. We must reassure our ally that America will never turn its back on the great State of Israel. 

I urge passage and reserve the balance of my time.