The top House Democrat on the Appropriations Committee introduced stand-alone legislation on Wednesday that would provide $1 billion for Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system — just one day after House Democrats nixed the provision from a government spending bill amid pushback from progressives.
“The United States’ commitment to the security of our friend and ally Israel is ironclad. Replenishing interceptors used to protect Israel from attacks is our legal and moral responsibility,” House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro said in a statement.
DeLauro said the funding would typically be included in a year-end spending package but added that she was advancing the legislation now “to demonstrate Congress’ bipartisan commitment to Israel’s security as part of a Middle East with lasting peace.”
The funding is intended to bankroll Israel’s missile interceptors for the Iron Dome, a proposal that other Democratic House members called for after a violent conflict between Israel and Hamas in May.
LIBERAL DEMOCRATS FORCE HOUSE TO CUT ISRAEL DEFENSE FUNDING FROM CRITICAL SPENDING PACKAGE
House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro announces a standalone bill funding $1 billion for Israel’s Iron Dome, a provision that was removed from the CR amid objections from progressives.
A standalone measure would likely get significant GOP support. pic.twitter.com/BmdfU2eS6f
— Casey J. Wooten (@Casey_J_Wooten) September 22, 2021
However, a group of liberal House Democrats, some with a history of making antisemitic remarks, utilized the House’s narrow majority to force the Israeli defense funding out of the spending package on Tuesday.
Democratic Reps. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota were among Democrats protesting the funding. The group has long opposed providing funding for munitions for Israel out of concern for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
House Republicans were quick to rebuke efforts by some progressives to stymie the funding for the Iron Dome on Tuesday, with House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy tweeting, “While Dems capitulate to the antisemitic influence of their radical members, Republicans will always stand with Israel.“
Democratic House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer vowed to call for a vote on the latest stand-alone legislation later this week.
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“I will bring this urgently needed measure to the House Floor tomorrow for a vote to ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself,” Hoyer tweeted on Wednesday.
This afternoon, House Democrats introduced H.R. 5323, legislation to fully fund Israel’s Iron Dome. I will bring this urgently needed measure to the House Floor tomorrow for a vote to ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself.
— Steny Hoyer (@LeaderHoyer) September 22, 2021
