PRESS RELEASE: American Jewish Congress Applauds the Passage of House Legislation Funding Israel’s Iron Dome

[New York, NY – September 23rd, 2021] The American Jewish Congress strongly applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing with overwhelming bipartisan support H.R. 5323, legislation that fully replenishes Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. This legislation will provide $1 billion in the Fiscal Year 2022 supplemental appropriations, guaranteeing that Israel will have the means to defend itself against rocket attacks perpetrated by terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah.

The final tally of the vote, with 420 lawmakers voting in favor of the legislation, demonstrates that bipartisan support for Israel in Congress is both strong and deep. And despite irresponsible rhetoric made by a small group of legislators about Israel that was both swiftly denounced by Members from both sides of the aisle, it is clear that Congress overwhelmingly supports Israel’s security needs.

We strongly concur with the pro-Israeli sentiments expressed in today’s debate in the House. As affirmed today in the House, we believe that the Iron Dome system – developed in a joint Israeli-American partnership – is a core pillar of Israel’s security, benefiting all Israelis, regardless of their religion and ethnicity, saving civilian lives across the board.

We now urge the U.S. Senate to quickly pass the House legislation, which President Biden has already stated he supports, and look forward to it being quickly signed into law.