NEW YORK World Jewish Congress United States (WJC US) on Friday applauded the US Congress for the passage of the Omnibus Spending bill that includes critical provisions to aid Israel in 2018.
The spending bill ensures $3.1 billion in security assistance to Israel, as well as $705.8 million for missile defense programs such as Arrow, David's Sling and Iron Dome. These missile systems are jointly developed by the US and Israel and is critical to both nations' security needs.
As well, funding for anti-tunneling technologies is also included in this bill. $47.5 million has been allocated for the joint development of systems that can help detect terrorist threats underground, a constant concern in Israel and to American forces abroad.
Finally, we are gratified that the bill also includes the Taylor Force Act, legislation that cuts funding to the Palestinian Authority (PA) that supports their practice of paying terrorists or their families, increasing pressure to stop terrorism.
WJC US extends its thanks to the Congressional leadership who helped pass this momentous legislation: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY), Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-MS) and Ranking Member Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker (R-TN) and Ranking Member Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ) and Ranking Member Nita Lowey (D-NY), House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) and Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-NY), Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY), Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX), Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-IN) and Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO).
