Following final passage today of the foreign aid package, Democratic Majority for Israel Political Director Joel Wanger released the following statement:
“Just ten days ago, along with its proxies in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, Iran launched an unprecedented and unwarranted attack against Israel. The attack, and Iran’s stated goal of annihilating Israel, underscored the urgent need for American leadership to pass this vital aid for our closest ally in the Middle East.
“We are grateful for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s leadership in ensuring prompt passage of the foreign aid bill, which includes $26 billion in critical military aid for Israel. The bill provides $4 billion in funding for the Iron Dome and David’s Sling, Israel’s defensive missile systems, both of which are crucial to protect innocent civilians from attacks by Iran and its proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah. The bill also includes $1.2 billion in funding for the development of Israel’s Iron Beam laser defense system.
“The bill passed by the Senate today also includes new sanctions targeting Iran’s oil exports, weapons programs, and drone program, as well as sanctions on Iranian proxies, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, among others.
“We were pleased to see 98% of Senate Democrats vote to block new amendments to the foreign aid package, which would have included a troublesome amendment from Senator Bernie Sanders stripping much of the urgently needed aid for Israel from the bill and leaving Israel vulnerable to future attacks.
“We recognize the Senate first passed the foreign aid package in February. Now, after unnecessary months of delay by House Republicans, we applaud the Senate for sending this bill to President Biden’s desk for his signature.
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