H.R. 5327: To authorize assistance to Israel for the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system

May 19, 2010 at 11:25 pm | Posted in Space Law | Leave a comment

by P.J. Blount with the blog faculty

H.R. 5327: To authorize assistance to Israel for the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system was introduced on May 18, 2010 by Rep. Glenn Nye (D-VA2):

HR 5327 IH

111th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 5327

To authorize assistance to Israel for the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 18, 2010

Mr. NYE (for himself, Ms. GIFFORDS, Mr. MCMAHON, Mr. HIMES, Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. BERMAN, Ms. KOSMAS, Mr. BISHOP of New York, Mr. TURNER, and Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

A BILL

To authorize assistance to Israel for the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ‘United States-Israel Missile Defense Cooperation and Support Act’.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress finds the following:

(1) The State of Israel is under grave threat and frequent attack from missiles fired indiscriminately by Hamas terrorists on its southern border and Hezbollah terrorists on its northern border.

(2) The Jewish State of Israel, as a close ally of the United States, requires and deserves all necessary assistance to defend itself from such indiscriminate attacks on its citizens.

(3) The United States remains committed to Israel’s qualitative military edge, including its advantage over non-state actors such as Hezbollah and Hamas, which boast increasingly sophisticated and powerful weapons as a result of support from Iran and other state actors.

(4) Regional stability and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians requires that Israel can ensure the safety of its population against missile and other threats.

(5) The United States can help to advance the cause of peace by supporting Israel’s ability to defend itself against missile and other threats.

(6) The State of Israel announced in January 2010 the successful testing of its Iron Dome anti-missile defense system which is capable of intercepting short-range missiles launched by militants in Gaza and South Lebanon.

(7) In the face of threats from its neighbors and non-state actors, Israel historically has requested it be given the means to defend itself, by itself.

(8) President Barack Obama has stated: ‘Our commitment to Israel’s security is unshakable.’.

(9) Vice President Joe Biden has stated: ‘From my experience, the one precondition for progress is that the rest of the world knows this–there is no space between the U.S. and Israel when it comes to security–none.’.

(10) Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates has stated: ‘President Obama has affirmed, the United States commitment to Israel’s security is unshakable, and our defense relationship is stronger than ever, to the mutual benefit of both nations.’.

(11) President Obama recently requested funds to help the State of Israel procure and maintain Iron Dome missile batteries.

SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF ASSISTANCE TO ISRAEL FOR IRON DOME ANTI-MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM.

The President, acting through the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State, is authorized to provide assistance to the Government of Israel for the procurement, maintenance, and sustainment of the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system for purposes of intercepting short-range missiles launched against Israel.