With the strong support and vote of Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester), the House of Representatives today passed the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act (HR 6126) to provide $14.3 billion in critical military assistance to the US ally as it continues to face an existential threat.

            “Our great friend and ally Israel—with significant assistance from the United States—continues to respond to the cowardly Hamas invasion that includes Hamas psychotic terrorists butchering innocent civilians, rape, hostage taking, the beheading of babies and daily indiscriminate missile attacks that are reminiscent of Nazi buzz bombs and V-2 rockets,” Smith said during his speech on the House Floor in support of the bill.

            “This critical legislation will help ensure that every weapon system needed to destroy Hamas—including the Iron Dome defense system—is conveyed to Israel in quantities commensurate to the challenge and without delay,” said Smith, the Co-Chair of the Israel Allies Caucus and senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

            Smith said the bill would help bolster Israel’s efforts to defend itself against Hamas by providing:

            · $4 billion to replenish the Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defense systems;

            · $3.5 billion in Foreign Military Financing for the procurement of advanced weapons systems and defense articles and services;

            · $1.2 billion for the continued development of the Iron Beam system to counter short-range threats; and

            · $1 billion to support artillery and munitions production.

            Additionally, the legislation would help ensure American military readiness by providing $4.4 billion to replenish domestic defense stockpiles as well as help support US personnel and citizens in Israel by providing $150 million for an enhanced security presence at the US Embassy and $50 million for the evacuation of US citizens.

            Smith said the bill is paid for by rescinding funds from the Democrats’ egregiously misguided tax-and-spend Inflation Reduction Act that supercharged the Internal Revenue Service. To help ensure accountability, the legislation also requires the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State to provide written reports to Congress detailing US security assistance provided to Israel.

            “The United States—and all people committed to human rights and the rule of law—must stand with Israel,” said Smith.

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