WASHINGTON, DC—Representative Eliot L. Engel, the leading Democrat on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, welcomed approval by the full Committee of legislation he recently introduced to increase American support for Israel’s life-saving Iron Dome antimissile system. The Emergency Iron Dome Replenishment Act (H.R. 5235) would authorize funding for Iron Dome procurement, production, and maintenance, upon request by the Government of Israel.

“Israel is our closest ally and the only democracy in the Middle East, and the United States has a clear interest in helping Israel defend itself and protect its citizens. Iron Dome works. We need to make sure it continues to shield Israel from the Hamas’s nonstop terrorist attacks. My legislation will save lives and send a clear message that the United States is standing shoulder to shoulder with our Israeli allies,” said Rep. Engel. “I’m pleased the Foreign Affairs Committee sent this bill forward and I urge my colleagues in the House to support it.”

Over the last two years, with Iran’s assistance, Hamas has stockpiled thousands of rockets, including long-range rockets capable of hitting Israeli and Palestinian population centers 100 miles away. In the last month, Iron Dome has intercepted nearly 500 rockets, at a cost of $82,000 per interception and totaling more than $40 million. H.R. 5235 would ensure that Iron Dome continues to receive necessary support.

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