Lois Frankel

09/23/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/23/2021 12:43

Rep. Frankel Statement on Iron Dome Supplemental Bill

West Palm Beach, FL - Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement after voting to replenish Israel's Iron Dome missile interceptors through a supplemental funding bill.

"The Iron Dome is a life-saving missile defense system that protects innocent civilians from rocket attacks by terrorist groups who want to see Israel wiped from the map," said Rep. Frankel. "Imagine what life would look like in Israel right now if the 4,000+ rockets fired at Israeli schools, parks, airports, and hospitals this summer hadn't been intercepted by this remarkable system. Iron Dome saves lives, prevents war, and is in America's national interest. That's why funding for Iron Dome has always had overwhelming bipartisan support and today's vote reflects our continued commitment to our ally, partner, and friend-Israel. I urge the Senate to immediately take up and pass this critical measure."

This funding is consistent with the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Obama-Biden administration in 2016 between the United States and Israel to re-fund the Iron Dome, a defense system developed jointly by both countries. The funding will replenish the Iron Dome's missile interceptors that were used to protect civilians from rocket fire this summer. Congresswoman Frankel shared stories on the House Floor in May, of an Israeli grandmother, a five-year-old boy, and an Arab-Israeli teenage girl, all of whom were murdered by Hamas rockets. Without Iron Dome, there could be thousands more heartbreaking stories just like those.

The bill passed by a vote of 420-9.

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