Rep. Calvert: The Deteriorating Situation in the Middle East Demands Action
Today, Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert released bill text of the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, a measure that provides $17.6 billion in military assistance for Israel, as well as important funding for U.S. Forces in the region.
Subcommittee Chairman Calvert will be joined by Committee Chairwoman Kay Granger, State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, and Conference Chair Elise Stefanik as original cosponsors of the bill.
“The Israeli people are still reeling from the horrors of October 7th when they witnessed the brutal murder, rape and hostage taking of innocent Israeli citizens,” said Rep. Calvert.”
“While Hamas hides behind women and children and in tunnels below hospitals, the Israeli forces are tasked with hunting down these cowards and eradicating them or else risk yet another attack on their homeland. This bill will ensure Israel has the tools it needs to complete the mission and send a strong signal to others in the region that the U.S. unequivocally stands with Israel – a country committed to human rights, democracy, freedom and peace.
“I want to thank Chairwoman Granger for her guidance in crafting this bill and State and Foreign Operations Chairman Diaz Balart for his partnership as well. In the wake of the loss of five U.S. servicemembers, it is incumbent on Congress to act quickly and ensure our forces, and our ally Israel, have the support they need to deter hostile actors and terrorists.”
Background
The House acted in the wake of the October 7th terrorist attack, passing a $14.3 billion Israel supplemental and a resolution condemning the actions of Hamas, H. Res. 771. The measure released today includes the originally proposed funding, as well as additional funds for the U.S. military to address the increasingly dangerous situation in the Middle East.
Military and Security Assistance
- Reinforces Israeli defense systems by providing:
- $4 billion to replenish Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defense systems;
- $1.2 billion for the Iron Beam defense system to counter short-range rockets and mortar threats;
- $3.5 billion for the procurement of advanced weapons systems, defense articles, and defense services through the Foreign Military Financing Program; and
- $1 billion to enhance production and development of artillery and critical munitions.
- Ensures our support for Israel does not compromise U.S. readiness by providing:
- $4.4 billion to replenish defense articles and defense services provided to Israel; and
- $3.3 billion for current U.S. military operations in the region in response to the October 7th attack.
U.S. Personnel and Citizen Support
- Provides $200 million for the protection of U.S. personnel and evacuations of U.S. citizens, including:
- $150 million for enhanced embassy security and protection for U.S. personnel; and
- $50 million for emergency evacuations of American citizens in the region as a result of the conflict.
A summary of the bill is available here.
Bill text is available here.