On behalf of 141 Jewish Federations, Jewish Federations of North America express our gratitude to the 314 members of the United States House of Representatives who opposed Rep. Thomas Massie’s amendment to cut all security assistance to Israel, as well as our disappointment in the 103 members who joined with Rep. Massie in support of the measure.

 

Criticism and disagreement over the policies of the United States and any ally, including Israel, are hallmarks of our democracy.  But this measure did not articulate a disagreement on policy.  Rather, by seeking to eliminate longstanding U.S security assistance to Israel, it undermined the national security of the United States and Israel at a time when critical humanitarian, diplomatic, peacebuilding, and coexistence efforts are being pursued by the United States and our allies in the Middle East.

 

The measure would have also broken the commitments made by the United States in the 10-year Memorandum of Understanding negotiated by President Obama, a memorandum designed to bolster both American and Israeli national security by providing Israel with security assistance and support for missile defense programs. The threats from our common enemies have only grown since the MOU was signed, making its fulfillment even more essential.

 

Members of Congress who voted to reject this extreme amendment are to be commended for standing up for America's security interests in the world at this dangerous time, and also for upholding the simple principle that America should honor its commitments and allow an embattled ally to defend itself.