Press Release

ICYMI: Jewish Telegraphic Agency: “A Top Democrat Announces $500M In Anti-Missile Funding For Israel Into Defense Bill. The Timing Is Significant.”

Jul 1, 2020

In case you missed it, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency published a story highlighting U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s successful push to include $500 million for the U.S.-Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense Program in the National Defense Authorization Act. The U.S.–Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense Program helps Israel maintain a multi-tiered defense system capable of countering a wide range of threats from state and non-state actors. Gillibrand has long led the push in the Senate to secure authorization and funding for this program.

Click here for the full article or see below excerpts:

A top Democrat announces $500M in anti-missile funding for Israel into defense bill. The timing is significant. | Jewish Telegraphic Agency

By Ron Kampeas

June 30, 2020

For Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a New York Democrat, the announcement was routine, noting the inclusion of $500 million for Israel’s missile defense in a key defense funding bill. 

But it was significant as well in its timing, demonstrating that the party’s mainstream remains committed to funding for Israel’s military at a time that some of its progressive members are calling for cuts. 

“The U.S.-Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense Program is critical for the safety and protection of Israel, our close friend and ally,” Gillibrand said in an email Tuesday to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. “As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I’m proud to fight for this vital program, which will promote stability and help keep countless citizens of Israel safe from missile attacks.”

Gillibrand is the top Democrat on the Armed Service’s Committee personnel subcommittee. 

This is the third year that Gillibrand, along with the senior New York senator, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, led advocacy for the missile defense funding, which goes to the Iron Dome, Arrow and David’s Sling programs. The money is written into the National Defense Authorization Act, a must-pass bill.

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