Lawmakers laud missile defense program funding boost

A pair of lawmakers recently touted the benefits of an increase in the U.S. – Israeli missile defense programs federal funding bill.

Senate Minority Leader Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) said the omnibus spending bill provides $705.8 million in funding to the programs, representing an increase of $105.4 million over last year.

“Israel must have every resource it needs to sufficiently defend itself from deadly rocket attacks aimed at Israeli civilians and it’s incumbent upon the United States to ensure they get these critical defense measures,” Schumer said. “I am proud to have voted for this federal spending bill, which provides $700 million in federal funds to the U.S. Israeli missile defense programs. This massive investment is vital to the safety and security of Israel and will help save countless lives in the future.”

Officials said the omnibus spending bill fully funds missile defense programs, such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and the Arrow 3 long-range interceptor program, with an increase of $558.4 million over the budget request of $147.4 million.

“This funding is vital to help our ally Israel defend itself against the growing capabilities of Iran and its proxies across the Middle East,” Gillibrand said. “By supporting Israel’s defense capabilities through the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow programs, we also gain access to research and development that strengthens our own national security. I was proud to fight for this critical funding and I will always continue to support Israel to ensure that it has all the resources necessary to protect its citizens from the wide range of threats that it faces.”