Call House Members TODAY and Urge Them to Support Full FY 2011 Funding for Israel and Oppose the Paul Amendment that would eliminate aid to Israel

Floor action scheduled today on Israel's aid House   The House is now considering a government spending bill to fund the government through the remainder of the year.  The bill includes $3 billion in security assistance for Israel in addition to funding for the Iron Dome rocket defense system. Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX) plans to offer an amendment that would eliminate Israel's security assistance.  If this amendment were to prevail, Israel's aid would be stripped out of the bill.  As a result, Israel would receive NO foreign aid for the remainder of fiscal year 2011.  Sample phone script: "The House has begun consideration of a government spending bill to fund the government through the remainder of the year.  The bill includes $3 billion in security assistance and funding for Israel's Iron Dome Rocket Defense system. Congressman Ron Paul plans to offer an amendment that would eliminate Israel's security assistance.  If that amendment were to prevail, Israel would not receive any foreign aid for the remainder of fiscal year 2011.  Please vote against the Paul amendment and support full funding for Israel.  Given the current turmoil in the Middle East, it is critical the United States fulfill its financial pledge to help our most reliable democratic ally meet its security needs."

Talking Points Following the terms of a 2007 U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the administration requested $3 billion in assistance for Israel for fiscal year 2011. This marks the third year of a 10-year commitment on security assistance to Israel under the MOU. The request represents an increase of $225 million over fiscal year 2010 levels.   Congress must stand by America’s commitments to Israel, particularly at a time of turmoil in the Middle East. It is critical that Congress support the President’s request for $3 billion in vital security assistance as well as funding for the Iron Dome mobile air-defense system as it finalizes fiscal year 2011 government spending.   We understand the tough budgetary environment facing our nation and the difficult decisions that lawmakers on Capitol Hill need to make.  However with the Middle East in turmoil, the slated increases for Israel are absolutely vital to her security, confidence and well being. This is especially true as Hizballah expands power in Lebanon, Iran's influence throughout the region grows and events in Egypt create greater uncertainty and risk for Israel.   For Congress to support anything less than the full U.S. commitment to Israel’s security would send the wrong message to U.S. and Israeli foes and weaken Israel at a time when she needs to be strong.