Congress members introduce legislation affirming U.S.-Israel ties

Eric Cantor

Congressional leaders introduced legislation that would reiterate U.S. policy affirming Israel’s right to self-defense.

U.S. House Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) and Democratic Whip Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), with House Foreign Affairs Chairwoman Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) and the House committee’s ranking member, Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.), on Monday introduced the U.S.-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act, which calls security cooperation between the two countries a national interest.

“The ties that bind the United States and Israel are cemented by our mutual dedication to freedom, opportunity and democracy,” Cantor said in a statement. “We must support our ally and send a message that the United States and Israel will always stand together.”

Hoyer said that the bill “reflects the immutable and enduring bond between our two nations.”

“It is a bond that reflects the shared values of our people and our shared interests in preserving stability in the Middle East,” he added.

AIPAC policy conference delegates will discuss the legislation when they attend 530 lobbying meetings with members of Congress on Tuesday afternoon.