After months of anticipation, the U.S. House finally passed the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act detailing how it intends to use $696 billion in national security. In the bill, $705 million of the defense budget is allocated to U.S.-Israel missile defense cooperation--a $105 million increase from the last fiscal year!
The act specifies funding to R&D programs and missile defense systems such as the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 rocket interceptors that work to protect Israelis from rockets and missiles.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the largest and most powerful pro-Israel lobby in Washington D.C., expressed its deep appreciation particularly to the House Armed Services Committee which is chaired by Texas Congressman Mac Thornberry. AIPAC further urges that the $705 million be maintained in the final version of the bill which requires bicameral approval in order for the funding to go into effect.
Sources
“House Supports Funding for US- Israel Missile Defense Cooperation”: http://www.aipac.org/learn/resources/aipac-publications/publication?pubpath=PolicyPolitics/Press/AIPAC%20Statements/2017/07/House%20Supports%20Funding%20for%20US%20Israel%20Missile%20Defense%20Cooperation
House Passes Bill that includes $705 million for Israeli Defense: http://www.timesofisrael.com/house-passes-bill-that-includes-705m-for-us-israel-missile-defense-cooperation/