20 Jan House Endorsements 2012
REP ROB ANDREWS (D, NJ-1), Member House Committees on Armed Services and Education,has been a long time supporter of Israel as an ally that shares basic values with the U.S. and because Israel has taken the lead in the struggle against Islamist terrorism. He agrees that Israel, as a state under siege since its inception has a right to defend itself and to define its own security borders, opposing the notion that it should agree to suicide borders. In a 2011 speech to Congress he stated that the vast majority of Israelis who live outside the 1949 cease fire lines are suburbanites of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem and that they will be incorporated into any negotiated final borders of Israel. In the same speech he opposed what he saw as an Administration “tilt” toward Hamas, something the great majority of Congress could not abide. As early as 1995 he called for the U.S. embassy in Israel to be relocated to Jerusalem.
Andrews is outspoken on the connection between Islamic radicalism, terrorism and Iran’s drive to nuclear weaponry. He notes that while Israel may be threatened in its immediate neighborhood, the U.S. is clearly a target of treachery and overt terrorism. “. . . it is irrefutable that there is a force present in the world, a small but malignant force present in the world, that wishes to do us grave harm, that wishes to destroy our way of life and destroy the chance to spread our way of life to those in all corners of the world who would wish to enjoy it, and that force calls itself radical Islam.” Terrorists “will start with the Israelis. They always do. But they will eventually get to the United States of America.”
As early as March 2004, addressing Congress he stated, “Iran is a place where terrorist organizations who disrupt the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations find refuge, find weaponry, find cash. . . Is the present leadership of Iran capable of placing a small nuclear bomb on a cargo ship in a container and floating it into the harbor of a major American city. . . Should we wait and see? Should it be our policy to take an educated guess and find out? Regime change in Iran should be the policy of the United States of America; not negotiation, not cooperation, regime change.
REP. MICHELE BACHMANN (R-MN, 6th ), House Committee on Financial Services, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, is one of the most outspoken voices for the U.S.-Israel relationship in D.C. Her commitment to the safety and security of Israel is unquestionable. With regard to Ahmadenijad, Bachmann said, “If we’ve learned anything over the last 100 years, it is that when a madman threatens the annihilation of the Jewish people, we have to listen to him, to pay attention and to take action.” She is adamant that the U.S. never demonstrate weakness on the Iranian nuclear issue. On the Palestinian issue, she does not equivocate. She believes that the U.S. unwavering support for Israel means withholding U.S. tax support of the Palestinian Authority until is renounces terrorism and cuts ties with Hamas, whose constitution calls for the murder of all Jews. As for Jerusalem, Bachmann states, “…we tell the world, that never, ever will the eternal capital of the Jewish people become the capital of Egypt. [or any other nation.”
REP. JUDY BIGGERT (R-IL-13) is a committed supporter of the strong “special” relationship between the US and Israel, our “closest ally.” Her “personal approach to foreign policy is based on a fundamental belief in the right of free peoples to govern themselves, the right of nations to ensure the security of their borders, and the value to the US in promoting and respecting democracy throughout the world. The State of Israel embodies these fundamentals. . .”
Biggert agrees that Israel’s concerns about a nuclear armed Iran “aren’t just “’noise.’” The prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran – a major sponsor of international terrorism – threatens regional and even global stability. Dismissing these legitimate concerns about Iranian ambitions suggests that we don’t understand the gravity of the situation, and threatens to undermine our critical alliance with Israel. Biggert contends that no option can be left off the table to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. In an effort to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, she has cosponsored the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012, that imposed additional, serious economic sanctions on Iran. She also sponsored H.Res. 568, “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the importance of preventing the Government of Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability.”
Biggert states “Israel’s interests are our interests.” The US must support stable democracies around the world, and especially in the Middle East, especially in light of the degeneration of the Arab Spring. The unbreakable alliance with Israel should be reinforced in these dangerous times and Israel’s neighbors should be made to understand that they will not enjoy internal tranquility and prosperity until they are willing to make a genuine peace with the State of Israel.
(RABBI SHMUELY BOTEACH (candidate R, NJ-9th), is a prolific writer and teacher. In deciding to run for Congress he recognized that “we Jews are, after all, Americans participating in a polarized political discourse” and urges that “we can find a way for Jewish values to speak to our broader aspirations. Jewish values should be ideas that define the parameters of public discourse,. . . the key Jewish value is the civility itself and the mutual affirmation that . . . both are not just legitimate views, but even clear articulations of the living words of God. “
Understanding the desire for peace and conciliation, he nevertheless urges holding fast to the principle of the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish state. He admires former Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir who would make no territorial compromises that would endanger Israel’s security and in doing so to arm its most professed enemies. He has told key Administration officials that untimely negotiations are counter-productive. “When you give the Palestinians hope that the United States will do its negotiating for them, they are not going to sit down and talk.” The U.S. should not push Israel until the Palestinians are prepared to make the psychological and physical compromises necessary for peace.
Son of a father born in Iran, Rabbi Shmuley does not doubt the genocidal intent of the Iranian regime and will not criticize the Israeli government for pushing hard for American red lines in the Iranian nuclear program. He reminds us that it is the United States of America that Khamenei and his cabal hates above all others. It is the United States whose freedom and liberty that Iran so fanatically hates that is the foremost target of an Iranian nuclear program
REP. ERIC CANTOR (R-VA 7th), House Majority Leader, a consistent and outspoken leader on the importance of the US-Israel relationship, continues to advocate for a strong and unified stance against the growing threat of Iranian nuclear terrorism. In light of recent Administration statements that appear to minimize Israel’s significance to our alliance as well as downplay the threat to Israel’s very existence, he responded “. . . I think clearly most Americans would say that Israel is undoubtedly our best ally in the region, the one that stands for the same things we do, that is human progress, universal rights, rights of the minority, rights of free speech, and downright democracy and freedom in a region where that is in very short supply.” To ensure the qualitative superiority of Israel’s military capability in light of dire domestic economic circumstances, he has led the movement to separate military aid to Israel from the foreign aid appropriations process, recognizing that Israel’s ability to defend itself is cost-effective for the US and that the funds are almost entirely spent with US companies. With the Arab Spring deteriorating into increasing turmoil and animosity toward America, Cantor advocates for a more assertive policy in support of US interests throughout the Middle East, among other things, by sponsoring H.R. 4133, the United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012.
REP. MIKE COFFMAN (R-CO, 6th) House Armed Services Committee, Natural Resources Committee, Small Business Committee, is an officer in the Marine Corps and served in both the first Gulf War and in the Iraq War. He brings his extensive military background to the Armed Services Committee policies. Coffman co-authored a letter that expressed disappointment with the President’s actions in defining (without negotiations of the parties involved) of the borders between Israel and “Palestine.” The letter, signed by representatives from both parties, emphasized “The U.S. role should be one of a mediator that seeks to help resolve this conflict but not declare a winner or a loser and does not further compromise security in an already volatile region.” He signed the Hoyer-Cantor letter to Secretary Clinton reaffirming the U.S. commitment to the unbreakable bond between our country and Israel.
Coffman is also a co-sponsor of House Resolution 630 that expresses support for Israel and its right to self-defense against the illegal nuclear program by the Islamic Republic of Iran. He gained a first-hand perspective on his visits to Israel.
TOM COTTON (R-candidate AR, 4th) is a combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, an Army Ranger, and a Bronze Star and Combat Infantryman Badge recipient and a graduate of Harvard and Harvard Law School. His understanding of the complex issues confronting Israel and the many critical fronts in our global war against Islamic terrorists is very high. “When countries such as Israel share American principles and support American interests, we should support those allies in their struggles against the forces of evil. When countries such as Iran and North Korea declare themselves to be our mortal enemies, we should treat them as enemies and use every instrument of national power to undermine their regimes.”
REP. CHIP CRAVAACK (R- MN, 8th), House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Vice Chair Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee, upset the pundits in 2010 by defeating a long-term congressman who was one of the 54 members of Congress to sign the notorious Gaza Letter that blamed Israel for its incursion into Gaza to stop incessant rocket attacks on civilian Israeli territory. A former Navy pilot, Cravaack understands the importance of stopping the radical terrorists who attacked our country on September 11 and “the necessity of sustained vigilance.”
REP.MARK CRITZ (D-PA, 12th) House Committees on Armed Services and Small Business, cosponsored House Resolution 568 aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability. He also cosponsored the United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012, as well as the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 to strengthen sanctions against. Rep. Critz cosponsored the Jerusalem Embassy and Recognition Act of 2011 and House Resolution 268, reaffirming the United States’ commitment to a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations and opposing the unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state.
TED DEUTCH (D-FL,19th), House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on the Middle East, House Judiciary Committee,
Latino-Jewish Congressional Caucus, holds Israel-related issues as central to his mission in D.C. He has led bipartisan congressional delegations to Israel to meet with PM Netanyahu and to gain first-hand insight into how “The recent upheavals across the Middle East will pose new challenges to the mutual security interests of the United States and Israel” and to have ” frank discussions about Israel’s safety and security and the ever-present threat posed by Iran’s nuclear weapons program.”
The first votes of this self-described “lifelong activist in the pro-Israel community” helped propel legislation strengthening Israel’s security. He voted to move the Iran Sanctions Act to conference with the United States Senate, making stringent sanctions on the Iranian regime one step closer to becoming law. Hd also voted to authorize President Obama’s request to increase funding for Israel’s Iron Dome project, a short range missile defense system that will protect innocent Israeli citizens from rockets and mortars.
He firmly believe that security is paramount to any hope for a peaceful Middle East. “It is critical that the Palestinian Authority and other Arab nations end incitement, stop delegitimizing Israel, end their illegal economic embargos, normalize diplomatic relations, and reject the use of terror as a negotiating tool. The Israeli government, including current Prime Minister Netanyahu, has shown clear signs of wishing to achieve a lasting peace through a two-state solution with a demilitarized Palestinian territory. It is now time for Palestine and other Arab nations to meet Israel’s sacrifice and efforts to achieve Middle East peace.”
REP.ROBERT DOLD (R- IL, 10th) House Financial Services Committee, House Republican Israel Caucus, The Israel Project Board of Advisors, is a trusted voice, a loyal friend, and an outspoken leader for the safety and security of America’s most steadfast ally, Israel. Congressman Dold understands that the US-Israel relationship is based not only on shared values, but on common interests and that a safe and secure Israel increases the safety and security of the United States. Bob Dold has spoken up boldly and clearly to combat efforts to delegitimize, isolate, and destroy Israel.
He has made it his top priority to reach across the aisle to co-sponsor critical legislation because he knows that “the U.S.-Israel relationship is not a left vs. right issue; it is a right vs. wrong issue.” Among the numerous pieces of bi-partisan legislation/letters Rep. Dold authored/co-sponsored are:
The bipartisan letter with Congressman Peters (D-MI) to the Appropriations Committee, calling for fully funding our security commitment to Israel for FY11
The United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012 (H.R. 4133), sanctioning the Central Bank of Iran –with Rep. Deutsch (D-FL), urging the inclusion of sanctions to Iran’s Central Bank in this year’s Defense Authorization bill.
The Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act (H.R. 1905) blacklisting Iran’s energy,
banking, and transportation sectors, and targeting those who enable Iran’s attempted evasions of sanctions.
House Resolution 270, which earned 42 bipartisan co-sponsors, reaffirms the bipartisan principles underlying U.S. security commitments to Israel in the 2004 Bush-Sharon letters, reiterating that the U.S. remains committed to Israel’s “secure, recognized, and defensible borders.”
House Resolution 268, that (1) reaffirms the U.S. commitment to direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations as the only way to settle the conflict; (2) denounces the recent Fatah unity agreement with Hamas and reiterates the firm belief that any Palestinian unity government must renounce terrorism, publicly recognize Israel’s right to exist, and reaffirm previous agreements made with Israel; (3) urges the U.S. to veto Palestinian efforts to unilaterally declare statehood at the UN; and (4) supports ending U.S. aid to a Hamas-affiliated Palestinian government.
ELIOT ENGEL (D-NY,17th),House Committees on Foreign Affairs and Energy and Commerce, believes that the U.S. “must stand with our ally, Israel, as it faces a variety of threats and challenges.”
On Iran: “Today, the most serious danger Israel must confront emanates from Iran. It is simply unacceptable that a country with a history of supporting terrorism and calling for the destruction of Israel could have a nuclear weapon.”
On Hamas and Hezbollah: He expresses his opposition to supporting Israel’s right to self defense. “Israel should not have to live under the constant menace that thousands of unguided rockets could again rain down on the Jewish state. That is why I was the lead Democratic sponsor of a resolution condemning Hamas rocket attacks on Israel and why I have strongly supported American assistance to Israel to expand the effective Iron Dome and other missile defense systems.”
On Syria: Rep. Engel was the author of the Syria Accountability Act, which imposed sanctions on Syria in 2003.
On Israel and the Palestinians: In 2011 Congressman Eliot Engel called Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s speech to a joint meeting of Congress “exceptional” and that it spelled out the reality of what is holding back peace in the Middle East.
“As Prime Minister Netanyahu pointed out, the question is not whether Israel will agree to a Palestinian state; it already has. The real question is whether the Palestinians will agree to recognize a Jewish State of Israel and sign a peace agreement which puts all claims and disputes to rest once and for all.”
“The Palestinians must also realize they can never establish a state with terror as its foundation…, As long as Hamas refuses to recognize Israel’s right to exist, renounce terrorism and abide by all previous agreements signed by Israel and the Palestinians, then they cannot be treated as a serious partner for peace by Israel, the United States, or the rest of the world.”
“If there are two states – Palestinian and Jewish – then Palestinians would have the right of return to a Palestinian homeland, and not have thousands, if not millions of Palestinians settle in Israel… a real and lasting peace means that a future Palestinian state must be completely demilitarized, and Israel’s unique security needs must be met so that Iran does not arm a new Palestinian state, where every Israeli city and village would be vulnerable to attack. “
On Jerusalem: Rep. Eliot Engel called this year’s omission of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital “a grievous mistake [that] should be rectified.”
REP. ADAM HASNER(R-FL,22) is unreserved committed to a strong US-Israel partnership, “. . . in good times andly bad, an alliance with America meant that even at the cost of blood and treasure, our allies could count on this nation to honor its commitments.” Continuous rejection by the Arab world and an enmity is as virulent as ever makes the Administration’s arm’s length treatment of Israel “putting our closest ally at existential risk.” Demeaning and diminishing Israel in order to placate Islamist states have not induced the Palestinians to negotiate or to prepare their constituents for the realities of a settlement. Because the Administration does not consider the superiority of Jewish legal, religious, historical, and moral rights to the Land, Hasner criticizes a policy of tolerating ongoing incitement to violence, glorification of terrorism, anti-Semitic indoctrination and unprovoked rocket and missile attacks. Pressuring only Israel has stopped the peace process in its tracks and has emboldened radical Islamists of all stripes. Hasner wants to be a leader in a Congress that will stand up for US and Israel interests, including the elimination of all American funding of the Palestinian Authority and ending our financial support for corrupt United Nations operations that are at variance with our strategic interests.
Hasner is on record opposing efforts to adopt shari`a into US law. “Sharia law is not compatible with the constitution of the United States of America.” “. . . we cannot allow political correctness, multiculturalism or appeasement to cripple our defenses at home or abroad. Because this is a threat that not only exists on foreign soil, this is also a threat that exists from those who seek to destroy us from within.”
REP. STENY HOYER (D-MD, 5th), House Minority Leader, has consistently been a strong supporter of Israel. He has spoken in favor of the Conference Report on the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Accountability and Divestment Act which passed the House. Hoyer has also spoken of the danger of terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah to stage more deadly attacks on our ally Israel. He expressed great concern for all those in range of Iran’s missiles and spoke in favor of the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act. He has co-authored several letters with Rep. Cantor reaffirming our nation’s unbreakable bond with Israel, as well as a letter encouraging continued work on the peace process in the Middle East. He speaks regularly on issues surrounding Israel, and has also taken several groups of Democrats to Israel, where they learned about the importance of our strategic relationship.
REP. RANDY HULTGREN (R-IL,14th), Member House Committees on Agriculture, Science, Space and Technology and Transportation, Republican Israel Caucus, International Israel Allies Caucus has demonstrated the staunch support which he promised as a candidate. In addition to meeting in person with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Rep. Hultgren has co-signed dozens of important bi-partisan letters such as letter to the Department of Justice about the victims of Palestinian Terrorism, letter to Secretary Clinton lead by Rep. Flake regarding UNESCO Funding,
Ros-Lehtinen/Sherman letter calling for stop to UNESCO funding after that UN body illegally recognized a Palestinian state, Roskam/Lipinski letter to the President urging enforcement of Iran sanctions, Bi-Partisan letters to the President calling for sanctions or Iran’s Central Bank and Iranian Commercial Airlines, letters to heads of states and the UN encouraging them to vote against a unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood, letter to the President urging him to retract the statements regarding the Israeli and Palestinian Border, a letter to the President expressing concern that he refused to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu, and letters to the EU urging that it designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.Rep. Hultgren’s outstanding legislative support for Israel includes co-sponsorship of legislation such as H.R. 2105: Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Reform and Modernization Act, H.R. 740: Iran Transparency and Accountability Act of 2011Co-Sponsored H.R. 1905: Iran Threat Reduction Act,Co-Sponsored H.R. 1501: Withholding UN Contributions Until Formal Retraction of Goldstone Report, H.R. 2457 Palestinian Accountability Act, Co-Sponsored H.R. 1714: Iran Human Rights and Democracy Promotion Act, H. Res 271: Expressing support for the State of Israel’s right to defend Israeli sovereignty, Co-Sponsored H.R. 1655: Stop Iran’s Nuclear Weapons Program Act, H.R. 3783: Countering Iran in the Western Hemisphere Act of 2012”, H.R. 3698: Directing the Secretary of State to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps as a foreign terrorist organization, H.R. 4229 Iron Dome Support Act, HR 5850 to admit Israel into the Visa Waiver Program, and H. Res. 663 – Urging the IOC to recognize those murdered at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
REP STEVE KING (R- IA, 5th), House committees on Small Business, the Judiciary, Agriculture Committee, has been an outspoken advocate for Israel’s right to defend itself. On Iran, Congressman King stated “The United States should draw a line in the sand to make it clear to Iran that it must cease the development of nuclear arms that could be used to attack Israel or even this country. I believe that Americans will stand with Israel as it seeks a peace which does not jeopardize its right to exist.”
REP. DOUG LAMBORN
(R-CO, 5th), House Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Homeland Security, Science, Space and Technology, Armed Services Committee, Veterans Committee, and Natural Resources, has demonstrated his support for Israel in many ways. He is co-chair of both the Republican National Caucus and the Israel Allies Foundation. He is one of a select group of Republican and Democrat representatives who sent a letter to President Obama against his actions in redefining the borders between Israel and “Palestine”. Lamborn sponsored a bill urging the expedient relocation of the United States Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Lamborn’s visits to Israel have provided him insights into Israel’s challenges defending its civilians. At a recent Zionists of America luncheon, he committed to more funding for iron domes, saying they have saved lives.
, serving a community of more than 50,000 Muslims. Despite ratings of 0 by CAIR, Council on American-Islamic Relations, the anti-Israel Washington Report on Middle East Affairs (WRMEA), The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans, and a rating of -4 by U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, Lipinski has been one of the first co-signers on legislation to ensure the safety of Israel. Why, then, does Rep Lipinski support Israel? As with other issues seemingly at odds with his party, he replies simply, “Because it is the right thing to do.” While others equivocated during the hostilities in Gaza, Dan Lipinski came out with a forceful statement in support of Israel. “Like every other sovereign nation, Israel not only has the right but the duty to defend its citizens from attack. It is clear that Hamas’ actions left Israel with no choice but to take action.” He speaks regularly on issues surrounding Israel, and has also taken several groups of Democrats to Israel, where they learned about the importance of our strategic relationship.
REP. MIKE QUIGLEY(D-IL 5th), House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, House Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, speaks up for Israel’s right to self defense. When the flotilla entered Israel’s coastal waters, Quigley issued this statement. “In the media storm surrounding the recent Gaza flotilla incident we must not forget the larger picture. The loss of life that occurred on the flotilla was indeed tragic, but much of the responsibility lies with those who chose to run an internationally recognized blockade and attack uniformed personnel…Rather than offering peaceful resistance, the flotilla organizers beat, stabbed, and even shot Israeli soldiers as they landed on the main ship. The reckless actions of the flotilla’s organizers do not promote peace or enhance the well being of the people of Gaza. We must remember who rules Gaza – Hamas – a terrorist organization which has pledged to destroy Israel. The situation of Gaza’s residents would be far better served by these organizers calling on Hamas to meet the three minimal demands of the international community for normalization-recognition of Israel, renunciation of violence and terror, and acceptance of previous agreements. This would lead to a real improvement in the lives of ordinary Gazans. Israel must be able to defend itself and keep weapons out of the hands of Hamas. And the U.S. must stand with our friend Israel.”
Quigley has been a stalwart supporter of Israel in his first term in Congress, voting to condemn the Goldstone report and calling on the United Nations Security Council to keep Iran nuclear-free.
STEVE PESTKA(D-MI, 3), child of a Holocaust survivor, has a deep personal connection to Israel. All of his mother’s family perished in the Holocaust and his father was the only survivor of
his family. The belief that the Jewish people have a right to have their own state, in their ancient homeland is an integral part of his strong support for the State of Israel.
He states that “Israel must remain a Jewish state with defensible borders. Recognition of Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state is a prerequisite to any just and lasting peace agreement in the
Middle East. I am proud of both Israel’s democratic heritage and the continued alliance of the United States and Israel as two democracies working together to establish a safer and freer
Middle East. I am opposed to any Palestinian “right of return” as it would inevitably compromise Israel’s existence as a Jewish state.
He believes, “It is critical that the United States continue to work hand in hand with Israel, and thatAmerican security assistance help Israel maintain its qualitative military edge. Israel has never
faced the level of uncertainty brought about by the “Arab Spring” combined Iran’s continued
belligerence.”
He makes the case that his opponent was one of just eleven members of Congress to vote against increased sanctions on Iran one of only six Congressmen to vote against ensuring that the United States would not fund a Palestinian government which includes an unrepentant Hamas. Perstka assures, “I will make sure that not one American dollar is sent to Hamas, Hizbollah, or any other organization which calls for the destruction of Israel, the murder of Jews, or in any other way supports terrorism.”
It is often said that “there should be no daylight between the United States and Israel.” My family’s unique background gives me an additional reason to commit that, if I am privileged enough to serve as a United States Congressman, I will work every day to guarantee that the United States stands shoulder to shoulder with Israel”
REP. PETER ROSKAM (R-IL, 6th), Chief Deputy Whip and co-chairman of the House Republican Israel Caucus, holds the security of Israel and the indivisibility of Jerusalem as fundamental commitments. He is among the most vocal leaders who oppose the attainment of nuclear weapons capability by the Iran dictatorship. He was one of the sponsors of key bills and resolutions, among which are H.R. 4133 – United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act, reaffirming the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security and its right to exist as a Jewish state: HR4229 Iron Dome Support Act that calls for cooperation in the development of anti-missile systems; and H.R. 3783: Countering Iran in the Western Hemisphere Act of 2012 requiring Secretary of State to conduct a detailed threat assessment of Iran’s activity in Western Hemisphere and report to Congress. “With persistent uncertainty in the Middle East, it is critical that the U.S. stand firmly with Israel and its people now more than ever. Israel is a strong and dependable American ally with shared values, strategic interests, and worldviews. Israel stands out as a democratic beacon of hope and reason in a region where Iran’s shadow looms ominously.”
Roskam wants the Administration to treat Israel as a true ally and to deny funds and support to those who reject a pace agreement: “Israel should never be pressured to bid against itself, nor can it or should it ever go back to pre-1967 borders – a recipe for war, not peace.” He calls for consequences for the Palestinian Authority’s decision to join with a terrorist organization, “Now that Hamas is an official governing partner of the Palestinian Authority, we in Congress must reconsider our foreign aid to the Palestinian Authority.”
REP. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN(R-FL, 18th ), Chair House Foreign Affairs Committee, is a tribune for justice and freedom. Refugee, immigrant, student, teacher, principal, lifelong learner, educator, and advocate for students, Ros-Lehtinen is a first. She was the first Hispanic woman to serve in the Florida House, the Florida State Senate, and United States Congress, and she was the first woman to chair the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen is a passionate supporter of the U.S.-Israel strategic alliance. Her leadership on all the issues dealing with American financial, military and political support for our alliance with Israel.
“I believe that America’s role in the world should be one that isolates U.S. enemies while empowering and strengthening U.S. allies. America’s allies are often the only stabilizing presence in otherwise chaotic regions of the world. To that end, I am a strong supporter of Israel, and believe that the U.S.-Israel alliance is critical to the national security interests of both nations.
She has advocated the strongest legislation demanding accountability from UN agencies
As UNESCO Hosts Anti-Israel Conference, Ros-Lehtinen Reiterates Opposition to Restoring U.S. Funding
REP. BOBBY SCHILLING (R-IL,17th), House Committees on Armed Services and Agriculture, is an outspoken supporter of the US-Israel relationship. In this first term in Congress, he has taken a leadership role. He co-sponsored and voted for the US-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act and the Iran Prevention Resolution. He signed onto the Ros-Lehtinen/Berman letter to the President urging him to designate the National Iranian Oil Co and National Iranian Tanker Co as sanctionable entities. In his position paper on the U.S.-Israel relationship, Schilling wrote that “foreign aid to Israel should be continued as long as it is necessary to maintain Israel’s military deterrent, and I will support our commitment under the new ten-year Memorandum of Understanding.” He added that “both sides must desire” peace, and “Israel must not be asked to make sacrifices for peace until peace is possible.”
REP. JOE WALSH(R-IL, 8th), House Committees on Homeland Security, Small Business, and Oversight and Government Reform, Homeland Security, and House Republican Israel Caucus, is a fearless champion of Israel. Rep. Walsh sponsored both H.R. 1501, which would withhold U.S. contributions to the United Nations until it retracts accusations of Israeli “war crimes,” and H.R. 2457, which would prohibit any U.S. Government document from referring to Palestine as a State. He was a cosponsor of H.R. 2829, the United Nations Transparency, Accountability, and Reform Act of 2011 and H.R. 1006, the Jerusalem Embassy and Recognition Act. In addition to legislation and speeches on the floor of the House, Congressman Walsh has written op-ed articles documenting the Palestinians’ broken promises, incitements to violence, and repeated rejections of all peace offers. The role of the United States “should not be some honest broker between two sides, but rather should stand publicly with one side – Israel. Then, and only then, will real peace truly come.”
REP. ALLEN WEST(R-FL, 22nd), House Armed Services Committee and the Small Business Committee, is a combat military veteran. While speaking at the Americans Against Hate Conference, he said, “It’s my duty to stand up and defend Israel”. To Protect Our Heritage PAC members met with Rep. West when he was in Chicago, and his knowledge of the Middle East, both historical and current is impressive. In fact, West is probably among the most informed, articulate and powerful voices for the U.S. Israel relationship in D.C. “ On the claim of Jews to the land of Israel, “Palestine is a region, not a people or a modern state. Based upon Roman Emperor Hadrian’s declaration in 73 AD, the original Palestinian people are the Jewish people. “On Jerusalem, “Make no mistake, there has always been a Nation of Israel and Jerusalem has been and must always be recognized as its rightful capital” On pre-1967 lines, “The pre-1967 lines …would deny millions of the world’s Jews access to their holiest site and force Israel to return the strategically important Golan Heights to Syria, a known state-sponsor of terrorism.”
He understands the uncertainty of “the Arab Spring.” “While the winds of democracy may blow strong in the Middle East, history has demonstrated that gaps in leadership can lead to despotic regimes.’Who will now lead in Egypt?’ and ‘Why should Americantaxpayers provide foreign aid to a nation where the next chapter in their history may be the emergence of another radical Islamic state?’
ENDORSEMENT CRITERIA
Protect Our Heritage PAC endorses candidates who are committed to a deep, mutually beneficial relationship between the United States and Israel, a relationship based on common values and common interests. Our endorsements are bipartisan. The principles upon which we endorse candidates include:
(1) Resolute opposition to Iran’s attainment of nuclear weapons capability;
(2) Support of the peace process with Palestinians must be based on meeting Israel’s security requirements and must preclude creation of a hostile Palestinian state;
(3) Commitment to Jerusalem being the undivided capital of Israel;
(4) Treatment of Israel as a full ally;
(5) Support for and enhancement of Israel’s military superiority against state and non-state enemies;
(6) Opposition to all forms of anti-Semitism;
(7) Steadfast opposition to aggressive Islamism, Muslim supremacism and organizations such as the Muslim Brotherhood and their ilk, including the denial of funds to states that harbor them;
(8) Prevention of Israel’s demonization and isolation in international forums, including and especially in organizations that the U.S. financially supports;
(9) Uncompromising defense of freedom of speech and freedom of religion for all people in all countries;
(10) Strong position on achieving human rights for women and minorities in all countries.
Protect Our Heritage PAC constantly monitors these causes and expects that members of Congress we have endorsed to be leaders in upholding these positions.
To Protect Our Heritage PAC endorses and supports the following candidates for their extraordinary positions, records, and public statements on behalf of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.
