House passes enhanced Israel cooperation bill

[oberliner]

WASHINGTON (JTA) -- The U.S House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation that reaffirms and enhances U.S. policy commitments to Israel’s security.

The United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012, which was sponsored by House Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) and House Minority Whip Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), passed by a vote of 411-2. The legislation garnered bipartisan support from 294 co-sponsors prior to passage.

The two members that voted against the legislation were Reps. Ron Paul (R-Texas) and John Dingell (D-Mich.). Also, nine members of the House voted “present” on the legislation.

In addition to expanding military cooperation between the two countries, the legislation states that it will be U.S. policy to provide Israel with essential military capabilities to preserve its qualitative military edge in the region.

http://www.jta.org/news/article/2012/05/09/3095146/house-passes-enhanced-israel-cooperation-bill

[orpupilofnature57]

1. The resolve of these people sometimes

is mind boggling ,ramrodded by Cantor ,wow

[holdencaufield]

2. Ask yourself...

... about the following snip from that article

"The United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012, which was sponsored by House Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) and House Minority Whip Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), passed by a vote of 411-2. The legislation garnered bipartisan support from 294 co-sponsors prior to passage. "

In these days of insanely partisan politics -- it seems the ONLY thing both parties can agree with is support for Israel. The parties can't agree on abortion, gay rights, fiscal policy, or even what to call the fried potatoes they serve in the Congressional Cafeteria, but they agree on Israel.

So, you have to ask yourself why? It could be A) because to those who look at both sides of the issue, the I/P conflict is clearly one where Americans see Israel on the correct side of the argument. When most Americans look at Israel, they see a cultural very similar to theirs where people are responding to 70 years of unrelenting aggression they way that they might react in a similar circumstance.

Or, B) because Jews control everything.

I'm sure there are folks reading this who believe B) is the correct answer.

[azurnoir]

3. here is the text of the bill the sectons 0n Iran should be read closely

112th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 4133

To express the sense of Congress regarding the United States-Israel strategic relationship, to direct the President to submit to Congress reports on United States actions to enhance this relationship and to assist in the defense of Israel, and for other purposes.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 5, 2012

Mr. CANTOR (for himself, Mr. HOYER, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, and Mr. BERMAN) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

A BILL

To express the sense of Congress regarding the United States-Israel strategic relationship, to direct the President to submit to Congress reports on United States actions to enhance this relationship and to assist in the defense of Israel, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ‘United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012’.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress finds the following:

(1) Since 1948, United States Presidents and both houses of Congress, on a bipartisan basis and supported by the American people, have repeatedly reaffirmed the special bond between the United States and Israel, based on shared values and shared interests.

(2) The Middle East is undergoing rapid change, bringing with it hope for an expansion of democracy but also great challenges to the national security of the United States and our allies in the region, particularly our most important ally in the region, Israel. The past year has witnessed the fall of some regimes long considered to be pillars of stability in the Middle East and a rise in the influence of radical Islamists throughout the region.

(3) Iran, which has long sought to foment instability and promote extremism in the Middle East, is now seeking to exploit the dramatic political transition underway in the region to undermine governments traditionally aligned with the United States and support extremist political movements in these countries.

(4) At the same time, Iran may soon attain a nuclear weapons capability, a development that would fundamentally threaten vital American interests, destabilize the region, encourage regional nuclear proliferation, further empower and embolden Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, and provide it the tools to threaten its neighbors, including Israel.

(5) Over the past several years, with the assistance of Iran and Syria, Hizballah and Hamas have increased their stockpiles of rockets, with more than 60,000 rockets now ready to be fired at Israel. Iran continues to add to its arsenal of ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, which threaten Iran’s neighbors, Israel, and United States military forces in the region.

(6) As a result, the strategic environment that has kept Israel secure and safeguarded United States national interests for the past 35 years has eroded.

more at link

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/hr4133/text

[oberliner]

4. Why should those sections be read closely?

Is there something not easily understood?

[holdencaufield]

5. It all seems crystal clear...

... and mostly accurate to me.

I would be keen to find out what about that declaration he disagrees with.

[azurnoir]

6. oh I think its quite clear but also disturbingly could be taken

as a script for the US to actively join Israel in an attack on Iran and I find that disturbing don't you?

[oberliner]

7. I think you are reading things into the bill that aren't there

Another example of "seeing what you look for" in my opinion.

[shira]

8. I thought you found it disturbing that all Congress is now hardcore rightwing Likud. n/t