house resolution no.107

Reps. Lower, Berman, Maddock, Webber, Crawford, Howell, Eisen, Slagh, Chirkun and Calley offered the following resolution:

A resolution to encourage the Congress of the United States to continue aid and support for Israel.

Whereas, The United States shares a strong and historic bond with Israel rooted in a common belief in democratic values and a shared interest in defending those values. Since the United States became the first country to recognize the state of Israel in 1948, those bonds have grown stronger and stronger; and

Whereas, Israel is a key strategic ally to the United States and has been the United States' partner in fighting terrorism and extremism in the Middle East. Joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and weapons development are just some of the cooperative initiatives that have ensured the safety and security of both countries; and

Whereas, The United States and Israel have formed an extensive economic partnership to the benefit of both nations. The United States is Israel's largest trading partner, and more than 2,500 U.S. companies operate in Israel. In turn, Israelis invest close to $24 billion in the United States. These endeavors cover a wide range of sectors, from cybersecurity to biotechnology to energy; and

Whereas, United States aid to Israel promotes the shared interests of both countries. The United States provides around $3 billion in aid annually. This commitment helps ensure that Israel remains a stable ally of U.S. interests in the turbulent Middle East; and

Whereas, It is important as an increasingly vocal minority questions the relationship between the United States and Israel that we remember the bonds that connect us and reaffirm our nation's commitment to our long-time ally; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we encourage the Congress of the United States to continue aid and support for Israel; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.