Rounds, colleagues seek $500M to support U.S.-Israel defense programs

As congressional appropriators begin work on the fiscal year 2022 Defense Appropriations bill, U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) and a bipartisan group of lawmakers asked them to include $500 million for continued support of United States-Israel collaborative defense programs to meet both countries’ national security needs.

“We have had a great deal of success in improving our missile defense systems working with Israel,” Sen. Rounds said. “The advancements we have been able to make in this cooperative effort will benefit our defense capabilities as well as those of our ally Israel.”

Sen. Rounds and 39 of his colleagues last week requested funds for the U.S.-Israel collaborative defense programs, including Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow 2 and Arrow 3, as well as for continued cooperative work on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), according to a letter they sent appropriations leadership.

“For FY 2022, in addition to ballistic missile defense, $500 million will continue critical work on research, development and test activities to counter hostile unmanned aerial systems,” they wrote. “This funding will further development of a range of systems designed to handle the imminent threats American and Israeli forces face.” 

Benefits of this system provides Israel with the ability to protect lives and has created an important flow of data and invaluable insight to support vital U.S. missile defense technology while safeguarding Israel and U.S. service members in the region, the members wrote.

“It is important that we continue to authorize and fund these systems,” said Sen. Rounds in a separate statement. 

Among the members who also signed the letter were U.S. Sens. Steve Daines (R-MT), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Todd Young (R-IN), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).

“Together, these programs confront the compelling challenges facing both Israel and the United States and form a strong foundation of the enduring friendship of our nations,” wrote Sen. Rounds and his colleagues. “We look forward to working with you on these important programs.”