Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, applauded House of Representatives passage of S. 2673, the U.S.-Israel Strategic Partnership Act.  The legislation, which now heads to the President’s desk, reaffirms that Israel is a major strategic partner of the United States.  In March, the House passed H.R. 938, the U.S.-Israel Strategic Partnership Act with a vote of 410-1, which laid the groundwork for today’s legislation. 

On the legislation’s passage, Chairman Royce said:  “Israel faces severe challenges to its safety and security.  A Hamas plot to kill scores of Israelis was uncovered just last week, while a regime in Tehran seeks to acquire a nuclear warhead and the missiles to deliver it.  All this while ISIS is at Israel’s front doorstep.  That is why today’s legislation is so important.  Once signed into law, it will expedite critical security assistance to Israel, a key security partner.

“We must always be working to ensure that our support for Israel keeps pace with the threats proliferating against the country —from Iran to Hamas.  Whether facing down mutual threats or advancing our economic relations, the United States and Israel will continue to stand together.” 

Note: Over the past two years, Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel (D-NY) have traveled twice to Israel together.  During their most recent visit they met with Prime Minister Netanyahu.  

###