WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressmen Brian Mast (FL-18) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5)’s bipartisan U.S.-Israel Joint Missile Defense Act to further develop the Arrow 3 missile defense system passed the House of Representatives as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. Their bill to authorize the Secretary of Defense to conduct a test of the exoatmospheric anti-ballistic missile defense program was incorporated into the broader defense bill and passed the House on a bipartisan basis.

“I chose to volunteer alongside the Israeli Defense Forces because there is undoubtedly a benefit in our two countries working together to spread the values of freedom and democracy,” Rep. Mast said. “Collaborating on security through missile defense is critical to stability not just in the Middle East, but also throughout the world. Getting our bipartisan bill passed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act is a big win in the fight against terror.”

“We must do everything possible to stop terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas,” Rep. Gottheimer said. “The bipartisan bill passed today will further key missile defense systems to protect Israel, our key ally in the region and buttress America’s fight against terror in the Middle East.”

The grave threat of missile attacks on Israel has been growing in both capacity and strength. Last year, Iran successfully launched two “Qadr II” ballistic missiles at a target in southeastern Iran approximately 870 miles away, in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231. The missiles were inscribed with the slogan, “Israel should be wiped off the Earth.” Hezbollah, designated by the Department of State as a terrorist organization, has an arsenal of approximately 120,000 to 150,000 rockets aimed at Israel.

Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Mast followed in his father’s footsteps by serving in the U.S. Army for more than 12 years. Following his service, Rep. Mast volunteered to serve alongside the Israel Defense Forces to show support for the freedom Israel represents throughout the Middle East and the world.

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