Page 28 - April 2015 Life In Naples Magazine

We must stand
with our friends in Israel and avoid a “Flounder Moment”
Eby Congressman Curt Clawson
veryday we read about the latest atrocities committed by Islamic
extremists, threatening the security and liberties of free people
everywhere.
It’s a particularly troubling time for America, for Israel, and for the to Israel must be spent in the U.S., directly boosting America’s defense
entire civilized world. It’s a time for unity and resolve – as together we
address the various elements of a global scourge of hatred, violence, and
intolerance. Over time, we must rid the planet of this metastasizing
cancer.
Since entering Congress,I’ve actively promoted America’s partnership
with Israel as essential not only to both nations – but to the security and every House resolution or legislation that supports Israel.
liberties of the civilized world.
I will remain 100% steadfast in my support for the Jewish State. My
team and I will continue to do what we can to (1) support Israel’s right to Hamas on the Israeli Homeland, and urged Congress to demonstrate
self-defense, (2) condemn and constrain those who threaten Israel, and
(3) fund critical U.S. Aid to Israel.
Under the exceptional leadership of Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA)
and Rep. Elliott Engel (D-NY), I proudly serve on the House Foreign
Affairs Committee. We are unwavering in bi-partisan support for Israel.
In February, President Obama submitted his FY 2016 budget,
including $3.1 billion in security assistance for Israel. With growing
dangers from Syria, Hamas, Hezbollah, al Qaeda, ISIS, Yemen, and
clearly Iran, Israel may be forced to significantly increase its defense
spending, even as it faces overall budget challenges on domestic issues.
Israel must maintain its critical military edge and its deterrence
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capabilities in the face of existential threats. And Congress must
continue to support Israeli Aid.
U.S. assistance to Israel serves U.S. interests. By law 75% of our aid
technology and the American companies involved. Israeli battlefield
innovations, intelligence, and training of U.S. forces in the region are
of critical value to our troops, helping us improve our own military
equipment and tactics.
Since entering Congress last June, I’ve co-sponsored or co-signed
Last summer, in my first formal speech from the Floor of the
House, I condemned the unconscionable, unprovoked attacks by
full support for Israel during that war. I also commended the Israeli
Defense Forces for their care, precision, and extraordinary steps taken
to protect civilians as they defeated Hamas.
Throughout the fall, I urged Congress to take action, including
stronger sanctions, to prevent the Islamic Republic of Iran from
continuing on a path toward nuclear weapons.
At the recent AIPAC conference in Washington,I drew an analogy
between what we are doing in our negotiations with Iran and the
“Road Trip” in the classic comedy film “Animal House.” I reminded
the audience of the part in that movie when Flounder lent the keys
to his brother’s shiny black Lincoln to his drunken, misfit fraternity
Life in Naples | April 2015