http://palestinenote.com/cs/blogs/news/archive/2010/05/20/house-passes-205m-israel-military-aid-boost.aspx"The funds would allow Israel to build the Iron Dome missile defense system, designed to shoot down homemade projectiles fired by Palestinians from Gaza, and unguided Katyusha rockets fired from Lebanon. The appropriation is in addition to a record-breaking 3 billion dollars in military aid to Israel already requested by the Obama administration.
(snip)
Critics argue that the bill amounts to an unnecessary increase in aid to Israel and would further tilt a lopsided strategic equation in the MIddle East. Josh Reubner, advocacy director for the Washington-based US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation told Palestine Note that the Iron Dome could "actually increase
offensive capabilities" by "making it cost free for Israel to engage in aggression and wars." "
The only nay votes were from: Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), and Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA).
Seriously, why do we need to give $205 MILLION to Israel for missle defense? I do realize that they need to defend themselves from Palestinian attacks but why do we need to pay for it? Why did so many Dems vote for this? Yay for Kucinich!
another link: http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/u-s-congress-gives-obama-okay-to-fund-israel-rocket-defense-1.291339