U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee, today announced that the Senate National Defense Authorization Act includes $500 million for the U.S.–Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense Program. The program focuses on the development of the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow 3 weapon systems. The U.S.–Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense Program helps Israel maintain a multi-tiered defense system capable of countering a wide range of threats from state and non-state actors. Gillibrand has long led the push in the Senate to secure authorization and funding for this program.
“The U.S.-Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense Program is critical for the safety and protection of Israel, our close friend and ally,” said Senator Gillibrand. “As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I’m proud to fight for this vital program, which will promote stability and help keep countless citizens of Israel safe from missile attacks.”
Gillibrand has long supported funding for the U.S.–Israeli Missile Defense Program. For years, Gillibrand has led a bipartisan letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense in support of this funding. In December 2019, Gillibrand and Senator Schumer announced that they had secured $500 million for the programs in the FY2020 NDAA, after securing $700 million the year prior.