The US-Israel missile defence systems programme has secured increased financial support from the US House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.
As a response to Congressman Peter Roskam and Congresswoman Grace Meng, the house has passed a legislation that offers aid for cooperative US-Israel missile defence systems including Iron Dome, Arrow, Arrow 3, and David’s Sling.
Roskam said: "In just a few short years, Iron Dome alone has proven highly effective in saving countless innocent lives and preventing further conflict escalation.
"These programmes, which are coproduced in the United States, also yield a tremendous return on investment in the form of American jobs and advanced military technology."
The funding includes $55mn for the Iron Dome anti-rocket defence system, $146.1m for the Arrow Weapon System, and $286.5m for the David’s Sling Weapon System.
The increase in funding was added to Defense Appropriations Bill after Meng and Roskam sent a letter to the House asking for additional financial support for the programmes. This legislation was passed by the House with a vote of 278-149.
Meng said: "Israel remains under constant threat from Hamas, Iran and Hezbollah.
"We must continue to stand by our friend and ally and ensure that the Jewish state has the resources it needs to defend itself.
The Defense Appropriations Bill supports several defence programmes, including national security and military operations.
The measure now needs to be approved by the Senate and signed into law by the President.
