Democratic House Leader Urges Emergency Aid to Israel
Listed in: Israel, NJDC News, Press Releases
Washington, DC: The National Jewish Democratic Council today thanked House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) for her recent letter to President Bush, in which she outlined the difficult economic and security situation facing Israel today, and encouraged bipartisan cooperation in quickly providing Israel with additional loan guarantees and other forms of military and economic assistance.
"Once again we are incredibly proud of our House Democratic Leader for her forward-looking efforts to ensure Israel's economic and military security," said National Jewish Democratic Council National Chairman William B. Dockser. "The Democratic Leader could not be more right when she notes the 'unprecedented' challenges facing Israel, and reminds that 'securing Israel is vital.' She accurately describes past American support for Israel in its most difficult moments, and her commitment to 'work closely' with President Bush in the coming months sets the perfect tone. Ms. Pelosi's letter is yet another proactive step in the long Democratic Party tradition of supporting a strong, secure Israel, and we thank her as always for her good work."
National Jewish Democratic Council Executive Director Ira N. Forman noted, "Our Democratic leadership team -- House Democratic Leader Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle -- stand together in support of emergency military assistance to Israel. While most Democrats and Republicans agree that Israel should promptly receive additional loan guarantees, which have virtually no budgetary impact, the Bush administration -- according to some reports -- has been reluctant to approve direct military assistance to Israel. The fact is that our Democratic leaders are calling for such emergency assistance to Israel right now -- when Israel needs it most. I hope this helps to persuade President Bush that despite the huge deficits inherent in the budget that his administration is proposing, such direct emergency aid to Israel is urgently needed," Mr. Forman added.
The full text of the House Democratic Leader's March 6th letter to President Bush follows:
Dear Mr. President:
Congratulations for your steadfast support for Israel, and your leadership in the war against terrorism.
Securing Israel is vital, and I am deeply concerned by the economic and military crisis Israel is currently facing. As you know, these challenges are unprecedented: a severe economic recession, caused in large part by the campaign of violence and terror being waged against it. Now, with the possibility of conflict with Iraq, Israel is confronted with skyrocketing defense expenditures to ensure that the Israeli people are not once again made innocent victims of attack by Saddam Hussein. I am concerned that, if not addressed soon, these issues could severely affect Israel's short and long term security.
Israel's per capita GDP has fallen by six percent in the last two year's a decline that is virtually unprecedented in any western industrialized democracy since the end of World War II. At the same time, its defense spending now exceeds 11 percent of its GDP -- the highest of any democracy. To keep its forces at the necessary level of readiness while preparing to meet the homeland security needs of a possible unconventional weapons attack from Iraq, Israel is in danger of mortgaging its future qualitative military edge. We cannot allow this to happen.
In the past, the United States has always been there to help Israel get through tough economic and military challenges -- and grow stronger in the process: in the 1980s, when Israel faced triple digit inflation, immediately after the Gulf War, and in the early 1990s, as Israel confronted the enormous challenge of absorbing hundreds of thousands of immigrants from the former Soviet Union.
The situation Israel faces today is even more serious, but, with American help, can be overcome. Additional loan guarantees -- which cost the American taxpayer nothing -- can help jumpstart Israel's economy, especially if accompanied by further economic restructuring. At least as important, the provision of additional military assistance now can help assure Israel's security into the future, and ensure that we not allow any margin of error to a key American ally confronting both terrorism and the threat of attack from unconventional weapons.
I will work closely with you in the months ahead to address our country's priorities at home and abroad. As we take the steps necessary to secure the United States, and as other states in the Middle East look to the United States to help provide for their security, I am confident that you will view sympathetically Israel's request for urgent economic and military assistance and include it in the upcoming emergency appropriations.
Sincerely,
NANCY PELOSI
