Senate Set To Pass Bill Funding Israeli Anti-Missile Programs

[Purveyor]

Source: Times of Israel

But annual defense bill, which also includes money for anti-tunnel programs, faces presidential veto in latest round of Washington budgetary wars

By Rebecca Shimoni Stoil October 7, 2015, 7:23 pm

WASHINGTON – The US Senate is expected to vote Wednesday afternoon to advance a key defense spending bill with a number of provisions guaranteeing security assistance to Israel, but is expected to run into the president’s veto pen.

The National Defense Authorization Act is the newest epicenter of a fight over federal spending levels and the budget for fiscal year 2016.

The bill, which governs defense spending for the 2016 fiscal year, would authorize the establishment of a joint anti-tunnel program between Israel and the US. The initiative would be funded up to $25 million per year, provided that matching funds are provided by Israel. The bill would also provide over $206 million earmarked for rocket and missile defense ventures, including $41.4 million for the Iron Dome missile defense project, up to $150 million for procurement of the David’s Sling mid-range rocket interceptor, and a maximum of $15 million for the Arrow 3 long-range interceptor program.

It also would require Congress to be briefed on the anticipated sale of fighter airplanes to Qatar, including an analysis reflecting on the implications of the sale for Israel’s ability to retain its “qualitative military edge.”

Read more: http://www.timesofisrael.com/senate-set-to-pass-bill-funding-israeli-anti-missile-programs/

[geek tragedy]

1. I don't have much of a problem with anti-missile aid

As opposed to the weaponry the IDF uses to enforce apartheid.

[Comrade Grumpy]

2. Bah. Israel can buy its own freaking missiles. We have a deficit.

Funny how that only matters for some programs.

[lark]

3. Great, so now we will be funding two white elephant programs.

None of which has worked, even though the MIC has been working on this since Reagan was in office. We've never yet been able to hit a missile that didn't have a homing device, not once in all these decades. Yes, let's give them this BS bonanza for the 1% while people in this country who live in red states can't afford healthcare, while we have the lowest minimum wage and less time off than any other 1st world country. Makes soooo much sense - NOT.

Obama, get out that veto pen, please.

[leftynyc]

4. Isn't this the bill that

also repeals the ACA and Planned Parenthood? If so, very dishonest of the source not to point out those are the reasons for the veto.