U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) today spoke in the well of the House of Representatives in favor of funding for Israel’s Iron Dome defense system that protects Israelis and Palestinians from deadly rockets. The House approved the funding by a vote of 420-to-9.

A recording of Rep. Pascrell’s remarks is available here, and his prepared remarks are provided below.

Rep. Pascrell Prepared Speech

Madam Speaker, I support Israel’s right to defend herself. I’ve always voted for defensive technology.

The Congress first supported Iron Dome funding a decade ago after a request made by President Obama.

I visited Israel in 2014. I saw with my own eyes how the Iron Dome stopped rockets. It saved lives.

This year we saw the horrific launching of rockets from Gaza towards Israeli streets.

It is never okay to target civilians.

While de-escalation prevailed, there was a tragic loss of life in Israel and Gaza.

Extremism and vicious rhetoric breed instability. This year, the U.S. rightly provided millions in humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.

Thanks to the bill before us, Congress is reaffirming our commitment to Israel’s right to defend itself.

Once again: Iron Dome technology keeps people safe and it saves lives.

Thank you and I yield back.