These days its a rare sight to see a democrat and a republican standing next to each other, let alone sharing the stage. But nita and i are proud to join you in delivering an important message. When it comes to supporting israel, democrats and republicans stand together [ applause ] kay and i have worked for eight years to strengthen the u. S. israel relationship as partners and friends. [ applause ] we Work Together most closely as members of the appropriation subcommittee on state and foreign operations. Neither was chairwoman at the time and i was ranking member. Our relationship is based on mutual respect. We agree on many issues like the United States unequivocal support for israel. And theres some issues we dont disagree on. But we always listen to each other and we recognize in order to get things done, we have to Work Together [ applause ] and we share a common belief that keeping america safe requires a network of strong partnerships around the world. In our committee roles, we help ensure Congress Supports our friends and allies through foreign aid [ applause ] foreign assistance plays a crucial role in advancing our National Security interests and makes up just a small fraction of the federal governments budget. Less than 1 . And for that minor investment, the United States gets a major payoff. Stronger alliances, a safer, more stable world, and a boost to our economy. [ applause ] Security Assistance to israel is one of the cornerstones of the u. S. israel relationship. Theres no shortage of dangers facing the jewish state, whether its the destabilizing actions of iran, the syrian civil war, the spread of isis or, the constant threat of violence from terrorist groups like hamas and hezbollah. Our investment helps israel. Our most steadfast partner gain access to the latest technology and resources to defend itself no matter the threat. And, because israel buys mostly American Technology and supplies with foreign aid our investment nets us more exports, more growth, and more jobs right here in america. [ applause ] most importantly, a modest investigatement foreign assistance is the most costeffective way to prevent threats from arising in the first place. Thats why nita and i are stanch advocates of security supporters of assistance to israel and why were greatful to the people in this audience who worked tirelessly to engage all of us in congress on this vital issue, both republicans and democrats. [ applause ] the relationship we built on the Appropriations Committee has helped us Work Together on other fronts to advance a strong u. S. israel relationship. Last year, kay and i coauthored a bipartisan letter cosigned by 394 other house members. [ applause ] reiterating our support for a twostate solution supporting direct negotiations between the israelis and the palestinians, and denouncing onesided antiisrael resolutions in the united nations. [ applause ] and earlier this month, thanks to bipartisan support, the house approved more than 600 million for israeli Missile Defense program like iron dome, and an additional 42 million for u. S. israeli antitunnel cooperation. [ applause ] we will continue to Work Together. The stakes on this issue and the entire foreign aid budget are too high. And we know that when it comes to americas support for israel, partnership must overcome partisanship. [ plause ] thank you. Thank you. Please welcome coauthor of start up nation dan see more. Its no secret that there are few places in the world where israel is more constantly and unfairly