Thank you for contacting me
regarding the United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act
of 2013 (H.R. 938). It is good to hear from you.
Since its founding in 1948,
Israel has borne a special primacy in our foreign relations
because of its key strategic location in the Middle East and
the common ties of culture, religion, and history that bind
our two nations. While I believe that strong U.S. support
for Israel is justified, such support should not be
unconditional. As a Member of Congress, I have been a vocal
and persistent advocate for a just and sustainable solution
to the Arab-Israeli conflict that includes a viable
Palestinian state.
As you know, H.R. 938 would
amend the United States-Israel Enhanced Cooperation Act of
2012 and declare that Israel is a "major strategic partner"
of the United States, expand defense cooperation between our
two countries, encourage U.S. assistance to Israel in such
fields as homeland security, energy, water, and agriculture,
and--once Israel has met certain conditions--allow Israel to
join the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows foreign
individuals to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business
without obtaining a visa. The program was established to
eliminate unnecessary barriers to travel, stimulate the
tourism industry, and permit the State Department to focus
consular resources in other areas. To be admitted to the
VWP, a country must meet various security and other
requirements, such as enhanced law enforcement and
security-related data sharing with the United States and
timely reporting of lost and stolen passports.
I understand your concerns
about a provision in the Senate version of the legislation,
S. 462, that would exempt Israel from the requirement that
ensures reciprocal travel privileges are extended to all
United States citizens, regardless of race, religion, or
background. The VWP currently allows countries that
participate in the program to deny entry to U.S. citizens
only on legitimate security grounds, and I see no reason why
an exception should be made in this case. Should the House
or Senate legislation come up for a vote, I will be sure to
evaluate it carefully, keeping your concerns in mind.
I hope this information is
helpful. Again, thank you for contacting me, and I hope you
will continue to stay in touch.