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Costa Addresses Security of U.S. and Israel

March 3, 2015

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congress focused on security, both of the United States and its ally in the Middle East, Israel. The day began with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressing a joint session of Congress and ended with the House of Representatives voting on a clean, yearlong appropriations bill to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security.

"Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech served to underscore and remind Congress of the importance of U.S.-Israel relations. The bond between our two countries is deeply rooted in our shared democratic values. Respect for human rights, freedom of speech, religion and the press are essential to any democracy. As such, it is vital that the United States continues to support Israel, our long-time friend and ally.

"Whether it is threats by Iran or other terrorists around the world, we all know that we live in a very dangerous world. Therefore, I hope that the negotiations involving the Administration and other parties ensure that Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons. No deal is better than a bad deal that threatens the security of Israel, the Middle East, and the United States.

"Our priority must be making the world a safer place for the United States and our allies. That is why today's vote ensuring funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is so important. Everyday DHS protects America from an international network of terrorists whose goal is to harm us."

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