Rushing to aid Israel, senators approved more than $200 million Friday morning to replenish Israel’s supply of rockets for its Iron Dome defense system, marking a brief spurt of bipartisanship.
The move was a reversal from Thursday, when an objection over the cost blocked the bill. But a key senator had withdrawn his objection by Friday morning and the bill passed by unanimous consent in a nearly empty chamber.
“As dysfunctional as Congress is, this is one of our finest moments,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican who said the vote is a much-needed signal to Israel at a time when many in the international community appear to be turning on it. “In a bipartisan manner, we were there when you needed us most.”
The Iron Dome is designed to defend against short-range rockets — the type being used by Hamas in its current battle with Israel over the Gaza Strip.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.
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