Congressional leaders have introduced legislation that would reiterate U.S. policy affirming Israel’s right to self-defense.
House Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) and Democratic Whip Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), with House Foreign Affairs Chairwoman Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) and the House committee’s ranking member, Rep. Howard Berman (D–San Fernando Valley), on March 5 introduced the U.S.-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act, which calls security cooperation between the two countries a national interest.
The bill “reflects the immutable and enduring bond between our two nations,” Hoyer said. “It is a bond that reflects the shared values of our people and our shared interests in preserving stability in the Middle East.”
On March 4, Cantor, who is Jewish, endorsed Mitt Romney for president and said he himself is not interested in the vice presidency.
Cantor was considered as a possible running mate by the 2008 GOP nominee, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). — jta