WASHINGTON, DC – Representatives Kevin Hern (R-OK) and Brad Schneider (D-IL) introduced a bipartisan resolution calling for the strengthening of economic ties between the U.S. and Israel. This comes four months after the terrorist attack on Israel on October 7^th and the war between Israel and Hamas, which has stunted Israel’s economy. 

Rep. Hern said, “Israel is our closest ally in the Middle East, we have a responsibility to them as they combat brutal Hamas terrorists and fight for the return of their people taken hostage. This bipartisan resolution makes it clear that free trade with Israel is essential to both nations, and we must continue to nurture this economic relationship in times of peace and in times of war.”

Rep. Schneider said, “I am proud to join my Republican colleague in leading this bipartisan resolution expressing Congress’s solemn commitment to stand with Israel as it works to release its hostages and dismantl Hamas’s ability to reign terror over Gaza or threaten Israel. As a Member of both the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Ways and Means Subcommittee on trade, I am committed to using every one of our diplomatic tools to support our closest ally, and only democracy in the region, and ensure Israel never experiences another October 7.”

Eleven bipartisan co-sponsors are joining Representatives Hern and Schneider as original co-sponsors of the resolution: Representatives Greg Steube (R-FL), Greg Murphy (R-NC), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Drew Ferguson (R-GA), David Schweikert (R-AZ), David Kustoff (R-TN), Carol Miller (R-WV), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), and Darin LaHood (R-IL). 

The resolution is supported by AIPAC. 

Background Information

This resolution has passed the Senate by Unanimous Consent, led by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). 

The U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement of 1985 has helped U.S.-Israel trade grow more than sevenfold since that year and serves as an important tool for supporting the Israeli economy during this time. 

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

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