US lawmakers struggle to seal $225M Iron Dome package

Democrats and Republicans in the US Congress vow urgent support for a $225 million missile defense package for Israel, boosting the likelihood that legislation will clear Congress before lawmakers begin a month-long vacation at week’s end.

“Let’s stop playing games,” says Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican, calling the assistance a necessity for the “life-or-death struggle Israel faces.”

Amid a daily barrage of Palestinian rocket fire, Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system has been credited with knocking hundreds of missiles out of the sky.

Despite Graham’s admonition, neither Republicans who control the House nor Democrats who command a Senate majority have yet to announce plans for a vote on a stand-alone bill on the issue.

In the Senate, Democrats have combined money for Israel, US border security and wildfire assistance into one measure. But Republicans oppose it because of a disagreement over provisions relating to the immigrants now flooding into the country from the south.

Despite the apparent deadlock, there are signs of willingness to compromise.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Democrat, says he is prepared to consider a stand-alone bill providing money for Israel. Across the Capitol, numerous Republican aides say the House will likely pass any legislation the Senate approves on the subject.

–AP