Conservatives Push Joint Israeli-U.S. BMDS

The Democratic-controlled House passed its version of the fiscal 2008 defense authorization legislation May 17, including a last-minute provision pushed by conservative Republicans to further integrate the U.S. ballistic missile defense system (BMDS) with Israel.

The amendment, proposed by Republican presidential contender Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), who also leads the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) minority, would redirect $205 million in BMDS funds, as determined by Pentagon leaders, for the Israeli effort.

In turn, it would allocate $25 million more for Arrow missile co-production and integration between the allies, $45 million for a U.S./Israeli short-range missile system and $135 million to buy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) fire unit for Israel, Hunter told the House from the floor.

Reps. Ike Skelton (D-Mo.), HASC chairman, and Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif.), strategic forces subcommittee chair, reluctantly accepted the motion - which then passed the House 394 to 30 - but not without lambasting Hunter and others for being ambushed by their proposal.