budget that was promised of the memorandum of understanding to fully fund our commitment to aid to israel. that's the first part. about second thing is the foreign aid in general and i am so appreciative of the jewish community standing up for aid. for foreign aid outside of israel. i think part of that, no one better than the jewish community can make the case for refugees since israel was a haven for refugees from the beginning. secondly, as we look at how when we have many people that would like to cut off nearly all of foreign aid how we make that argument. verse, national security the morocco the morocco. >> good morning as the executive pastor a congregation of approximately 1200 families in

santa ana california i have the honor of serving under the leadership of pastor danny d lyons senior, my dad. a few years ago my father said something i would never thought i'd hear him say, son, we are going to see my rabbi. after a kosher lunch at pat's restaurant in los angeles-- yes. [applause]. i met for the first time my lifelong friend, senior rabbi from young israel century city. [applause]. >> meeting with danny and his father began a friendship between our two families, but it was also a call to action. connecting with religious leaders of all faiths that share a passion for the state of israel.

very important. pastored deleon not only shares his vision, he lives it as long as i have known him the senior pastor has never hesitated to speak up in defense of the state of israel and he always understood the importance of bipartisan support for this cause. >> as i continue to grow in my ministry, my father has shared guiding principles to help illinois. he has shown me the importance of standing and speaking up and being a leader when it comes to critical issues that are part of our-- that affect our hispanic community and he has shown me what a strong and effective pro-israel advocate looks like.

>> no miracle of israel's existence and its very survival and its importance to the world resonates with americans of all faiths. it is my historic homeland as promised to the descendents of the biblical abraham. >> i call israel the holy land, yes, where jesus was and his disciples preached. >> at aipac policy conference we understand the importance of building relationships, not just between individuals, but among generations and communities. i'm proud to tell you that this is my 17th conference. [applause]. pastor deleon has sent honored guests of my conversation, four

of them reflecting the fact that friendships that are built at aipac are as diverse as america itself. >> i'm honored to be a strong voice for the us israel bond. since my first interaction with aipac my father and i have had the opportunity to introduce literally hundreds of evangelical leaders from the united states and latin america to our work. >> we hope each of you will register for next year's conference before you leave today to take advantage of the on-site discount and please, please encourage friends, family, neighbors of every faith to join you as well. ladies and gentlemen, you never know what can happen at a policy conference.

in 2012 right here at policy conference my son-in-law, daniel, proposed to my daughter, dino. easy miracles-- you see miracles really can happen at policy conference. >> with god's grace i plan on attending many many more conferences for many years to come with you all, with my dad and with my rabbi. may god bless you. thank you. [applause]. >> please welcome john culberson and carlos cabello. [applause].

>> : alliance is a partnership between two nations who share strategic interests and goals. for 70 years america and israel have been steadfast allies, our governments, our militaries, our economies, our people rely on this cooperation, but today we are here to celebrate something much more important than just the us israel alliance. today, we celebrate friendship. a friend offers more than partnership and cooperation and shares more than interest in values. of there is a special bond of a friendship and love between texas and israel, i believe. we are two nations founded by people who share the same god, the same core principles in an area surrounded by enemies wanted to drive us into the sea, but we were too ferocious and alarmed for them to do that. israel today has their own our

model and texas has their own messiah, how can you not love israel as a texan quirks. you know a friend has your back, sacrifices and struggles with you, gives you comfort and strength, offers you a hand in picture up. after hurricane irma wreaked havoc across the state of florida lily and her family from black creek outside jacksonville, were devastated to find the entire first floor of the home flooded. with no insurance and unable to afford repairs they were forced to live in a friends trailer as they watched their house crumble with black mold spreading from room to room day by day before their eyes. when all hope seemed lost there was a knock at the door. they showed up with a team of

volunteers who flew halfway around the world, spent two whole days helping lily and her family clean out the house. [applause]. these volunteers were all over my states from key west to jacksonville, but they weren't just in florida. northern california faced the worst wildfires in a century, rabbi stephanie, it in santa rosa open her synagogues doors to serve as a refuge from the fire. the synagogue was quickly overwhelmed with people seeking shelter and supplies. there wasn't enough step or resources to tackle everything that needed done, but a group of friends and stepped in and said leavitt to us. is really volunteers help organize a day camp for area children whose schools were closed for weeks after the fire.

other volunteers helped handout supplies and provided trauma counseling and when hurricane harvey made landfall in texas, the storm left only devastation in its wake. mica, a father five from houston whose wife had passed away just a month before the storm lost everything to hurricane harvey, not just the home he built with his hands 40 years before, but his only source of income, his landscaping equipment. on his 68 the birthday he found himself alone. 's home flooded, his life was destroyed, but mike found friends that day from israel who he moderate to texas who helped clear out the wreckage of his home and repair his equipment that was so essential to his landscaping business. [applause]. at the end of the day mike's new friends brought him a gift basket sang happy were they to

him and a lifted up in his home. we are so grateful for this help and not just in texas. words cannot describe the scale of the damage and suffering hurricane maria has caused puerto rico. for weeks after the storm they had no power and little access to clean water. a retired policeman who managed the town's water in the structure was overwhelmed when a power outage disabled the town's water filtration system. with no source of clean water, families turned into drinking from nearby streams. for him and his family they were lucky to find an israeli water engineer who is volunteering with the relief efforts in puerto rico. together a team of israeli volunteers set up home water filters around the town and are now building a new filtration system for the people that will serve the community even when power is lost. [applause].

israeli relief workers were some of the first arrive on the island that day and today almost six months after the worst natural disaster in puerto rico's history our hearts overflow with gratitude for the israeli volunteers still there helping rebuild the islands critical infrastructure. [applause]. stories like these remind us about powerful bond between our two nations, a bond that transcends any policy or politician. today we celebrate a nation that even as it faces down the threat of war and terrorism everyday, produces amazing people who run towards disaster. they offer up everything to help they stay long after the storm to rebuild. that's more than an alliance.

about his friendship. [applause]. to our friends in israel, to our friends in the israeli government who donated a billion dollars to rebuild the houston, to all the israeli organization to some volunteers to our shores, two people and more than all of the other amazing volunteers we say thank you from the bottom of our hearts and god bless you. thank you. >> please welcome united states ambassador to israel, david m friedman. [applause].

[applause]. >> good morning. thank you so much. first things first, my thanks and my love to my 37 year-- well she's not 37 years old, my bride up 37 years, sammy. thinks, sammy. thanks, sammy. thanks so much for being here, for showing your support for israel. aipac, you run on incredible conference and i'm so honored to

be here among jews and non-jews, religious and secular, democrats and republicans who all hold lots of heartfelt albeit diversion views, but who all that united their steadfast commitment and support for israel and the unique and essential role of the united states in giving effect to that support. [applause]. wet and honor it is to address you this morning to share this podium with such distinguished friends of israel as house majority whip steve scalise and senators bob menendez, mitch mcconnell, marco rubio, it's a great honor. [applause]. of course, the prime minister of the state of israel, benjamin netanyahu. [applause].

this is my first opportunity to speak to you as the united states ambassador to israel. it was a little less than a year ago that i took the oath of my office administered by vice president parents and i'm so proud of what the trumpet ministration has accomplished this past year with regard to israel. [applause]. it was, to put it mildly, a year of first. we began last may as white house for the first time hosted it's a celebration of israel independence day. on the 69th anniversary of israel's birth. if you weeks later i became the first united states ambassador to israel to attend israel's celebration, the 50th anniversary of the day that

israel recaptured the western wall. [applause]. just the next day, president trump became the first sitting presidents in american history to visit the western wall. [applause]. and by december of last year, we were, of course, even greater historic territory when president trump declared jerusalem as the capital of israel. [applause].

and just 10 days ago, the state department gave practical effect to the presidents jerusalem declaration in announcing that the new united states embassy would be opened in may of this year, just a couple months from now coinciding with israel's 70th anniversary. [applause]. in beautiful jerusalem, 70 years from truman to trump. have blessed we are to be here today. [applause]. now, the events i just noted are

not just a symbolic. they represent a fundamental shift, a seachange if you will in the way america relates to its closest ally in the middle east, the state of israel. now, we must acknowledge that the relationship between the united states and israel has always been special and it has always transcended politics and must continue to always transcend politics. [applause]. .com. i know you will forgive my pride if i do say that i think things are better than ever. [applause]. i'm asked all the time, what have i learned from my position. of the full answer lies in a book coming out in a speech, but permit me to share one of the many takeaways i blame the from my first turn office.

as i said it's one of many revelations, but i hope it resonates with you. it's relates to a phrase i hear occasionally from some american visitors, students and even politicians. when i asked them to sum up their feelings for the holy land, they respond to me that they are quote pro-israel and pro- peace. pro-israel and pro- peace sounds like a completely reasonable position. my friends, it is not. using that phrase plainly implies that there are people who are pro- israel and anti- peace or even god forbid pro-israel and pro- war or calving served in israel now promised a year, i can attest that such people in everything-- anything the smallest most minute numbers do not exist. [applause].

pro-israel and pro- peace is nothing more than a redundancy. if you support israel-- [applause]. if you support israel, then you must by definition support living in peace with its neighbors. piece is a court israeli value, a court american value. it is the ultimate line of the priestly benediction the stowe upon their congregation each and every day of the land of israel. may the lord lift his divine presence unto you and grant you peace. [applause]. it is no less than blasphemous

to suggest that any jew or any christian is against peace and that's not a matter of religious belief. spend a day at the cemetery, the equivalent of arlington national cemetery in virginia. ask a mother grieving for her son when she is praying for. she will tell you peace. has an israeli hotel owner or to or operator with a wish for. they will tell you peace. ask a member of the knesset and they prefer to spend more money on education or hospitals rather than such a disproportionate amount on national defense and they will tell you, of course they would if they only had a peace. ask a family living on the gaza periphery if they would rather have their government creates a high-speed rail service to tel aviv rather than buying more and more batteries and they would say we would love that if we

only had peace. ask each and every parent of a son or daughter what they pray for and even those who do not believe in god seem to turn to prayer at this time and they will tell you they prayed for peace. everyone living in israel wants peace. urines for peace and prays for peace and it's dangerously misleading to use phrases that suggest otherwise. [applause]. if there is no peace in the middle east as we speak and regrettably there is not, i strongly suggest that we blame someone other than israel for this predicament. [applause].

now, not everyone agrees on the best way to promote peace. as you know there are good faith the differences of opinion. what should israel's policy be in the west bank bordered by enemies to the north and west of threatened by ron with no margin of error, what risk and israel afford to take with peace negotiations. should more money be spent on coexistence rather than separation, should economic empowerment perceived political autonomy. these are good questions about which reasonable minds can differ and reasonable minds do differ dashboard, do they differ but, no minds differ on the need or the desire for peace or indeed that the blessing that peace will bring ignored any minds differ on the sanctity and preciousness of every human life of every race or religion.

[applause]. if you are pro-israel, these are your values. you don't need any additional suffix to emphasize the points. of the entire trumpet ministration is committed to peace from the president to the vice president to jared kushner to me, all assigned to the sacred task. we are hard at work and working on a plan, not the plan that's been described 20 different ways by 20 different sources, all pardon the expression fake news. [applause]. but, a real plan for peace and we're not giving up. now, those of us who served the president, we all come to washington or to our foreign posts with different beliefs,

different backgrounds and even different political views are to the greatness of our civilian governments is our ability to draw from the diversity of those views and recast our differences as a strength. the latin phrase you are all familiar with, for many comes one. this is our national motto and as an american who has supported israel his entire life, i took great care when i took this job as a jewish ambassador to the jewish state to identify the specific american interests that work at stake. i want to share with you i thinking and i hope it helps people crystallize their thoughts on this subject. about american interests that are fostered in advance when we support israel are simply vast we can always start with naked self-interest. israel's a major trading partner with the us and its innovations

and technologies improve our lives in many ways. you all see some of those innovations at this conference. israel is the world leader in cyber defense, the ever-increasing threat of our generation and it shares its discoveries and approaches with us in a matter unlike its relationship with any other nation. because of the extraordinary military intelligence coordination to israel and the us, israel keeps us safe just as we help to keep israel safe and return. [applause]. make it a self interest is sometimes more than enough to justify a foreign-policy, but our relationship with israel is deeper and far more profound took it goes on the way back to the pilgrim, john winthrop who stood on the deck of his ship about to enter massachusetts bay and he charged his wish that the

god of israel would be with him. since that date in the 17th century many americans thought leaders saw themselves as building the new israel. which explains in part why so many american villages there the name of biblical immunities from the holy land. more than a hundred years before the state of israel was born the united states opened up in the city of jerusalem and in 1948 president harry truman cause america to be the first nation to recommend the rebirth of this ancient civilization we call israel. [applause]. now, in the united states we established a religion. that is a core constitutional principle ingrained in our first amendment in the bedrock of our democracy. yet, we are most certainly a nation under god and virtually

every government proclaims in god we trust. our support for israel derives from our shared values, values instilled in us from ancient text of that freedom, democracy, independence and the sanctity of life. of course, from the covenants that, made to abraham, the father of all great religions that he will bless those who bless israel. [applause]. to millions of people in our great country, as we sit and ponder the wonders of our republic, the almost magical transformations we have made over the 242 years in our history as one indivisible nation under god. we can't help but be convinced that america's steadfast support

for israel has had a profound effect on our good fortune. i am convinced that america is at its best when it supports israel. [applause]. so, as i stand before you today that evidence it demonstrates now than ever that support for israel is a quintessential american value. i know my views are shared by the two members of the administration who preceded me at this conference last night, our amazing vice president and are credible un ambassador nikki haley. [applause]. but, as great as they are and they are in the deed great and i think you with all my heart for the kindness you show them last

night. as great as they are we all take our directions from the greatest of friend that israel has ever had in the white house, president trump. [applause]. my friends, the oh him a tremendous debt of gratitude. [applause]. it is the highest honor and privilege of my life to serve as united states ambassador to israel. when i am referred to as a masseter, they use a capital a, but all of your investors as well, perhaps just with a lowercase a, if you will. as ambassadors, all of you share

with me the responsibility for making the case for israel as many of you will today on capitol hill and as you do in your homes, your communities, college campuses every day of the week for which i am eternally grateful. [applause]. when as i know all of you will you proclaim yourself to be pro-israel, please, understand that those one and a half simple words without suffix and without apology you are proclaiming yourself pro-democracy, pro- religious freedom and perhaps most importantly though american [applause]. later today, i'm heading back to israel. we have work to do it we have an

embassy to open in jerusalem this may. [applause]. we are working to get that done. until we meet again, and i hope we meet again in israel, please join with me in continuing to strengthen the unbreakable bond. i know that phrase is used a lot , but it's not trite. it really is unbreakable between israel and the united states. i would like to conclude with the last sentence of the 29th psalm written by king david some 3000 years ago, may god give strength unto its people, may god bless its people with peace. my father, blessed memory a pope rabbi for some 50 years ended everyone of his morning sure--

services with this passage. i often wondered what king david meant if he was asking for peace , why did he first have to ask for strength. my friends, in this day and age we all know the answer. we all know what king david the great warrior poet met by his requests. we will have peace, but first we must be strong. may god bless you. may god bless israel. may god does-- bless the united states of america. [applause]. [applause].

[applause]. >> to date is the highlight of policy conference in one of the most important days of the year for the us israel relationship could before you leave for meetings on capitol hill, please take your personal schedule on the aipac policy conference app. updated information is also available on monitors throughout the convention center, but-- buses will leave for capitol hill following this session and will drop you off at garfield the cervix-- circle. buses returning will pick up from peace circle and run from 3:45 p.m. house offices are located on the south side of capitol hill. senate offices are located on the north side of capitol hill in russell, dirksen and hart building's.

a map of capitol hill can be found in the aipac policy conference app. each building on capitol hill has multiple entrances with plenty of aipac stop. look for wearing blue caps and jackets to guide through security. before you start your meeting reviewed talking points on lobbying material and follow your group leader who will guide the meeting. remember to have fun and stay on point. be sure to thank your elected official and their staff for their time and support. ♪ >> please welcome award-winning journalist and best showing up--

best-selling author claire shipman. >> we heard from the met officials from both parties on the importance of a strong us israel relationship and today we have two back-to-back interviews with members of the senate foreign relations committee, one from each side of the aisle pick ladies and ottoman, join me in welcoming our first guest from the state of delaware, christopher coons. [applause]. thanks for coming today. >> great to be here today. thanks to aipac for a great conference. >> senator, he just returned from a trip to israel. we were talking about it backstage and it sounded fascinating and yet at opportunity to meet with prime minister benjamin netanyahu. what is your sense of israel security situation coming away from the trip?

>> it was a great trip because it was bipartisan with more republicans, three democrats and senator lindsey graham and i led the trip and win a chance to visit jordan and israel and in israel we spent four days looking at its security situation and i was truly struck in my eight years as a senator i haven't seen an immediate security situation as threatening as today. think about it. we have isis active threatening egypt and israel gaza we have hamas digging tunnels preparing to fire rockets. in lebanon, we have has blocked embedding tens of thousands of missions and rockets threatening the north of israel and we took a helicopter tour of all of this and got a briefing from general, the deputy chief of staff of the idea. in syria, a failed the state where you have both isis selected and has blocked, shia militia under a russian aircraft

cover. iran increasingly aggressively challenging israel and recently directing sending a drone into israeli airspace. it's important to make clear that when iran in russia challenges israel directly that they are also challenging the united states. we need resolve. we need to stand together soon and that serious and as you mentioned the trip was part of a bipartisan delegation led by you and senator graham with several colleagues. in this incredibly partisan time , how important is it that israel remain a bipartisan issue and how possible do you think that is? >> that's for you come in because frankly, keeping us support for israel american engagement with israel not just on security issues, but on innovation and technology in our shared values is essential

because there is so few things that bring us together in congress these days. we need to show the world that we can sustain a bipartisan committee to israel to its a security into its thriving as the only democracy in the middle east and our most vital allies in the middle east. [applause]. >> we also talked about the fact the delegation traveled to jordan, which, of course, has a critical and evolving relationship with israel. what were your takeaways from that part of the trip? >> we had a remarkable dinner with the king and heard from him security concerns yes, but more economic concerns that i've heard before was 650,000 syrian refugees in jordan and the downward pressure on their economy is remarkable. the ins is pushing them to make difficult reforms and i think we need to do more to invest in jordan's economic stability. the king represents a version of his mom that is moderate.

they are counterterrorism partner to israel and the us and they are and i went to stability in an otherwise chaotic region. we should do more to support jordan. >> last night we heard from ambassador nikki haley about us efforts to combat anti- israel at the un and i know it's an issue you care deeply about. un senator rubio work while the other and authored a letter to the un secretary-general carly for efforts to root out this anti- israel bias. what impact do you think that letter had? >> one of the great things about my working partnership with marco is around the port-- we are on the foreign relations committee together and also on the appropriations committee, the specific ones that funds of the united nations and so i can vacation with the secretary-general and expressed for more transparency, more efficiency and serious efforts to combat the anti- israel bias in the un has produced early results. are ambassador nikki haley has been a strong good leader in this, but we should be doing

more to push back on anti- israel bias and frankly anti-semitism in the united nations. [applause]. >> you mention the un senator rubio work well together and you've introduced legislation in support of security assistance to israel and expanded us israel cooperation. can you tell us a little more about that at initiative and why you decided to lead the upper? >> having just come back from this riveting trip to israel where we got to meet with ambassador friedman with the minister of defense, with the prime minister and the security briefing i just described i thought it was important to act. you know, the theme of this years conference is choose to lead and i think it's important that we pull together in a bipartisan way and demonstrate that congress has israel's back, every bit as much as the president does, so it's a bill that would legislatively

authorized that 10 year mo you at 3.3 billion and 500 million a year in missile system support. i view that as a floor, not a ceiling. [applause]. this bill will also make sure israel has access to person-- precision guided munition should conflict. it also ensures we are coordinating on critical areas like cyber security and making sure we sustain israel's qualitative military edge and it continues partnership between the united states and israel to teach about our values between other initiatives to show the world how we promote peace and promote development together, so between the mo you and secure your package, between support and precision guided munitions, loan guarantee and are valued partnership i think i happen to

think the rubio coons bill is a great idea this is where you come in. because if you are going to choose to lead, it's my hope, my expectation that in your time today coming to the hill, you will help us secure more cosponsors. as of right now rubio coons has two. my hunch is after you get to work on capitol hill today we will have not 20, not 30, not 50 , bet 70 or 80 cosponsors of this bill. we need you, please, come do the work and lead. >> senator, what you think once everyone gets there what you think the prospects are? >> i'm optimistic because i think the security situation is dire or i think the that unite us are important in enduring and i think the prospect of our working together through the entire pro-israel community and across the entire range of members of congress to

demonstrate to the world that when iran test israel like it never has before, when russia provides air cover for that testing, when has the lot and hamas threaten from north and south that we will continue to be the most reliable ally israel could possibly have and that we will show in a democracy we can come together to support this through citizen advocacy. >> thank you for your time. ladies and gentlemen, let's give him another hand. thank you. [applause]. [applause]. >> as i mentioned, we have a

senior of the senate foreign relations committee from across the aisle. ladies and gentlemen, please welcome florida senator, marco rubio. [applause]. [applause]. >> senator rubio, thank you for being here. >> thanks for having me. i never spoken to this whole group before. >> this is a big group. >> seven years. glad to be here. >> you have been busy. senator, you have a strong track record of support for israel. what is the passion come from? >> three things. i think of always-- the first is i think america should be a friend of our friend and certainly standing with our allies is important. israel is the strongest ally we have in the region and one of the strongest in the world. second, i think israel stamps

rubber thing we hope the middle east will become, a free enterprise, democracy that's pro- american. if we had more countries like that the middle east, our lives would be simpler. and israel has a neat purpose unlike any other nation on earth it was graded for a specific purpose and in the aftermath of the holocaust to ensure they would never again not be a home and put the jewish people and ability to defend themselves when anti- semitism turned to violence. >> i was just talking to senator koontz about the fact that the two of you together authored that letter last year to the un secretary-general, and for efforts to root out anti- israel bias in the un. of the letter was signed by every single one of your colleagues, all 100 senators and in an era of such partisan politics, what do you think made that kind of bipartisan agreement so possible? >> we used it to joke that we could it get a hundred senators

to honor santa claus, but we got a hundred people on board for israel and it's a testament to the work of this organization and 70 others and needs to remain that way, but i would caution you that today's congress is the reflection of 20 and 30, the work of 20 or 30 years and you have to forward to project 20 years from now the congressional delegation are going to be made up of the men and women that today or in colleges or graduating from university's, so if you want to see the future of this cause you have to look there and i'm deeply concerned about what's happening in many american college campuses in the sort of embedded anti- semitism and hopefully-- we need to tackle that. >> well, you-- secretary defense madness said last month that everywhere we find trouble in the middle east you always find iran engaged in not had a conversation yesterday with the admiral who said the same thing that this should be our top focus in the middle east. from your perspective, is

america doing enough to push back from iran? >> first understand what they are doing. they are trying to drive us out of the region. you see them trying to use the kurdish situation in iraq to their advantage, reaching out to the turks, supporting assad in the work they do it has blocked. you see them everywhere in the region they are taking advantage of the growth with. they are trying to drive the united states out of the region and become this sort of predominant regional power, so every single one of those issues we had to confront. we can't be pushed out of the iraqi conversation, out of the syrian solution and whatever happens there with instability. of course, it's important to make clear to the world that our relationship with israel isn't just symbolic and doesn't end with the move of the embassy. it includes the clear notion the us will support israel militarily, financially, economically to ensure they can withstand anything that comes their way as you see hezbollah

develop these keep abilities and the middle east. >> do you think on capitol hill and the administration there's understanding of what you just articulated? are you optimistic about that focus? >> there's understanding we want to be supportive of israel. we have work to do to put together a conference of approach that understands these issues are interlinked, that iran's efforts in iraq are tied to their ability to encircle and eventually directly threaten israel be it through proxy or directly and we need to do more work on that front. we can't just see the iranian issue in isolation. their ultimate goal is domination of the region and that's going right after israel even if it's using has blocked-- has blocked. we need to tie those things together. they are interrelated. >> to some extent this takes me to the next question about the

new legislation you introduced to support not only security to israel, but expanded us israel cooperation in a number of fields i assume this is why you -- it's a critical effort. >> senator koontz said something that it's the floor, not the ceiling. administrations, go, but if it's in the law and it's the next 10 years that means the next administration whatever party that is in, six years from now whatever it may be, it will inherit a law that has codified the memorandum of understanding of the floor and makes clear to the world that the us has a legal commitment, not just moral, but legal obligation to come to israel to provide help. >> senator koontz said everybody in this room should head to capitol hill to show support. >> right. >> what's your view of the prospect. do you feel good? >> they are good, but your work

will make it better. there are thousands and thousands of bills and sometimes it's just showing up to say can you sign on. given how tight the floors in terms of getting bills passed it's one of those things we might be able to do without a vote and the more cosponsors we had and the more of a priority you make it today on the help the higher the prospects are for that and so hopefully we can get that done. .. >> we argue this is 2.0. we did 1.0 three years ago. hezbollah adjusted and we're adjusting. we're going to follow them.

the risk that hezbollah poses out of lebanon is severe. their capabilities today and what the iranians supplied them with allow them to manufacture their own rockets and potentially try and overwhelm israel's defenses at some point. so it's important that we do everything we can to cut off financial streams that using to fund this activity and that's why 2.0 is so important. after you talked about rubio-coons, and after this one passed we're trying to reconcile the differences and i think the prospects of high that we can get this done. >> that's terrific. [applause] >> you know, while the administration has full funding withstands -- with assistance to israel and there's cuts to international affairs spending. you've been a robust supporter for international international affairs spending, how do you take that? >> take a deep breath.

no congress has taken the president's budget on this on anything and passed this and we're not going to start now. >> this is true. >> on international assistance, i'm all for accountability, i do not american dollars flowing to countries that turn around and use it against us or our values, by the same token, the international system is less than 1% of our overall budget. it's not a charity. it's an investment in overall national security and strengthening institutions and partner nations and saves us in the long-term if we invest it correctly. we'll continue to do vigorous support of that. >> when you talk about the constituents at home, that they understand that? >> a lot of people think that foreign aid is like 30, 40% of our budget. when you explain it's less than 1%. south korea used to be a foreign aid recipient and today they're the 9th or 10th largest economy in the world and colombia was a failed nation state which is now is ally in

south america. all of that is a result of u.s. investment and we need to continue to look for opportunities to do that around the world in addition to continuing investing in our alliances. >> finally, this is a chance to offer some more advice to the room. we've seen a lot of turnover in congress in recent years and yesterday, a great friend of the u.s.-israel relationship, senator cochran announced his retirement. what impact does that sort of turnover have on your work and the new members of congress? >> a lot of members of congress if they come from the state level do not have a deep level of expertise in foreign policy. you know, when i came from the state level i knew a little more about it because i live in miami. foreign policy's domestic policy in miami. people are chuckling. it is. in general, it's not that they

don't care about foreign policy, but as a governor or a state senator it's not an issue they're aware of. one of the things most effective about what aipac does. it's not someone across the country that is talking with you, you're assigned, someone is working with you from your community and your state that actually has a stake not just in the future of this country and of the world, but also in your community. and those relationships are critical and they're really important so i encourage you to continue to do that, especially with new members who i think are going to be inclined to be supportive, but may not be fully aware of all the things that are out there and that are said that are not accurate about the state of affairs in the region, or about the differences between the different parties involved in the region. so, it really is important, early on in a member's career, to try to get in front of them and stake the claim with facts and figures and historical date that that backs up a strong u.s.-israel alliance. >> i hope you'll all been taking notes.

senator rubio, thank you for your time. >> thank you. >> give him another round of applause. really appreciate it. >> thank you, thank you very much. [applaus [applause]. >> ♪ >> please welcome house majority whip, steve scalise. [applaus [applause] >> thank you all so much! . [applause] >> welcome. welcome to d.c. it truly is an honor to be here with you and i want to welcome you to washington from all over

the country. i know in just a few hours, thousands of you will be making your way to the hill to go on tour and meet with hundreds of members of congress and from our members of congress, from the senators, i know i look forward to the meetings i'm going to be having late in the day from my friends in louisiana and it's so important, this work that you're doing. not only are you exercising your constitutional rights, but you're also ensuring that the u.s.-israel relationship remains a strong and bipartisan priority in congress. it's always been that way. [applause] >> and it continues to be that way. your continued activism and involvement here today to strengthsen the u.s.-israel relationship truly does make it difference. as the whip, i know how important it is that you're meeting with every member of congress with a unified message. that's what it takes for us to put the votes together, to pass legislation and especially the legislation that we work on together that's so incredibly

bipartisan. your message resonates with us on capitol hill and it will be heard all around the country and the world. your leadership has helped advance the by paipartisan achievements that strengthen our alliance with israel these efforts have been shown at home and on the international stage to crack down on these who are seeking to delegitimize or destroy israel. [applause] >> unfortunately, israel remains on the front lines of terror. challenge to israel sovereignty cannot be tolerated and we must continue to stand together and support israel's right to defend herself from all threats. [applaus [applause] >> in congress, we're going to do our part. we're going to provide the crucial security assistance fully funding the 3.1 billion dollars in the memorandum of

understanding. a and the $705 million for israeli missile defense. [applause] >> a vital system to protect israel. while we provide the critical security and assistance, we cannot overlook the economic and political fights, whether on campuses or at the united nations. i'm glad we have such strong leadership at the u.n. with our ambassador, nikki haley, and what she's doing. [applaus [applause] >> and what she's doing to stand up to the bds movement and to stand by israel and continue to work to counter the growing challenges that we face around the world. we must also continue to use all of our tools available to cut off iran's support for its proxies and stop their ballistic missile program.

[applaus [applause] >> in the house, we passed legislation to impose sanctions, to cut off hezbollah's resources and on iran for its ballistic missile program. these are key steps to counter iran's destructive action that undermine regional peace and security. president trump also outlined a comprehensive strategy to curtail iran's dangerous nuclear ambition and i fully support his administration's work to fix this flawed and broken nuclear deal so we could end iran's nuclear program once and more all. [applaus [applause] >> president trump has also followed through on what most politicians have simply talked about for years, by fulfilling his promise to move the u.s. embassy to jerusalem. [applaus [applause] >> congress's long maintained that jerusalem is the capital

of israel and i applaud president trump once again by demonstrating strong leadership on the world stage in support of our strongest ally in the middle east. i'm glad-- and look, when you've gone to israel a number of times and walk to jerusalem along the streets, as a catholic, i feel warm and embraced by the people of jerusalem to be able to share and experience such an important part of my faith in a jewish state, and that needs to continue. [applause] i'm glad that when it comes to israel and maintaining our strong alliance that we have bipartisan support in congress for the work that we do. much of our united front is a result of your hard work and constant advocacy to make sure that not only to you deliver the message abo, but you work w both sides of the aisle so when we bring legislation to the

floor it's bipartisan and it ends is a message to the rest of the world that it's united. there may be areas where we're divided so i hear, but when it comes to our strong support for israel we come together as a united congress, republican and democrat to express our support for the policies that are so important. [applaus [applause] >> well, sometimes we face these challenges that seem worse than they were before. i know that our faith in america's greatness and steadfast commitment to stand by israel will endure prevail over the threats that we may face. now, i want to share a personal story. as many of you know on june 14th i was shot last year and it was a horrific day in many ways, but it was also a day and a period of time where i saw the greatness of people all around the country, and so many of you that prayed for me. i want to personally thank all of you for the prayers, they

truly lifted me up through incredibly tough times. [applaus [applause] >> thank you for those prayers and the heartfelt wishes. [applaus [applause] >> i should probably just leave when i get a standing ovation, but i want to share something else with you. a personal story about the great leader of israel, prime minister benjamin netanyahu who is going to be addressing you later today. [applause] >> i met prime minister netanyahu many times so we're going to meet later today when the prime minister meets with our republican leadership and democrat. but i've met him other times when i go to jerusalem. it's amazing when you go to israel and you go as a congressional delegation with members of congress. it might be three members of congress, it might be 25

members of congress, when eric cantor first brought me when i was a freshman member of congress, just nine years ago. but, the prime minister always makes it a priority to sit down with members of congress of both parties and share the issues and the experiences. you know, when i got to go out and see the iron dome personally, it truly does make a difference. after i was shot, on the day i was shot, we get a call from prime minister netanyahu. now, i was out of it for three days, i didn't come to after-- i had surgery, fighting for my life, infections and finally, by day three, i woke up. and my wife was there, my family was there, they started sharing some of the stories of the people that were praying all around the world and one of the things that stood out, they said prime minister netanyahu called for you. and i said, prime minister netanyahu called for me? i know he's busy, there are so many threats and problems that

he's dealing with. and they said he wants you to call him when you're able to. so, finally, about another day went by and the fog had kind of lifted and i said, okay, i'd love to talk to him. and so we arranged the call and we spent just a wonderful conversation on the phone and he shared with me some of his personal experiences. you know all know his brother died in a shooting in service to the military, but he also shared some other personal stories with me and it was just such a warm expression of the kind of person he is. the fact that he called and told me a number of i think so this about him, but also it said something about our relationship. why would he call a member of the united states congress who had been shot when he's the prime minister of israel? you know why? because our countries love each other. our countries care about each other. [applaus [applause] >> this is a relationship that's built on this kind of love and respect for what we

do. what you do, let's continue to do the straight work, to stand up for the jewish state of israel. thank you for your advocacy. have a great day on the hill. love be with you. [applause] ♪ >> please welcome ranking member of the senator foreign relations committee, senator robert menendez. [applaus

[applause] >> good morning, aipac and thank you for that warm welcome. i'm honored to be here once again at the policy conference. [applaus [applause] >> let me take a moment of personal privilege to say that sometimes god puts a goliath in your path to find the david within you and i found that david within me. [applaus [applause] >> but we all know that even david had a slingshot and many of you here today were part of my slingshot so i am very grateful and thankful. [applaus [applause] >> it's no secret that i have taken a lot of heat over the

years for standing up for what i believe in, but when my children asked me if i knew what was going to happen, would i have taken those same stands? and my answer is a resolute, yes, absolutely. [applause] >> standing here -- standing here i'm inspired by all of you, the thousands of aipac members who dedicate your time and energy to support america's everlasting bond with israel and i'm proud to see that once again, we have hundreds of aipac members here from the great state of new jersey. [applaus [applause] >> and that includes my dear friend and aipac's newest president dr. mort friedman. as i'm sure many of you know, and if not, you'll get to

understand, mort is a real mench, a stallworth leader and mort congratulations the, as we celebrate his success, i also want to take an opportunity to support the life and legacy of a new jerseyen who is no longer with us. lonnie, a true friend, a fierce advocate for truth and justice. to all those here who feel his absence, may his memory, as they say, be a blessing. [applause] >> i see lonnie's legacy as i look out into the ocean of people gathered here today, people of all faiths and political persuasions, your commitment to our common cause, your presence, your visits and your voices send a message

across washington to jerusalem and throughout the world that the united states and israel share an alliance that is unbreakable and ironclad. and i especially-- i especially want to recognize the 3600 students who made their way to washington this year. [applause] >> it's important that you're here. in recent days, we have been reminded of the power that rests in the hands of america's youth. when young people stand up and speak out for what they believe in, the world cannot help, but listen. so, to the thousands of students who came to our nation's capital to participate in our democracy, i salute you, i thank you and i ask everyone here in joining me in applauding you for participating. [applaus

[applause] >> now, all of us come together clear-eyed and fully aware of the challenging times in which we live. we have seen anti-semitism, white nationalism and other ins insiduous hatred to the capitals of europe. we've seen ever increasing volatility in the middle east and a refugee crisis unseen since world war ii and we have seen iranian aggression throughout the region, propelling terrorist proxies ever closer to israel's borders and we confront these challenges together. and as we do so, i continue to be guided by my belief that it's in the national interest and security of the united states to have a strong, unwavering allowance with the state of israel, the one true democracy in a sea of autocracy. a steadfast ally of the united states and a nation of

incredible innovation and economic sway, and the country most likely to be voting with us in common cause in international forums. now, most of you know that i have resumed my role as the ranking member of the senate foreign relations committee. [applause] >> and i want to commend my friend senator ben carden of maryland, a strong friend of israel and aipac for his leadership and in my renewed capacity, i will be a continuing champion for the values that we share. much like the bond between the united states and israel, i do not back away from my commitments. i do not waiver in my believes, even when political wind change, even when it may be tough for others to stand up for israel, i will always stand up for three fundamental truths. one, the security of the united

states is strong when our bond with israel is strong. two, the jewish people have a right to live in peace, security, and prosperity in the indisputable homeland of their ancestors. and three, israel has the right to defend herself and the united states whether always ensure she has the capabilities necessary to protect herself and her borders. [applaus [applause] >> you know-- we know that israel has always been surrounded by enemies, but today the stakes are higher, the risks are greater, the threats are more deadly and increasingly existential. for years, we have been talking about the threats iran poses to israel. we have heard the anti-israel

vitriol echoing out of tehran. we have seen its proxies pushing closer and closer to israel's borders and we know exactly why iran continues to expand into syria and invest so much in prolonging bashar al-assad's brutal dictatorshidi. and they seek to build a land bridge from tehran to baghdad and damascus to beirut. and they look at it as a laboratory for training iranian proxy forces to a singular mission, israel's destruction. and by prolonging assad's grip on power. hand in hand, criminal and terrorist, putin and assad cleared a path for the iranian regime to expand its military footprint. make no mistake, iran is building an advanced military presence in syria and we risk willfully disregarding this

reality if we cling to a failed policy of negotiating with russia. that's precisely what we are doing if we continue to seek out agreement to deescalate areas in syria. these agreements with russia are dangerous. they are, in fact, paving the way for iran to stay in syria. that's why it's well past time for the president to recognize that in syria, here at home, or around the world, russia is know the a partner for stability for peace at the end of the day. [applause] >> russia has made it clear that its alliances, it's made its alliances with clear with slaughter of civilians, dropping bombs on hospitals, homes, humanitarian aid convoys working to care for people under siege and putin continues to exploit the migration crisis to sew discord throughout western europe and continue his campaign to undermine the post-world war ii international

order. the links between moscow and tehran and damascus are crystal clear. without american leadership i fear there will be no international response to the russian-backed iranian entrenchment in syria. we saw it last month when iran sent a drone into israeli air space and turned the russian hadden provided air system on an israeli fighter jet. of course, israel responded with necessary and appropriate force in defending herself and her red lines and we applaud the bravery and the precision conduct of the israeli defense forces. [applause] >> we must be -- we must be unu unequivocal in our support for our allies, by our principles, values and security and we could not cede this leadership to our adversaries and we must stop wasting time testing

russia's with iran and wringing its hands while iran moves next door to israel. my friend, this situation is untenable and absolutely unat the point acceptable. as iran grows the footprint in syria and battle hardened fighters return to lebanon. we know that hezbollah continues to build new missile production facilities and advanced weapons it plans to direct to israel. in the face this have growing threat, it's no wonder why there's increasing talk in israel of a next war. this is not a war that israel wants, which she may nonetheless be forced to fight. if that day should come, the world should understand this, there is absolutely no moral equivalencesy between israel, a peace-loving, vibrant democracy and innovative economy, with so much to offer the world, and hezbollah, a terrorist organization that spews hate, trains martyrs, holds the lebanese state hostage and

receives support from the iranian regime. there is no moral equivalent. [applause] >> we know that israel would prefer to keep the sword of freedom sheathed, but if she is forced to take on this fight, we know where the united states will stand. we will stand on the side of our one true democratic ally in the middle east, the state of israel. [applaus [applause] >> these growing threats demand that we do everything we can now to push back against iran's continued aggression. i've spent the better part of my more than two and a half decades in congress working to support strategic diplomatic multi-lateral efforts to confront iran. that's why last year i worked with a bipartisan group of my colleagues to author and pass the countering america

adversary act, and at times it's too often the norm in washington. democrats and republicans in the senate voted by a margin of 98-2 to give the administration more tools to sanction iran for its nefarious behavior, that's a strong bipartisan vote and i know in charge because of the aipac members in this room. the administration has yet to fully use the tools we provided, nor have they provided and implemented a comprehensive strategy as called for in the law for confronting iranian aggression. so, i hope together we can send a loud, clear, unified message to the white house, impose the caps, the sanctions. use the tools congress gave you, and do it without delay. [applause] >> now, speaking of iran and

sanctions, let's turn to the nuclear accord. everyone here knows where i stood on the iran nuclear agreement. [applause] >> i had -- i had serious -- [applaus [applause] >> i had serious doubts about gifting the regime with sanctions release in exchange for short-term limits on its nuclear program. and those concerns are ever more true to me today as they were then. for now iran is complying with the limited terms. deal, but no one should be

surprised if the jcpoa did not suddenly transform iran into a responsible member of the international community. the recent protests in iran have reminded us that this regime continues to push funding for terrorist proxies ahead of the well many of its own people. that's why i believe at this moment it is essential that the united states immediately develop a comprehensive coherent strategy to address iran's destabilizing behavior, including its nonnuclear asymmetrical activities. while simultaneously working to address the concerns about the nuclear program. if used correctly, this administration has potentially created leverage to address the concerns we all share about iran. but i fear the lack of a comprehensive, coherent strategy ultimately leaves the united states with less leverage to work producttively with our allies. we spent decades pursuing tough diplomacy and sanctions to

bring our international partners together to address iran's threats and we must continue engaging the international community in a meaningful conversation about iran's long-term nuclear capacity in the years ahead after many jcpoa limitations expire. and in congress, we must push the administration to pursue effective diplomacy to hold iran accountable each time it violates u.n. security resolutions and tests another missile or delivers another weapon into the hand of houthi fighters in yemen. that's why along with senator corker i'm leading a letter to secretary tillerson in support of these diplomatic efforts. the united states has leverage right now and i want the administration to use it. iran must understand that the united states and our partners will not tolerate a nuclear-armed iran, not now, not ever. [applaus

[applause] >> we have forgotten the history and the regime has lied about nuclear ambitions before and that's why we must remain vigilant and remain and make it clear. i know some are concerned about what comes after the our european partners and other parties to the deal, they've said that they agree there needs to be a successor agreement. and i welcome the administration initiating these talks on a diplomatic track. this challenge reminds us that fighting for israel starts long before the battlefield. it means fighting in the halls of united nations and in the capitals of europe and sometimes within one's own party to do what is right if we want to hold iran accountable each time it violates u.n. security resolutions by testing missiles or delivering weapons to hezbollah, we need a fully funded, skilled and experienced diplomatic floor to get the job done. that's why i reject the

administration's efforts to recklessly slash funding for the state department and the u.s. agency for international development. how else can we expect to combat biased and one-sided hateful acts of the united nations that not only unfairly target israel, but seek to delegitimize the ties to the jewish people to their ancesteral homelands. the united nations fail to take actions on war crimes in syria and the gross human rights violations of the regime or the venezuelan regime or cuben regime and always find time to isolate israel. and of course, these insiduous efforts extend far beyond the united nations. now, i dream of the day when we will not have to fight these fights. i pray for the day when we will not have to fight boycotts by vested sanction policies, by

governments and businesses or at the united nations or here at home on college campuses. so, to the 3600 students attending the aipac policy conference, you are the front line standing up for israel on those college campuses and we applaud you. [applause] >> we know -- we know that you face a rising tide of misguided voices on campuses among your peers. i've never shied away from calling the bds movement for exactly what it is. a thinly veiled, anti-semitic, politically motivated, discriminatory, and reminiscent of a hft we spent over half a century working to ensure is never repeated again. so, mark my words. at every forum where i have a voice and a vote, i will ensure that the letters bds are told exactly for what they are, bias directed solely at one people and one country by those who

should know better. [applause] >> it's up to all of us -- it's up to all of us to stand up, to stand together, speak out against anti-semitic hatred and bigotry in all of its forms and that includes right here at home. last year, the united nations saw the number of anti-semitic incidents increase by 57%. even in my home state of new jersey, we saw anti-semitic incidents rose by nearly a third in 2017. that's right, even into new jersey, the anti-defamation league reported there were more than 200 anti-semitic incidents in the garden state, up 30%, including bomb threats against jewish institutions and assault and vandalism. this is 2018. this is horrifying. to see an anti-semitism display

on squares, in streets where we would never see it again. and we watched with horror as poland passed a law criminalizing the fact that there was a role in collaborating with the third reich. this is a gross attempt to rewrite history. >> one that stokes anti-semitic hatred. in advance of international holocaust remembrance day, my republican colleague, senator marco rubio and i sent a letter to the president urging him to publicly memorialize the six million jews killed in the holocaust, to nominate and appropriately qualify persons who serve at the state department special envoy to combat anti-semitism throughout the world. [applaus

[applause] >> with hatred and bigotry on the rise worldwide, with refugee numbers not seen since world war ii, with actual nazis running for congress in illinois, it is hard not to harken back to the darkest period of the last century. indeed, the holocaust is a lasting reminder of the perils faced by the jewish in exile. a reminder of the reestablishment of the state in israel, but it's a political reality backed by thousands of years dating to the time of abraham and sarah and so it's a written history by the courage of pioneers that turned the desert sands green, the war weary and oppressed returning to their ancesteral home with nothing, but a dream and their memories a dream that people of israel realized today with a vibrant democracy and the rise

of israeli institutions that continue to win nobel prizes. save lives, shape the world with game-changing innovations in health care, agriculture and technology and so much more. both the united states and israel are nations built by dreamers, immigrants, innovators, by a peace loving people who seek to build a brighter world. that is why we are not bound together just by mutual security interests, but also by shared values that transcend partisan divides and outlast the daily grind of american politics. too often -- [applause] >> too often as i travel the country i hear concerns that support for israel is no longer a bipartisan cause. i hear people citing recent opinion polling. but i encourage you to dig deeper. no recent surveys have presented a binary question of whether or not one supports

israel. and while political opinions sway over time, there is continuing overwhelming bipartisan support for israel and the united states congress. you saw that overwhelming bipartisan support in the passage of tax cuts by 98-2, we don't often get 98-2 votes in congress. you saw the bipartisan support of the introduction of the anti-israel boycott act, legislation that would look at the bigoted and misguided bds movie. you saw a letter israel's inclusion, signed by all 100 members of the united states senate and you saw the house of representatives pass no to funding of palestinian authorities continued incitement. violence and support for convicted. and you saw that bipartisan support in the historic--

. israel's defenses remain unmatched in the region and united states and israel have technologies of sophisticated. iron dome, and arrow missile defense systems. these technologies have not only saved lives of israelis from rockets. they've enhanced united states own forces. above all we remain united in a capital in jerusalem which will be the ultimate garantor for a peaceful and democratic jewish state. i won't deny -- [applause] >> i won't deny in times like this with anti-semitism on the rise and iran emboldened, with the path for israel secure at

home and peace with neighbors may seem elusive and sometimes seems impossible. we have to look at the hope that have driven our two countries, that justice will prevail over evil, that truth will triumph over bigotry. that we can unite in common cause in advance of human democracy and peace. that theodore said if you will it, it is no dream. nearly 70 years later, his words ring true. the will that drove those first pioneers to the desert, who turned sand into thriving fields, who translated their dreams into a modern day israel that recalls the past while embracing the future, these are the values we cling to today. as we prepare to celebrate israel's 70th anniversary, it is you who kept the shared

values, hopes and dreams of the american and isra israeli peopl aligned, and no matter what challenges come our way, we will stand strongly, we will not shrink in the face of growing threat against our cherish d ally. we will not be silented by the rising tide of anti-semitism at home or abroad and not be deterred by those trying to drive a partisan wedge between us. we will stand united against those foreign adversaries who seek the destruction of israel and together we will show the world that the united states stands by the right of the israeli people who live peacefully and securely in their homeland. da david bengorian, the first prime minister of israel once said that in israel, in order

to be a realist, you must believe in miracles. well, my friends, i believe in miracles and i believe in the state of israel. thank you and shalom. [applause] ♪ >> please welcome senator majority leader, mitch mcconnell. ♪ . [applause] >> good morning. >> good morning. >> good to be back again speaking at aipac is a real honor. i've had the privilege of addressing this audience and my fellow friends of israel on multiple occasions and i must say, it's great to be back one more time.

[applaus [applause] >> i want to add my congratulations to dr. mort friedman in which i'm sure will be an extraordinary tenure of this extraordinary organization. and i want to thank lillian pinkus and bob cohen, and all of those who make aipac's important work possible. [applause] >> when i was here last march, the u.s.-israeli relationship had reached an important turning point. for eight years, america had drawn down our forces, altered our purpose, and the consequences had become quite clear. and our forces and forward presence were diminished, complex and lethal threats emerged. the civil war within syria evolved into an epicenter of regional conflict.

a split within al qaeda in iraq spawned the terrorist army we know as isil. the intervention by iran in support of bashar al-assad brought hezbollah and shia militias right to israel's doorstep. iran's regional ambitions were bolstered by a fatally flawed nuclear deal which gave international legitimacy to iran's uranium enrichment program. iran gained sanctions relief and worked aggressively to spread influence by behavior and expansionism. and supreme leader's regime had become a more menacing shadow behind forces in leb nan, bahrain, saudi arabia and yemen. and spawned a reluctance to address iran's regional

ambitions. the notion that sunni powers in the middle east needed to learn to share the neighborhood with iran created a void. and iran was happy to exploit that void, menacing our ships and planes deployed to the persian gulf. all of those stemmed from a central misunderstanding. for eight years, the previous administration failed to lead as an ally. [applaus [applause] >> it failed to recognize that the u.s. and israel are stronger together and that we share a commonalty of interests. it's more than just national friendship and shared history. yes, america was proudly the first country to recognize israel's jewish government in 1948. yes, in 1985, america's first ever free trade agreement was signed with none other than

israel. but it's also just a reality of our world. israel is safer because of america's presence in the middle east. and america's interests benefit when israel stands as a partner in pursuit of common interests in this troubled region. fortunately in the last year, a new administration and a united front in congress have charted a new course. [applaus [applause] >> america's rebuilding our capabilities, our partnerships and our will to do what the circumstances would require. many of our regional partners have focused on iran's aggressive policies and seeking america's support, but make no mistake, israel will have the firm support of the united states diplomatically and million taylor as befits this

historic partnership. [applause] >> though the campaign to defeat isil is not over, this administration accelerated it. it began a genuine effort to rebuild america's armed forces and congress answered the call by ending the harmful spending cap that forced our service members to do more with less. secretary mattis and our military leaders once again have more resources to meet the myriad mission our nation puts before them. our counterterrorism cooperation has been exemplary and, of course, the united states has finally taken a long overdue step and recognized that israel's true capital is jerusalem. [applaus [applause] > >> jerusalem is israel's capital, plain and simple, it's where the united states embassy

belongs and where it will stay. [applause] >> in just a few months for the first time ever, that's exactly where it will be. the challenges that israel -- the challenges that israel and america face today are the challenges we must face together with deep friendship and shared resolve. israel lives in a neighborhood which includes a profoundly broken syria, a dangerous iran, the threat of isil in the sinai and an emboldened hezbollah. but today, tomorrow and always, israel's beacon of democracy will continue to shine through the darkness and america will be right there standing proudly alongside our friends. thank you for your passion, thank you for your advocacy, thank you for not letting anyone forget the necessity of this time tested partnership. thank you very much, everyone. [applause]

♪ >> for 2700 years, we lived as jews, before islam and after islam, keeping jewishness, keeping up tradition, believing and staying as a jew is most important thing for us. >> growing up in this household, i was raised with stories about the iranian jewish community, the plight of the community and leading, and the role that my grandfather played in coming

know to the united states. >> the end of iran's monarchy came earlier today. and they took control of the palace of the shah. >> in the center of town where i was watching all demonstrations, i listened to the radio and said today, there was a demonstration, and about 10 different cities, and this is not accidental. >> the iranian islamic republic would be disturbed by the nation of islam and nothing else. >> and we take up-- after the revolution, there was a lot of iranian jews arriving here, and we were lost. a lot of people didn't speak the language. they didn't have the education to adjust themselves, so,

that's when the iranian and jewish friendship came into existence. from there on hat that time they were very very ang gr i -- angry because of the hostages. there were ten of us and the minority of iranian jews and he agreed to that and i was happy to have a chance to be of service to my community. >> my grandfather's working with the administration to ensure that the american iranian jewish community of faith reminds me of the power of our community leaders and so, when i got to campus i knew i needed to be a strong voice for my community. when i got to ucla, i thought

it was a contentious campus surrounding israel and dealing with anti-semitism on campus and we saw anti-islam rhetoric and i wanted to look at the negative trends. bee had a group bypass the bruin public affairs committee and we looked at the relationship with israel through political activism both on campus and in congress. and today we're lucky to be joined by two members of congress to work closely with students in their district. >> a lot of that draws from the famous themes as my grandfather's work as he was doing advocacy protecting needs of your community and ensuring the well-being of your people and making sure our rights are dedefended and guaranteed for years to come. these are the things that

inspire us and things that motivate us. >> the support of the people is that activists and i do hope that he will continue what he's doing and god's blessing, maybe his son will do the same. who knows. [applause] >> ladies and gentlemen, aipac campus activist amir. [applause] >> please welcome aipac board chair lillian pincus. ♪ >> it is my honor this morning to welcome our two distinguished guests. first, ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming

mrs. sarah netanyahu. [applause] ♪ ♪ ♪ . [applause] >> . [applause] >> now, it is my distinct

honor to introduce the prime minister of the state of isra israel. [cheers and applause] >> we have had the privilege of hosting the prime minister at our conference here in washington many times over the years. in fact, 30 years ago he addressed the 1988 aipac policy conference at the sheraton hotel just down the street. pack then we were only a few hundred proud activists, but today, mr. prime minister, we are thousands and thousands of pro-israel activists from every state in our union.

[cheers and applause] >> we are democrats and we are republicans. we are jews and non-jews. americans from all 50 states and from all walks of life, and together, this morning, we wish to send one unified message, aipac remains committed to strengthening the u.s.-israel relationship. we are as determined as ever to ensure the alliance between the united states and israel endures. today, tomorrow, and for many generations to come. [applaus [applause] >> so, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome back to the aipac stage, the prime minister of the state of israel, benjamin netanyahu [cheers and applause]

♪ >> thank you. ♪ >> thank you. >> good morning, aipac. [applause] >> it's always great to be here, but as i told president trump yesterday, it's

especially great to be in america's capital now that he's recognized jerusalem as israel's capital. [applaus [applause] >> thank you, president trump for that historic decision. [applaus [applause] >> thank you for announcing another decision, to move the american embassy from tel aviv to jerusalem this independence day. [applaus [applause] >> as the first ambassador to have the honor of working from that embassy in jerusalem is a great american ambassador, david friedman. [applause]

>> you can watch the rest of benjamin netanyahu's speech, the american-israel public affairs committee on our website, c-span.org. taking you live to the u.s. senate about to gavel in, a confirmation vote scheduled for western louisiana today and also on the senate agenda, a financial deregulation bill to repeal parts of the 2010 dodd-frank financial regulation law. the chaplain: let us pray. provide our lawmakers with power and insight to accomplish your will on earth, as they look to you for help.