This annual bill funded Defense Dept. programs and activities in FY 2019, including joint U.S.-Israel missile defense programs and other relevant military programs in the Middle East.
Because congressional leaders were unable to reach a compromise on appropriations for other departments of the government by the end of fiscal year 2018 (FY 2018), they also used it as a continuing resolution, extending FY 2018 funding through 12/7/18. For FY2018 appropriations on programs relevant to the Palestinians and the broader Arab-Israeli conflict, see *H.R. 1625 of 3/20/18 (for more on FY 2019 appropriations, see H. J. Res. 143 of 12/3/18).
Israeli Cooperative Programs
No less than $500 m. was designated for supporting Israeli cooperative programs, including $70 m. for the government of Israel for the Iron Dome missile defense system, $187 m. for the Short Range Ballistic Missile Defense program ($50 m. of which for co-production in the U.S.), $80 m. for co-production of Arrow 4 Upper Tier interceptor systems in the U.S., and $163 m. for the Arrow System Improvement Program.
Military Aid for Jordan
Up to $500 m. was made available to support Jordan’s armed forces in enhancing border security.
In the provision appropriating funds for the “Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund,” which was the primary funding mechanism for assistance to certain vetted groups in Iraq and Syria who are countering ISIS, the secretary of defense was permitted to use a portion of the $1.352 b. appropriation to enhance border security of countries adjacent to conflict areas, including Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, and Tunisia.
Iran Policy Oversight
None of the funds appropriated in this bill were made available to purchase heavy water from Iran.