A Senate panel has backed a defense spending bill that would double the amount of money for Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system.
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The move by the Appropriations defense subcommittee comes as the system has proven successful in shooting down Hamas' rockets in the latest hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
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The defense bill would provide $351 million for Iron Dome, double what the Obama administration requested. Republican and Democratic administrations have typically requested a smaller amount for the program designed to intercept short-range rockets and mortars, knowing Congress will increase it.
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Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the chairman of the panel, said the system is working and the increase was crucial with Israel facing rockets from Gaza militants.
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Overall, the defense bill would provide $549.3 billion for fiscal 2015. (AP)
