Congressman Brad Schneider—represent­ing Illinois’s 10th congressional district—is a truly committed supporter of America’s friend and only democratic ally in the world’s most volatile region. Despite his only being a fresh­man Representative, Schneider has already taken tremendous steps to strengthen the U.S.- Israel relationship.

In Englewood, Schneider expressed con­cern about the many threats facing Israel to­day, including Iran’s nuclear capabilities, tur­moil in Syria and Iraq, and the countless rocket attacks from Hamas and Hezbollah. In an op-ed in the Jerusalem Post, Schneider wrote, “Al­lowing Iran to acquire a nuclear weapons capa­bility would directly threaten the United States, our interests, and our allies.”

To stay up to date during the event, Schnei­der periodically checked the “Red Alert” app on his phone, which alerts users around the world in real-time as rockets are launched toward Is­raeli cities. There were several of these rocket alerts while the event was taking place.

Representative Schneider’s numerous ef­forts to combat these threats—in less than two years in office—exemplifies his unique commitment. Schneider was an original co-sponsor and helped introduce the Israel Qual­itative Military Edge (QME) Enhancement Act (H.R.1992) and the Nuclear Iran Prevention Act (H.R.850), and he co-authored the Hezbol­lah International Financing Prevention Act of 2014 (H.R.4411)—all of which received impres­sive bipartisan support. Schneider has also co-sponsored numerous bills to enhance Israeli security, including several pieces of legislation to support the Iron Dome missile defense sys­tem. Even more recently, he had introduced House Resolution 642, calling for the immedi­ate and unconditional release of the three kid­napped Israeli teenagers. Tragically, this resolu­tion could not help.

In only a short period of time, Representa­tive Brad Schneider has done more to improve the U.S.-Israel relationship than most members of Congress. He is truly a unique and meaning­ful friend to Israel.

Representative Schneider is up for re-elec­tion on November 4, 2014.