Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., has recently introduced an amendment to a House bill that would provide over $26 billion in aid to Israel for the development of “space laser technology” to be used on the U.S. southern border. This amendment is likely referring to the Iron Beam, a ground-based laser weapon developed by Israeli defense contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. Despite Greene’s claims, the Iron Beam is not a “space laser” like the conspiracy theory she famously pushed in 2018. The weapon is controlled by operators in a command center and is not currently operational in Israel.
Greene has justified her support for funding space lasers for Israel by stating that the U.S. also needs a similar type of defense system for its border, similar to what Israel has and uses. The Iron Beam, if operational, could potentially be a more cost-effective option for border defense compared to the Iron Dome system currently used by Israel to intercept short-range rockets. A single Iron Dome missile can cost over $50,000, while the Iron Beam would only cost about $2 per firing. The U.S. has already provided funding to further develop the Iron Beam following past attacks in Israel.
In response to the recent Iranian drone attack, House Speaker Mike Johnson introduced two aid bills that would provide a total of $95 billion to Ukraine and Israel. Greene, who is leading an effort to remove Johnson from his position as speaker, introduced three amendments to the bill on Wednesday. These amendments include funding for space laser technology on the U.S. southern border, building an Iron Dome, and completing the border wall. Greene also introduced amendments related to redirecting funds to Ukraine, assisting victims of disasters, and imposing conditions on Ukraine, including calls for President Zelensky’s resignation and shutting down alleged “bio-laboratories.”
Greene’s history of promoting conspiracy theories, including the debunked claim of a Jewish space laser causing wildfires, has garnered widespread criticism. Despite claims that she no longer supports the QAnon movement, Greene continues to face scrutiny for her past statements and actions. The amendments she introduced to the aid bills have raised concerns and sparked controversy, with some labeling them as outlandish and impractical. Greene’s office did not respond to requests for comment on the matter, leaving many to question the rationale behind her proposed amendments. The debate over aid funding for Israel and Ukraine, as well as the broader issue of border security and defense technology, continues to be a contentious topic in Congress.
