Rand Paul obstructs quick vote on Iron Dome funding

WASHINGTON (JTA) — Republican Sen. Rand Paul blocked an expedited vote to approve $1 billion in funding to replenish Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile system and received swift criticism from an array of pro-Israel groups.

Sen. Robert Menendez, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, launched a bid Monday to pass the bill by unanimous consent, a procedure that accelerates passage by minimizing debate.

Paul objected, saying he wanted the funding to come out of money earmarked to assist Afghanistan as it recovers from years of war.

“I support Israel. I voted for hundreds...