[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 170 (Tuesday, October 31, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2078]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN SUPPORT OF RELOCATING THE U.S. EMBASSY TO JERUSALEM

                                 ______


                         HON. MICHAEL F. DOYLE

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 31, 1995

  Mr. DOYLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the action 
taken by the House last week in support of moving the United States 
embassy in Israel from its current location in Tel Aviv to its rightful 
place in Jerusalem. As a cosponsor of the original House bill on this 
matter, I am pleased that we are able to move forward with this 
legislation in such a timely manner.
  Situating the United States' embassy in the Israeli capital is a long 
overdue acknowledgement that a unified Jerusalem represents the 
vitality of the nation of Israel. Jerusalem has been under the 
administration of the Israeli Government for over 25 years, and by 
moving our embassy we will add to the stability of this situation.
  Another reason I endorse this action is simple diplomatic protocol. 
Of all our hundreds of embassies throughout the world, from Albania to 
Zimbabwe, this is the only instance where the United States has not 
located its embassy in the host nation's capital. Certainly Israel, 
which is one of our closest allies in the world, deserves the respect 
that would accompany having our official diplomatic representation in 
their capital city.
  Furthermore, the relocation of the U.S. embassy is consistent with 
the our Nation's support for the ongoing peace process in the Middle 
East. I am a strong supporter of this process and am sensitive to any 
possible adverse impact that this or any other related action would 
have on that process. I am satisfied that the transfer of our embassy 
will not have any negative consequences in that regard.
  In conclusion, I am proud to be a supporter of efforts such as this, 
which are based on sound public policy goals and are accomplished in a 
bipartisan manner.

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