[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 67 (Thursday, May 19, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5548-S5549]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE 57TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE STATE OF 
                                 ISRAEL

  Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now 
proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 151, which was submitted 
earlier today.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 151) recognizing the 57th Anniversary 
     of the Independence of the State of Israel.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. ALLEN. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, 
the preamble be agreed to, and the motion to reconsider be laid upon 
the table.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 151) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 151

       Whereas in May 1948, the State of Israel was established as 
     a sovereign and independent nation;
       Whereas the United States was one of the first nations to 
     recognize Israel, only 11 minutes after its creation;
       Whereas Israel has provided the opportunity for Jews from 
     all over the world to reestablish their ancient homeland;
       Whereas Israel is home to many religious sites which are 
     sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam;
       Whereas Israel provided a refuge to Jews who survived the 
     horrors of the Holocaust and the evils committed by the Nazis 
     which were unprecedented in human history;
       Whereas the people of Israel have established a unique, 
     pluralistic democracy which includes the freedoms cherished 
     by the people of the United States, including freedom of 
     speech, freedom of religion, freedom of association, freedom 
     of the press, and government by the consent of the governed;
       Whereas Israel continues to serve as a shining model of 
     democratic values by regularly holding free and fair 
     elections, promoting the free exchange of ideas, and 
     vigorously exercising in its Parliament, the Knesset, a 
     democratic government that is fully representative of its 
     citizens;
       Whereas Israel has bravely defended itself from attacks 
     repeatedly since independence;
       Whereas the Government of Israel has successfully worked 
     with the neighboring Governments of Egypt and Jordan to 
     establish peaceful, bilateral relations;
       Whereas, despite the deaths of over one thousand innocent 
     Israelis at the hands of murderous, suicide bombers and other 
     terrorists during the past 4 years, the people of Israel 
     continue to seek peace with their Palestinian neighbors;
       Whereas the United States and Israel enjoy a strategic 
     partnership based on shared mutual democratic values, 
     friendship, and respect;
       Whereas the people of the United States share affinity with 
     the people of Israel and view Israel as a strong and trusted 
     ally; and

[[Page S5549]]

       Whereas Israel has made significant global contributions in 
     the fields of science, medicine, and technology: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes the independence of the State of Israel as a 
     significant event in providing refuge and a national homeland 
     for the Jewish people;
       (2) strongly supports efforts to bring peace to the Middle 
     East, including the disengagement plan of the Israeli 
     government, the Roadmap, and the recent Quartet decision to 
     appoint World Bank President James Wolfensohn as Coordinator 
     for Gaza Disengagement;
       (3) commends the bipartisan commitment of all United States 
     administrations and United States Congresses since 1948 to 
     stand by Israel and work for its security and well-being; and
       (4) extends warm congratulations and best wishes to the 
     people of Israel as they celebrate the 57th anniversary of 
     Israel's independence.

                          ____________________