Congressional Record, Volume 151 Issue 69 (Monday, May 23, 2005)

[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 69 (Monday, May 23, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H3724-H3728]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

RECOGNIZING 57TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE OF STATE OF ISRAEL

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree
to the concurrent resolution (H. Con.Res. 149) recognizing the 57th
anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:

H. Con. Res. 149

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;

[[Page H3725]]

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
Whereas Israel has made significant global contributions in
the fields of science, medicine, and technology: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That Congress--
(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) praises the efforts of President George W. Bush and
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to create the conditions for
peace in the Middle East;
(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.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen).

General Leave

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their
remarks and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 149, the
concurrent resolution now under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Florida?
There was no objection.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 149 marks the 57th anniversary of the State
of Israel. Since its birth in 1948, Israel has stood out as a symbol of
morality and courage. It has struggled constantly to maintain its
independence, surmounting military attacks from hostile neighbors and
prolonged terrorist campaigns.
Even while at war, Israel's democracy and its vibrant diverse and
free society have stayed strong. Its doors have remained open to
victims of persecution and intolerance around the world. It is the
nature of the Israeli nation and the character of the Israeli people
that have helped form an unbreakable bond between our nations and our
people, and we are proud to call Israel our friend and ally.
The United States and Israel have a long history of friendship and
cooperation. In 1948, the United States was one of the first nations to
recognize Israel, doing so only 11 minutes after its creation. From
that point onward, the relationship between our Nation and Israel has
continued to grow.
As the first and only true democracy in the Middle East, Israel is a
remarkable example to its neighbors. Israel has an active free press
that constantly holds up a mirror to the government and its policies.
It holds regular, free, and fair elections and has a transparent
independent judiciary. Israel is home to a remarkably diverse and
multiethnic society that includes Jews of Middle Eastern descent,
Arabs, Druze, and immigrant communities from Russia, Ethiopia, India
and, indeed, all parts of the world. Israel exemplifies religious
tolerance and respect.
The Israeli people have demonstrated over and over again their
commitment to peace and to security in the face of terrorist threats.
Israel has worked with the neighboring countries of Egypt and Jordan to
establish peaceful bilateral relations and has seen those bonds
flourish and strengthen through initiatives such as the Qualified
Industrial Zones which have brought prosperity and development to all
of the participants involved.
Israel has also continued seeking peace with its Palestinian
neighbors, despite the relentless onslaught of suicide bombers that
brought the deaths of over 1,000 innocent Israelis over the last 4
years.
Even while facing militant threats from its neighbors, Israel has
flourished and has given the world great gifts through its literature
and art and through its medical, technological, and scientific
advances. The bond between our nations and our people has never been
stronger.
Accordingly, I wish to extend my best wishes and congratulations to
the people of the State of Israel on their 57th Independence Day and
strongly urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
First of all, let me say what an honor and privilege it is to
introduce this resolution today with our great chairwoman of our
Subcommittee on the Middle East and Central Asia, my good friend and
the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen). We have worked
together so well and so closely on the Middle East and other things
that it is an honor to do this with her again this afternoon.
I also want to commend my colleague, the gentleman from South
Carolina (Mr. Wilson), for introducing this important resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. Fifty-seven
years ago, the State of Israel was established as a sovereign and
independent state. Rising from the ashes of the Holocaust, Israel
represented not only a refuge for Jews of Europe, the Middle East and
elsewhere, but the fulfillment of the age-old dream of the Jewish
people for a homeland of their own once again after so many thousands
of years.
As you may know, Mr. Speaker, the United States was one of the first
nations to recognize Israel only 11 minutes after its creation. The
home to many religious sites of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam,
Israel provides fair and open access for people of all faiths to visit
holy places. The people of Israel have established a unique pluralistic
democracy. In fact, it is the only true democracy in the Middle East.
This includes the rights and liberties 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.
Today, 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 through its parliament,
the Knesset, a democratic government that is fully representative of
its citizens. Indeed, Israel and the United States have shared
traditions and shared values, and democracy is certainly one of them.
Unfortunately, ever since its independence, Israel has repeatedly,
time and time again, been forced to defend itself from attacks. Yet
even in the face of this adversity, the government of Israel has
successfully worked with the neighboring governments of Egypt and
Jordan to establish peaceful bilateral relations.
During the summer of 2000, President Clinton tried to broker a
permanent end to the conflict, where the Israelis signed and agreed to
a very generous and deep concession. Yet Yasar Arafat rejected the
deal, walked out and sparked his terror war. Despite the deaths of over
1,000 innocent Israelis at the hands of murderous suicide bombers and
other terrorists since then, the people of Israel continue to seek
peace with their Palestinian neighbors.
Regardless, the United States and Israel enjoy a strategic
partnership based on shared democratic principles, friendship, and
respect. President Bush has said this many, many times. And, indeed,
all Presidents of the United States have worked closely with Israel.
Our people share a true affinity of values and view each other as
strong and trusted allies. As an American of Jewish heritage myself, I
am proud to speak in favor of H. Con. Res. 149, which recognizes the
independence of the State of Israel as a significant event in providing
refuge and a national homeland for the Jewish people.
The resolution also praises American and Israeli efforts to create
the conditions for peace in the Middle East, 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 extends

[[Page H3726]]

warm congratulations and best wishes to the people of Israel as they
celebrate their 57th anniversary of Israel's independence.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome Prime Minister Ariel
Sharon, who is now visiting the United States, and wish him a safe and
productive visit. In fact, the APAC conference, which has been going on
these past few days in Washington, as we speak, is a reminder of the
work that needs to be done to continue to solidify and strengthen the
U.S.-Israel relationship.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he
may consume to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson), the
author and the lead sponsor of this concurrent resolution.
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman
from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) for yielding me this time, and for her
leadership on this issue and her leadership on the Committee on
International Relations. It is particularly an honor for me to follow
my good friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel). It is
wonderful we can be here together as Members of the House Israel
Caucus.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House
Concurrent Resolution 149, which recognizes the 57th anniversary of the
independence of the State of Israel. Since its establishment, Israel
has served as a trusted home and safe haven for Jews all over the
world. After World War II, Israel welcomed Jews who survived the
horrors of the Holocaust.
Mr. Speaker, I have visited firsthand to see the country continue to
embrace Jews who are eager to reestablish in their ancient homeland. By
regularly holding free and fair elections, promoting the exchange of
ideas, and vigorously exercising in its parliament, Israel is a shining
model of democracy.
The evolution of this great Nation is a true testament to the power
of democracy and the resiliency of the people of Israel. Throughout the
past 57 years, the relationship between Israel and the United States
has continued to strengthen. Israel is a trusted ally of the United
States, and our two countries now enjoy a strategic partnership based
on shared mutual democratic values, friendship, and respect.
Additionally, I am grateful my home State of South Carolina and my
hometown of Charleston were the home of the largest Jewish population
in North America at the time of the American Revolution. Its provincial
constitution was the first to recognize Judaism to be coequal to
Christianity. The first Jew to be elected to public office in North
America was in South Carolina. And the first Jewish fatality in the
cause of liberty during the American Revolution was a patriot from
South Carolina.

{time} 1615

The bonds of Israel and South Carolina are strong.
Today's resolution also commends President George W. Bush of the
United States and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for continuing to work
for peace in the Middle East. Despite the deaths of over 1,000 Israelis
at the hands of murderous terrorists, the people of Israel continue to
seek peace with their Palestinian neighbors. Their perseverance and
strong spirit will ensure a bright future for their nation and the
Middle East.
As we recognize the 57th anniversary of independence, please join me
in extending warm congratulations and best wishes to the people of
Israel.
In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will not forget September
11.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Davis).
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for
yielding me this time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to join with my colleagues in congratulating the
people of Israel on the 57th anniversary of the independence of the
State of Israel. Relationships between Israel and the United States
remain strong, based on each country's expressed commitment to
democracy, human rights and self-determination for all people.
This past year has been a momentous one for the people of Israel.
Israel won its first Olympic gold medal this past summer. Israel won
its first Nobel Prize this past year, and the Israeli economy continues
to recover.
Israel as a nation continues to thrive. Its people remain strong and
optimistic about the future. The negotiated end to violence and Prime
Minister Sharon's proposed disengagement plan to dismantle Jewish
communities in Gaza and parts of the West Bank move the peace process
into a new and uncharted era.
Now the attention of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples turn to the
outcome of talks between Israeli Prime Minister Sharon and Palestinian
President Mahmoud Abbas as to what will come in the wake of the
withdrawal from Gaza.
As we wish the Israeli people mazel tov on the anniversary of their
independence, we stand ready to assist in every way in moving the peace
process forward toward a permanent end to the violence and toward peace
and mutual prosperity for Israel and her closest neighbor, Palestine.
On Sunday of this past week, I had an opportunity to participate with
a number of my constituents in a Solidarity Day demonstration in our
community. Again, I simply want to congratulate them for their
continued steadfastness. I am proud and pleased to support this
legislation.
Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the citizens of Israel
and the entire Jewish community on this 57th anniversary of the State
of Israel's founding, also known as Yom Ha'atzmaut.
For 57 years, the Israeli people have faced persistent challenges and
threats, and they have prevailed--and will continue to prevail and
flourish--because of their unshakable courage and faith in Israel's
democratic future.
Israel is today the only true democracy in the Middle East, and the
foundation of her government is similar to our own--freedom of
religion, freedom of speech, respect for basic human rights and respect
for the rule of law. The American-Israel partnership is unbreakable. We
are both nations of immigrants. We are safe havens for the oppressed.
We are partners for peace. And we are united in fighting terrorism.
I am pleased that once again this summer I will have the opportunity
to lead a delegation of Democratic Members of Congress to Israel. Two
years ago, I had the honor of leading the largest Congressional
delegation in Israel's history to the Jewish state. And, I believe it
is imperative that our newer Members see Israel's security challenges
first-hand and gain a better appreciation of her importance to
America's national security interests.
I urge my colleagues to support this important Resolution.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it was Theodore Herzl that
said, ``im tirtzu ein zo agadah'' (EEm teer-su, ain so aga DAH); if you
will it, it is no dream. Today we are here to celebrate his dream and
recognize the 57th anniversary of the independence of the State of
Israel.
On May 14, 1948, the State of Israel was established as a sovereign
and independent nation and the United States was one of the first
nations to recognize Israel, a mere 11 minutes after its creation.
Israel has provided a unique opportunity for Jews from all over the
world to reestablish their ancient homeland. In addition, it is a home
to many religious sites which are sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and
Islam and attracts visitors every year.
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. 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.
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.
Israel continues to bravely defend itself from attacks repeatedly since
independence, such horrors that have become a daily reality for the
people who live there.
I want to applaud the Government of Israel for successfully working
with the neighboring Governments of Egypt and Jordan to establish
peaceful, bilateral relations. I have had the privilege of visiting
Israel, and hearing firsthand how the government is taking great
strides to ensure peace for generations.
The United States and Israel enjoy a strategic partnership based on
shared mutual democratic values, friendship, and respect. The people of
the United States share affinity with the people of Israel and view
Israel as a

[[Page H3727]]

strong and trusted ally. I hope this friendship continues to grow and
blossom for decades to come, as Israel settles itself in a firm place
on our global map.
Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res.
149 which celebrates the 57th anniversary of the independent and
democratic State of lsrael. Today we remember and pay tribute to the
creation of the State of Israel. The United States took only eleven
minutes after Israel had been declared a state to officially welcome
her into the community of nations. For the last 47 years the United
Stated and Israel built a unique and strong and special relationship.
The creation of the State of lsrael was a bold step in May of 1948.
The first Prime Minister of Israel, David Ben-Gurion, once said that,
``courage is a special kind of knowledge: the knowledge of how to fear
what ought to be feared and how not to fear what ought not to be
feared.'' It is from such courage that Israel was formed and it is that
that continues to maintain Israel as a vibrant and strong democracy
today. We can all learn examples from the struggles that the citizens
of Israel have endured and the grief they have overcome to remain a
democratic outpost in the Middle East.
Yet, much work remains unfinished. We all remain troubled by the
continued violence in the Middle East and we all continue to pray for a
peaceful end to the years of violence and terror. The United States and
our citizens learned all too well about the effects of terrorism on an
early morning in September of 2001. In that one day, the nations of the
world rallied to our side, offered aid, and pledged to assist us in any
way possible. Yet, sadly, events like that September morning have been
frequent occurrences in Israel. This fact can to easily be lost as the
continued violence and terror is pushed off the front pages of our news
papers and out of the nightly news on TV. That is why it is important
now, more than ever, to remember and support our strongest and oldest
ally in the Middle East.
I am proud to join with my colleagues today to reiterate our
continued strong support of Israel, its right to defend itself and its
people from terrorism, and to focus on the special relationship that
exists between our two nations. I have had the pleasure to travel to
Israel on a number of occasions, and these visits have only reinforced
my strong conviction that the United States needs to remain a strong
partner of Israel and remain actively engaged in negotiating a peaceful
and equitable agreement between the parties to this conflict.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support this resolution in celebrating
the 47 years of Israel's existence as a beacon of democracy and hope in
the Middle East. I also celebrate today the daily courage exhibited by
the citizens of Israel and want to express my personal commitment to
Israel at this important milestone in its history. I look forward to
future anniversaries, and to the day when Israel and her citizens can
live in peace without the need for courage against fear.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res.
149, a measure recognizing the 57th anniversary of the independence of
the State of Israel. It is my honor to recognize this anniversary which
marks the restoration of Jewish independence with the establishment of
the State of Israel in 1948.
I commend the Israeli people for their remarkable achievements in
building a new state and a pluralistic and democratic society in the
Middle East in the face of terrorism and hostility. On this occasion, I
extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to the state of
Israel and her people for a peaceful, prosperous, and successful
future.
Independence Day is a celebration of the renewal of the Jewish state
in the Land of Israel, the birthplace of the Jewish people. In this
land, the Jewish people began to develop its distinctive religion and
culture some 4,000 years ago, and here it has preserved an unbroken
physical presence, for centuries as a sovereign state, at other times
under foreign control.
On this 57th Anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel,
we recognize that the Israeli people have created one of the leading
nations in the fields of science, technology, medicine, and
agriculture. The people of Israel have established a vibrant and
functioning pluralistic and democratic political system that guarantees
the freedoms of speech and press, and free, fair, and open elections
with respect for the rule of law. With a strong democracy in a troubled
part of the world, Israel has absorbed millions of new immigrants from
all over the world. Some of these immigrants arrived without a single
possession, but Israel welcomed them by providing housing, education,
social security, and health care.
I rise also to condemn the rising tide of anti-Semitism around the
globe and to demonstrate the United States' lasting bond of friendship
and cooperation with Israel, which has existed for the past 57 years.
Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished
colleagues join me in recognizing and paying tribute to the state of
Israel as she celebrates her 57th Independence Day and again extend my
warmest wishes for a peaceful and prosperous future. I urge my
colleagues to join me in supporting H. Con. Res. 149.
Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con.
Res. 149, honoring the 57th anniversary of Israel's independence and
thank the gentleman from South Carolina for introducing this
resolution. From the ashes of the Holocaust, Israel rose to become a
shining example of democracy and liberty in a neighborhood otherwise
dominated by totalitarian and dictatorially regimes.
The United States and Israel have had a special relationship since
modem Israel's founding in 1948. The U.S. was the first country to
recognize Israel, only 11 minutes after it was officially created.
Since then, the two countries have developed a rock-solid friendship
based on shared values and the fundamental principles of freedom and
equality.
A strong U.S.-Israel relationship is in the best interest of both
countries. Israel stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the U.S. in
countering the greatest threats to American interests in the region.
When terrorists strike U.S. targets in the region or elsewhere in the
world, Israel does not duck for cover but stands by the U.S.
Additionally, no other country in the region supports the American
position at the United Nations as consistently as Israel.
Israel's 57th anniversary is a great day for not only Israel but for
freedom loving people all around the world.
Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to speak in strong support of
the resolution today honoring the 57th anniversary of the Independence
of the State Israel.
I congratulate the people of the State of Israel and the greater
Jewish community on the 57th anniversary of their Independence.
The creation of the Jewish State in 1948 was met with the immediate
support and recognition from the United States, and our country has
continued to consider Israel our closest friend and strongest ally.
As Israel continues to fight against terrorist groups, it is more
important than ever the United States continues to show our solidarity
and provide whatever aid and support both economic and moral, to our
friend Israel.
Israel, as the only truly democratic nation in the Middle East should
be lauded for 57 years of democracy.
Israel continues to show the world that this small state who has been
surrounded by aggressive states for most of its existence is here to
stay. I believe the survival of the Jewish state is paramount and the
United States must continue to encourage Israel's sustained efforts to
defend the freedoms and rights it has secured its citizens.
Since its Independence, Israel has endured the unstable and troubling
conditions in the Middle East that have sparked several wars and
incited much violence.
Yet the Israeli people remain united and strong and continue to stand
up for their nation. That is why I re-affirm the right of the Israeli
people to always protect themselves and their state from the forces of
terrorism, no matter where it may exist.
Israel is a modern success story, the only Democracy in the Middle
East, the only Middle Eastern country where Arabs have the right to
vote for their elected officials and their political leaders.
Her detractors and those who hide their anti-Semitism behind anti-
Zionism must not denigrate the success of Israel. I am proud to be one
of Israel's strongest friends in Congress and to wish Israel a hearty
Mazel Tov on 57 years of Independence.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I commend our colleague from South Carolina,
Joe Wilson, for his effort in introducing this is resolution and I am
delighted to join him extending the heartfelt congratulations of the
Congress and the American people to the Israeli people in recognition
of the 57th anniversary of their independence, which they celebrated
this month.
Mr. Speaker, Israel is a tiny island of refuge in the midst of a
roiling sea of hostile neighbors. Although relentlessly under attack
since their nation's birth, the Israeli people have succeeded in
creating the only democracy in the Middle East, and one of the most
prosperous, technologically advanced, and reliably just societies on
earth.
In the 57 years of its independence, Israel has absorbed millions of
Jewish immigrants from all around the world, including over a million
immigrants from the former Soviet Union in just the past 15 years. This
is a remarkable and unprecedented achievement for a country whose
population was only 600,000 in 1948. Israel has given immigrants the
opportunity to live lives of dignity and equality in a free society--
people who otherwise would have lived, at best, as second- or third-
class citizens in the countries they left behind.
An indication of the vibrancy and vitality of Israeli democracy, Mr.
Speaker, is the fact that Israel celebrates its anniversary this year
as it prepares to resettle civilian settlements and

[[Page H3728]]

disengage its military forces from Gaza and parts of the West Bank.
This was Prime Minister Sharon's incredibly bold and courageous
initiative. It will not be easy to implement, given the determined
opposition of a minority of Israelis. But anyone who knows Ariel Sharon
has little doubt that the disengagement will happen, just as the Prime
Minister intends.
The disengagement from Gaza entails not only political risks for
Prime Minister Sharon but also security risks for Israel. It is in our
national interest to assist Israel to reduce those risks. The United
States stood by Israel when it took courageous steps for peace with
Egypt and Jordan, and we will continue to stand by Israel as it
undertakes risks in order to make progress toward peace with the
Palestinians. The United States is also committed to helping Israel
deal with the emerging threats of radical regimes and terrorist
organizations in the Middle East.

We must not forget, Mr. Speaker, that progress toward peace has come
at a great cost. For the past four and half years, innocent civilians
have been murdered by terrorists aiming to destroy the state, and
Israelis have been killed only because they were Israelis. By
supporting Israel in its struggle for peace, we honor the victims'
memory and help to promote better future, both for Israelis and
Palestinians and the region.
The establishment of the State of Israel has been a great boon not
only for those who live there, but it is of great importance for our
nation as well. We treasure Israel as our most loyal ally in the Middle
East and as the embodiment of democratic values we cherish. It is no
wonder that the United States has played a critical role in supporting
Israel's security in a bipartisan fashion. It is a record about which
we are justifiably proud and a standard to which we will aspire for
years to come.
In recognizing Israeli independence, we reiterate our commitment to
ensure the safety and security of the State of Israel for the sake of
the Israeli people and for the sake of the American people. The
historic ties and friendship between our two democratic states have
been a source of great pride for both our nations, and we are committed
to maintaining and reinforcing them. As the Israeli people continue to
draw inspiration in their struggle for peace and security from their
friends and supporters in the United States, the Israeli people should
know that Israel has no greater friend and no stronger supporter than
the people of the United States of America.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Daniel E. Lungren of California). The
question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms.
Ros-Lehtinen) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the
concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 149, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.

____________________