[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 104 (Wednesday, July 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1608]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    FOREIGN RELATIONS AUTHORIZATION ACT, FISCAL YEARS 2006 AND 2007

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                               speech of

                          HON. DARRELL E. ISSA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 20, 2005

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2601) to 
     authorize appropriations for the Department of State for 
     fiscal years 2006 and 2007, and for other purposes:

  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Chairman, I had submitted an amendment made in order by 
the rule to strike proposed changes to U.S. economic and military aid 
to Egypt because of concerns I have that these changes may harm the 
U.S.-Egypt security relationship. I decided not to offer this 
amendment.
  Egypt is a friend and ally of the United States and their 
contributions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the global war on terrorism 
have made important contributions to our security and that of our 
military personnel serving abroad. Egypt is also a source of stability 
and leadership in the Middle East--they played an important role in 
convincing Syria to withdraw its military from Lebanon and have made 
important efforts to support peace and security for Israelis and the 
Palestinians.
  Consider Egypt's role in Iraq alone. From the beginning of U.S. 
operations there, Egypt has provided Suez Canal transits and landing 
and overflight rights. Egypt permitted emergency transit of the Suez 
Canal when the 4th Infantry Division was not permitted to stage from 
Turkey, saving weeks of transit time around the Horn of Africa. 
Moreover, since the U.S.S. Cole was attacked in 2000 at the entrance to 
the Red Sea, Egypt has provided the increased security necessary to 
prevent any attacks on U.S. forces transiting through the Suez Canal or 
other Egyptian facilities. Egypt sent an ambassador to the new 
government in Iraq to help support the new and democratic government 
that has been chosen by the Iraqi people. Sadly, the Egyptian 
ambassador to Iraq, Ihab ai-Sharif, was kidnapped and murdered by the 
same insurgents who have claimed 1,775 lives of our troops.
  Egyptians, like the people of the United Kingdom, have also been the 
victims of terrorism committed by Islamic extremists. The recent 
terrorist bombing in Sharm el-Sheikh against the people and Government 
of Egypt was a clear strike against a partner in the global war on 
terrorism. The need for continued security and military cooperation 
between the U.S. and Egypt could not be clearer.
  Because of the contributions Egypt has made as a valued friend and 
ally, many of my colleagues, the administration, our military leaders 
at CENTCOM, have expressed deep concerns that the changes to military 
assistance proposed in section 921 of the Foreign Relations 
Authorization Act could significantly harm the U.S.-Egypt security 
relationship that has been so critical for our efforts to promote peace 
between Israel and the Arab world and our ability to stop terrorist 
attacks. I also have concerns about whether the proposed restructuring 
of economic aid to Egypt contained in section 921 will actually yield 
substantive benefits for the Egyptian people.
  Mr. Chairman, my district is home to Marine Corps Base Camp 
Pendleton. The safety of Marines from Camp Pendleton serving in Iraq is 
significantly increased due to support provided by Egypt. Without the 
active support of Egypt for U.S. operations in Iraq, transit times for 
U.S. ships to the theater of operation would be considerably longer and 
more dangerous. Supplying troops in Iraq would also take longer and 
cost more. And finally, without Egyptian leadership in the Arab world, 
the political reconstruction of Iraq would be even more complicated and 
far-off.
  But perhaps most important, Mr. Chairman, is the fact that our 
Marines from Camp Pendleton will be able to come home, and stay home, 
in only one way: when Iraqi security forces are finally able to provide 
stability in their own country. This goal will be achieved more quickly 
because of efforts being made by Egypt to train Iraqi security 
personnel.
  Maintaining the close working military-to-military relationship 
developed with Egypt over the past 26 years is important to 
successfully completing our mission in Iraq and bringing American 
troops home. Fundamentally altering that relationship seems ill advised 
to me. We must be certain that the actions we take enhance his ability 
to fight the war on terrorism whether in Iraq, Afghanistan, or anywhere 
else in the region.
  Mr. Chairman, despite my concerns I recognize that Chairman Hyde and 
I share common goals of strengthening America's security relationship 
with Egypt and helping the people of Egypt build strong democratic 
institutions and a vibrant free market economy. I would also add that I 
support his efforts and those of the ranking member, Mr. Lantos, to 
seek new ways to strengthen U.S.-Egypt relations.
  I would, furthermore, like to thank Chairman Hyde and Ranking Member 
Lantos for agreeing to continue to work with me and the administration 
in order to protect our national interests and to help Egypt achieve 
the economic and political reform it needs.

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