[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E697]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE MODERN STATE OF 
                                 ISRAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 22, 2008

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 
322, I am glad to have the opportunity to vote for this important 
resolution today.
  The United States recognized the State of Israel the day it was 
established on May 14, 1948. In the ensuing 60 years, the people of 
Israel have established a democratic society, developed an advanced 
economy, and created a thriving culture in the face of war, terrorism, 
and threats to its security.
  H. Con. Res. 322 expresses ``enduring support for Israel as Israel 
pursues peace with its neighbors.'' The importance of peace in the 
region cannot be overstated. Without it there can be no regional 
stability and no security for Israel. Over the decades, the United 
States has played a special role in helping facilitate the peace 
process in the region, and I believe we must continue to play that 
role.
  For 60 years, the United States and Israel have shared strong bonds 
of friendship, common values, and strategic interests. Our support for 
the people of Israel has been a fundamental part of American foreign 
policy and remains so today. In the post-9/11 world and with American 
soldiers engaged in two wars on Islamic soil, I believe our historic 
alliance with the State of Israel has even greater significance.
  So again, Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Israel on its 60th birthday and 
send my best wishes to the Israeli people for a peaceful and prosperous 
future.

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