[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 20, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H4159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1015
                 RECOGNIZING ISRAEL'S 60TH ANNIVERSARY

  (Mr. LAMBORN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Israel's 60th 
anniversary and the progress it has made as a nation.
  In May, 1948, after almost 2,000 years of exile, Jews returned to 
their homeland and made the State of Israel a reality. Israel is a 
model of democracy in action and a pillar of humanity in the Middle 
East. Its civil liberties are guaranteed by laws, and its laws are 
protected by an independent judiciary.
  Since its founding in 1948, Israel has been constantly aware of the 
necessity of a strong defense. Wars, conflicts, and terrorism have 
taught it the importance of utilizing innovative technologies to 
protect democracy.
  The U.S. was the first nation to recognize Israel as a state 60 years 
ago. Now our countries continue to cooperate in the fight against 
global terrorism and work together to create and maintain a strong 
ballistic missile system.
  This month we celebrate how far Israel has journeyed since its birth. 
It is a model of human rights, democracy, and freedom. We are proud to 
call Israel an ally.

                          ____________________