[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 12 (Wednesday, January 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E119]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING ISRAEL'S RIGHT TO DEFEND ITSELF AGAINST ATTACKS FROM GAZA

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                               speech of

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 9, 2009

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Madam Speaker, I rise to support H. Res. 34 
recognizing the State of Israel's right to exist in the community of 
nations and reaffirming America's strong support for Israel.
  Paramount among any sovereign state's rights is the right to defend 
itself. I voted to affirm that right for our good friend, the State of 
Israel against attacks from Hamas. If the Hamas-led government truly 
wishes to be a member of the global community, it must acknowledge and 
abide by all the world's rules including severing all links to 
terrorism and acknowledging the right of Israel's peaceful existence.
  Madam Speaker, the Middle East has been plagued by chronic fighting 
long enough. I join my colleagues in supporting Israel and in calling 
on all parties to cease hostilities and focus their efforts on the 
Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

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