[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 68 (Tuesday, May 5, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1058]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE 61ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF ISRAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 4, 2009

  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker. I welcome the opportunity to 
commemorate the 61st anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel 
and congratulate the people of Israel as they celebrate the 
independence of their country.
  I am hopeful that this year we make substantial progress to the goal 
we all share which is to see Israel and its neighbors living side by 
side in peace. To achieve this goal, it is important that the parties, 
aided by the United States acting as an honest broker, address and 
resolve all of the major issues standing in the path to peace.
  The appointment by President Obama of former Senator George Mitchell 
as Special Envoy for Middle East Peace is an outstanding gift from the 
United States to Israel on the occasion of its 61st birthday.

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