[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 83 (Friday, May 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E967]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CONGRATULATING ISRAEL ON OECD MEMBERSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. MICHAEL E. McMAHON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 26, 2010

  Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate our close ally 
and partner, Israel, for her accession to membership in the 
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. I also want to 
thank the Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen for introducing this 
Resolution, of which I am honored to be an original co-sponsor.
  Israel first sought membership in OECD 10 years ago, and since then, 
Israel has been the most active nonmember country. Her aggressive 
pursuit of far-reaching economic reforms has led to her placement among 
the top business-friendly countries. Today, Israel is a world leader in 
providing access to credit markets, investor protections, and financial 
market sophistication. Her quality of life index also ranks among the 
top in life expectancy, judicial independence and legal rights.
  The two pillars of the OECD are a commitment to democratic government 
and a free-market based economy. Its recognition of Israel's advanced 
economy, however, has been too long in coming and this delay has 
subjected Israel to too many politicized attacks from unfriendly 
nations and multilateral institutions.
  Now, Israel's membership will strengthen the OECD's strategic 
economic importance in the world and benefit all members by providing 
access to Israel's advanced labor market and innovations in science and 
technology. Their membership also signifies another step forward in the 
cause to end religious intolerance and anti-Semitic economic and 
cultural policies.
  Israel's commitment to our shared values of democracy, human rights, 
and freedom make her one the most important strategic allies of the 
United States. We will continue to support Israel in every way possible 
and work with her to defend herself against the aggressions of all 
enemies. I call on all responsible nations to do the same and 
congratulate OECD and Israel for this momentous partnership.

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