[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 37 (Wednesday, March 7, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H1220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1210
              MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER TO STAND BY ISRAEL

  (Mr. HULTGREN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I had the opportunity to meet 
with many of my constituents who were here to advocate for continued 
support for Israel. I had the opportunity to listen to Prime Minister 
Netanyahu's remarks on the importance of the American-Israeli alliance 
and friendship. I'm here to tell them today that I could not agree 
more, and that at no time has the bond between our countries been more 
important.
  In an increasingly uncertain and unstable region in the world, Israel 
has proven time and again to be a steadfast friend. In a region 
governed at best by fledgling democracies with uncertain futures and at 
worst by brutal authoritarian dictatorships, Israel is a champion of 
democracy and freedom.
  But today Israel is surrounded by increasingly unstable neighbors. 
Just over the horizon, they're faced with an Iranian regime that 
threatens them with annihilation.
  In these circumstances, we must do what is right and stand with our 
friends and allies, the Israeli people. I've been proud to do so in 
this Chamber, and I will continue to do so in the weeks and months 
ahead.

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