[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 149 (Tuesday, November 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1814-E1815]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING JINSA ON ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL GENERALS AND ADMIRALS TRIP 
                               TO ISRAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ERIC CANTOR

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 27, 2012

  Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The Jewish 
Institute for National Security Affairs and their continued excellence 
in providing American military leaders with an unparalleled look at the 
challenges facing Israel, our closest ally in the Middle East. JINSA's 
annual Generals and Admirals Trip to Israel offers recently retired 
American generals and admirals the opportunity to consult with Israel's 
senior political and military leadership on the persistent threats 
Israel faces across its borders and the shared threats our countries 
face in the region.
  America has a long standing commitment to the U.S.-Israel strategic 
relationship, a unique bond forged by shared interests and shared 
democratic values. No country in the tumultuous region stands aligned 
with our ideals more than Israel. Amid a rising tide of radicalism and 
violent extremism in the region it is imperative that the United States 
stand by her ally and ensure that Israel can maintain its Qualitative 
Military Edge so that threats to Israeli and American security will be 
answered with strength and resolve. America's military and intelligence 
cooperation has proven successful and our joint missile defense efforts 
such as Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow have saved lives from the 
rockets launched into Israel from the Gaza Strip. These collaborations 
have also prevented weapon smuggling in the Sinai Peninsula and have 
effectively protected Israel against terrorism.
  Unfortunately, as Iran expands its influence in the region, the 
threat of terrorism and conflict grows. Iran's radical mullahs call for 
death and destruction of Israel, America, and all that we stand for. 
Iran also continues their long-standing efforts to acquire nuclear 
weapons and today they are closer than ever to a nuclear bomb. The 
sanctions we have implemented have impacted Iran's economy, but Iran's 
leaders remain undeterred from their pursuit of their dangerous goal 
and continue to support various terrorist factions such as Hamas, 
Hezbollah, and the Taliban. Iran's leaders are also strategic patrons 
of Syrian Dictator Bashar Assad, a brutal despot and sponsor of 
terrorism whose violent suppression of his own citizens has fueled 
sectarian conflict and extremism in violence in Syria. The United 
States must act as a global leader in order to thwart Iran's nuclear 
capabilities, combat their terrorist proxies, and ensure that the 
security of the United States, Israel, and our Arab allies is assured.

[[Page E1815]]

  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing JINSA for another 
successful trip that seeks to solidify our nation's support for Israel, 
with whom we share a commitment to freedom, a respect for human life, 
and a commitment to security. Global security depends on strong U.S. 
leadership. The U.S. must stand tall for Israel, now more than ever, 
and must not abandon our ally at a time of enormous instability in the 
region.

                          ____________________