[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 89 (Thursday, May 25, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H2608]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     COMMEMORATING 77TH ANNIVERSARY OF HASHEMITE KINGDOM OF JORDAN 
                            INDEPENDENCE DAY

  (Mr. WALTZ asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. WALTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 77th 
anniversary of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan's Independence Day.
  America and Jordan have a long history of friendship and cooperation 
after establishing diplomatic relations in 1949. Jordan plays a vital 
role in advancing peace, stability, and moderation in the Middle East.
  I recently visited Jordan. In fact, I had the honor of being flown by 
Jordan's first-ever female helicopter pilot. On that same visit, King 
Abdullah graciously hosted our delegation and took us to the holy site 
where Jesus was baptized on the east bank of the Jordan River.
  Jordan is a shining example of tolerance, with traditions of 
hospitality between all religions. This visit was especially moving, 
and it was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life.
  It is especially meaningful to me personally as I married into a 
Jordanian-American family, the Nesheiwats, who immigrated to America 
from their ancestral home of Salt through Ellis Island.
  We look forward to returning to Jordan soon to baptize our newborn 
son, Arman.
  I wish King Abdullah and the Jordanian people a happy Independence 
Day, and I remain committed to supporting the friendship and 
partnership between our two countries.

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