[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 130 (Thursday, July 27, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNITION OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MICHAEL WALTZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 27, 2023

  Mr. WALTZ. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following 
proclamation:
  Whereas, Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman has faithfully served as the 
Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Representative to the United 
States, tirelessly advocating for the mutual national security 
interests of the Kurdistan Region and the United States; and
  Whereas, Ms. Abdul Rahman has exhibited remarkable leadership during 
the fight against ISIS and the successful defeat of the caliphate, 
showcasing unwavering dedication, courage, and strategic acumen; and
  Whereas, her role as the KRG Representative has been pivotal in 
strengthening ties between Kurdistan, and the United States, fostering 
enhanced cooperation, coordination, and partnership in the realms of 
political, security, humanitarian, economic, and cultural matters; and
  Whereas, Ms. Abdul Rahman has been a trusted friend and ally to the 
United States Congress, consistently providing invaluable insights, 
guidance, and perspectives on critical issues of mutual concern; and
  Whereas, her unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy, 
human rights, and freedom exemplifies the shared values and aspirations 
of the United States Congress and the Kurdistan Region; and
  Whereas, Ms. Abdul Rahman's illustrious career, which spans from her 
previous role as the High Representative to the United Kingdom to her 
current position as the KRG Representative to the United States, 
reflects her deep knowledge, expertise, and unwavering dedication to 
public service; and
  Whereas, prior to her remarkable public service career, Ms. Abdul 
Rahman made significant contributions to journalism for 17 years, 
garnering accolades such as the Observer Newspaper's Farzad Bazoft 
Memorial Prize in 1993, highlighting her exceptional talent, commitment 
to truth, and tireless pursuit of journalistic excellence; and
  Whereas, Ms. Abdul Rahman's family legacy, marked by her late father 
Sami Abdul Rahman's heroic leadership in the Kurdish freedom movement 
and his critical role in the Kurdish and Iraqi opposition to Saddam 
Hussein's regime, serves as a testament to her deep-rooted commitment 
to the cause of freedom, justice, and the rights of the Kurdish people; 
and
  Whereas, Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman's personal journey, from being born 
in Baghdad to becoming an esteemed representative and advocate for the 
Kurdistan Region, exemplifies the strength, resilience, and 
determination that defines her character and her unwavering commitment 
to advancing the welfare and prosperity of the Kurdish people;
  Now, therefore, be it proclaimed, that I extend my deepest gratitude 
and appreciation to Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman for her outstanding 
leadership, tireless dedication, and invaluable contributions as the 
KRG Representative to the United States. I commend her for being a 
loyal and trusted friend, ally, and source of wisdom, and I recognize 
her instrumental role in promoting the shared national security 
interests of the Kurdistan Region and the United States.

                          ____________________