[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 9]
[House]
[Pages 11441-11445]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE 61ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF ISRAEL

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 111) recognizing the 61st 
anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
  The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 111

       Whereas on May 14, 1948, the State of Israel declared its 
     independence;
       Whereas the United States was one of the first nations to 
     recognize Israel, only 11 minutes after its creation;
       Whereas Israel has provided the opportunity for Jews from 
     all over the world to reestablish their ancient homeland;
       Whereas Israel is home to many religious sites sacred to 
     Judaism, Christianity, and Islam;
       Whereas Israel provided a refuge to Jews who survived the 
     unprecedented horrors of the Holocaust;
       Whereas the people of Israel have established a pluralistic 
     democracy which includes the freedoms cherished by the people 
     of the United States, including freedom of speech, freedom of 
     religion, freedom of association, freedom of the press, and 
     government by the consent of the governed;
       Whereas Israel continues to serve as a shining model of 
     democratic values by regularly holding free and fair 
     elections, promoting the free exchange of ideas, and 
     vigorously exercising in its Parliament, the Knesset, a 
     democratic government that is fully representative of its 
     citizens;
       Whereas Israel has bravely defended itself from terrorist 
     and military attacks repeatedly since independence;
       Whereas the rocket attacks that have occurred in Israel in 
     recent years have caused hundreds of casualties and have 
     destroyed homes, schools, buildings, roads, power lines, and 
     other significant infrastructure;
       Whereas Israel has signed landmark peace treaties and 
     successfully established peaceful bilateral relations with 
     neighboring Egypt and Jordan;
       Whereas despite the deaths of over 1,000 innocent Israelis 
     over the last several years at the hands of murderous, 
     suicide bombers and other terrorists, the people of Israel 
     continue to seek peace with their Palestinian neighbors;
       Whereas Iran, which rejects Israel's right to exist as a 
     nation, is a continued threat to Israel's safety and 
     security, both through its support of terrorist groups like 
     Hamas and Hezbollah and through its ongoing efforts to 
     acquire nuclear weapons;
       Whereas the United States and Israel enjoy a strategic 
     partnership based on shared democratic values, friendship, 
     and respect;
       Whereas the people of the United States share an affinity 
     with the people of Israel and view Israel as a strong and 
     trusted ally;
       Whereas Israel has made significant global contributions in 
     the fields of science, medicine, and technology; and
       Whereas Israel's Independence Day on the Jewish calendar 
     coincides this year with April 29, 2009: Now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) recognizes the independence of the State of Israel as a 
     significant event in providing refuge and a national homeland 
     for the Jewish people and in establishing a democracy in the 
     Middle East;
       (2) commends the bipartisan commitment of all United States 
     administrations and United States Congresses since 1948 to 
     stand by Israel and work for its security and well-being;
       (3) congratulates the United States and Israel for the 
     strengthening of bilateral relations in recent years in the 
     fields of defense, diplomacy, and homeland security, and 
     encourages both nations to continue their cooperation in 
     resolving future mutual challenges; and
       (4) extends warm congratulations and best wishes to the 
     people of Israel as they celebrate the 61st anniversary of 
     Israel's independence.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Payne) and the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Boozman) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey.


                             General Leave

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 
5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include 
extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New Jersey?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 111, 
recognizing the 61st anniversary of the independence of the State of 
Israel, and yield myself as much time as I may consume.
  Since its founding 61 years ago, the modern State of Israel has been 
a strong ally of the United States, Israel has established itself as a 
dynamic, pluralistic and democratic nation with a booming economy, a 
thriving culture and intellectual life. Contemporary Israelis have 
contributed to world civilizations as scholars, inventors, artists and 
educators, and Israeli citizens have been awarded the Nobel Prize. 
Israel is the home to many outstanding scientists, engineers, doctors, 
musicians and other hardworking people. This is an impressive record 
for a country of barely 7 million people.
  Since Israel's founding, the United States has had no greater friend 
in the Middle East. The close bond is based on shared values, including 
a commitment to democracy and respect for human rights. The United 
States and Israel also share a common history as a nation of 
immigrants, many of whom fled persecution from other parts of the 
world. The United States and Israel have worked to welcome people in 
their borders.
  Israel declared its independence on May 14, 1948, providing 
opportunity for Jews from all over the world to reestablish their 
ancient homeland. Israel remains the home of many religious sites which 
are sacred to Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
  Israelis continue to serve as a model of democracy and democratic 
values by holding free and fair elections, promoting free and fair 
exchange of ideas, having open press, open media and vigorously 
exercising in its Parliament, the Knesset, a democratic government that 
is fully representative of all its civilians. As a matter of fact, in 
the Knesset, just about every small group may be represented, and it is 
considered to be for Israel, as compared to other nations, the most 
democratic by the manner in which it is created. I am certainly 
convinced that America and Israel will remain and retain their very 
strong and special relationships for years to come.
  H. Con. Res. 111 reaffirms these bonds of friendship and cooperation 
and expresses a commitment to strengthen them as we move forward.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support this resolution commending the 
61 years of Israel's existence as a beacon of democracy and hope in the 
Middle East. I look forward to future anniversaries and to the day when 
Israel and her civilians can live in true peace and true security.
  I strongly support this resolution, and I strongly urge that all my 
colleagues do the same.
  For thirty-one years, not one of Israel's Arab neighbors recognized 
the Jewish State. Finally, in 1979 and 1994, in respectively, visionary 
Arab leaders Anwar Sadat of Egypt and King Hussein of Jordan embraced 
the path of co-existence and signed peace treaties with Israel. I am 
convinced that someday the other Arab states will follow suit.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, as we, today, commemorate 61 years of Israeli 
independence, we commemorate and celebrate so much more. We celebrate 
61 years of the exercise of vibrant liberty, democracy and opportunity 
for those of all faiths. We celebrate over six decades of the 
revitalization of the Jewish homeland where Jewish culture, literature

[[Page 11442]]

and philosophy have flourished. We celebrate 61 years of Israeli 
achievements in science and technology and business, achievements 
defined by continual innovation and entrepreneurship, and we celebrate 
the hard work, determination and love of peace displayed by the people 
of Israel, a people with whom we share our deepest values.
  In short, Mr. Speaker, today we celebrate a quintessentially American 
story, an example of what other countries in the Middle East and beyond 
can achieve if they unleash the power of human freedom.
  But as we celebrate, we cannot and must not ignore the continued and 
growing threats to Israel's survival. At the United Nations, Israel, 
like the United States, is singled out for bogus criticism and judged 
by double standards. Most recently at the Durban II conference in 
Geneva, speaker after speaker lambasted Israel for supposed racism, and 
the assembled nations passed a declaration that criticized Israel alone 
among nations. Of course, the most memorable and infamous moment from 
the Durban II was Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's speech where he 
savagely attacked the State of Israel and advanced anti-Semitic 
conspiracy theories that could have been taken verbatim from the 
Protocols of the Elders of Zion. Ahmadinejad has repeatedly called for 
Israel's destruction, and given the Iranian regime's pursuit of 
nuclear, chemical, biological and missile capabilities, he and his ilk 
may soon have the wherewithal to make good their threats. The prospect 
of an emboldened nuclear Iran is a threat to Israel, a threat to the 
United States, and a threat to us all, and we cannot stand idly by in 
the face of this danger.
  Likewise, to Israel's north, Syria's dictator has threatened Israel 
with violence and brags of his support for the violent Islamist group 
Hezbollah, which continues to increase its capabilities to diminish 
Israel. Southern Israel continues to endure the nearly 9,000 rocket 
missiles and mortars that have been fired into Israel since 2001, more 
than 6,000 of them since Israel withdrew entirely from the Gaza Strip 
in November 2005. The result has been numerous Israeli deaths, physical 
and psychological wounds, and unceasing panic in the towns and cities 
within range of Hamas's artillery.
  As we witnessed in the recent conflict in Gaza, Hamas's capabilities 
continue to expand; thus, as we celebrate the anniversary of Israeli 
independence, and with it the creation of a bastion of democracy in a 
sea of autocracy, we must remain mindful of the challenges that she 
faces. In short, the bond between our Nations and our people have never 
been stronger. The United States could not ask for a better friend and 
ally in the region, and I assure the Israeli people that they will 
always be able to depend on the United States and the American people.
  I would like to extend my best wishes and congratulations to the 
people of the State of Israel on their 61st independence day.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PAYNE. At this time, I yield 5 minutes to the delegate from 
American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega).
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, again, I thank my good friend from New 
Jersey for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Concurrent 
Resolution 111, the legislation which expresses the sense of Congress 
recognizing and extending warm congratulations to the State of Israel 
for the 61st anniversary of its independence. First, I want to commend 
the chief sponsor, Mr. Scott Garrett of New Jersey, for introducing 
this important resolution celebrating this occasion on Israel's 61st 
birthday. I also want to recognize the cosponsors for their strong 
support of House Concurrent Resolution 111.
  Mr. Speaker, on May 14, 1948, the State of Israel was founded when 
Israel declared independence and was extended diplomatic recognition by 
the United States. We must acknowledge the importance of the actions 
made by the United Nations in the 1940s in creating the Jewish State 
soon after the horrific atrocities committed by the Nazis during World 
War II where they killed some 6 million Jews and imprisoned and 
viciously tortured many more in concentration camps.

                              {time}  1445

  Mr. Speaker, this legislation honors the anniversary of the 
reestablishment of the sovereign and independent modern State of Israel 
and commends the leaders and the people of Israel for their remarkable 
achievements in building a strong and thriving democracy in the Middle 
East, while being threatened constantly with terrorism and war. The 
United States shares an affinity with the people of Israel, where we 
have a strong partnership based on democratic values that emphasize the 
importance of inalienable rights through the protection of the rights 
of individuals, maintaining the freedom of the press, providing for 
freedom of religion, having open and fair elections and, importantly, 
maintaining the rule of law. As the only democracy in the Middle East, 
we must commend Israel for their steadfast commitment to upholding 
democratic principles.
  Mr. Speaker, Israel is at the forefront of modern technology, and has 
continued to expand its advancements in energy efficiency and renewable 
energy technologies. I want to acknowledge Israel's efforts in 
preventing and combating diabetes in the Pacific Islands. This is an 
epidemic which has drastically impaired the people of the Pacific 
Island nations. Israel has continued to work with the people of the 
Pacific Island nations either through direct or technical assistance, 
and I must recognize them for their support of the least fortunate in 
this part of the world. This resolution reiterates Israel's significant 
global contributions.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to praise the efforts of President Obama and his 
administration for making the Israeli Middle East peace process a high 
priority of this administration. This was reaffirmed when President 
Obama appointed Senator George Mitchell as Special Envoy for the Middle 
East process in his second day of office. Like President Obama, I 
believe that it is critical that Israel share a lasting peace with its 
neighbors in the Middle East and that a two-state solution, an Israeli 
state and a Palestinian state, will provide for peace and security in 
this important region of the world.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to end on an important note. At the National 
Prayer Breakfast held this year, former British Prime Minister Tony 
Blair who is now the Quartet's Special Envoy to the Middle East, gave 
the most remarkable keynote address. In his speech, Prime Minister 
Blair mentioned a conversation he had with his Palestinian tour guide 
during his tour of Israel. At the Mount of Temptation in Jericho, and 
this is meant in humor, Mr. Speaker, his Palestinian tour guide said, 
``Moses, Jesus and Mohammed, why did they all have to come here?'' This 
speaks volumes of the importance of this region when three of the most 
important religions of the world have a common cultural and religious 
history with the great city of Jerusalem.
  I believe today, as did the late prime minister and a great hero of 
mine, Yitzhak Rabin, that there will be a resolving and lasting peace 
between the Palestinians and Israelis who are in fact direct 
descendants of Father Abraham.
  I keep telling my Arabic and Israeli friends: You guys are first 
cousins, why do you keep fighting each other? You are all sons and 
daughters of Father Abraham.
  I want to convey my personal congratulations to the people of Israel 
in celebrating their 61st anniversary, and I urge my colleagues to 
support this resolution.
  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Garrett), a member of the Budget and Financial Services 
Committees and the author of the resolution.
  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. I do 
now rise to commemorate this important event, the 61st anniversary of 
the founding of the modern State of Israel. As indicated, it was less 
than a century ago when most Jewish people were scattered throughout 
the world, often

[[Page 11443]]

suffering from unjust persecution. Yet today, Israel is an independent, 
flourishing country that is vibrant as it goes forward day by day.
  Just as the Jewish people celebrated Passover recently, the time when 
God delivered the Israelites out of captivity, I believe it is fitting 
and proper for us to celebrate the establishment of the only truly free 
country in the Middle East.
  I have long been a strong advocate for Israel during my tenure here 
in Congress. During my very first term in office, I had an opportunity 
to visit Israel and to learn more about its people and the Jewish 
government. I also had the opportunity to establish a Jewish Advisory 
Committee in my district, to meet with Israeli and Palestinian 
officials.
  Last year I introduced H. Res. 951, which condemned the rocket 
attacks on Israel, and I was pleased to see that this resolution passed 
the House overwhelmingly with bipartisan support.
  So today, I come to the floor and am honored to speak on H. Con. Res. 
111 because Israel has been one of our strongest allies, and our two 
countries have so very much in common. Israel and America have both 
faced so many wars. But we have also endeavored throughout it all to 
preserve the peace. And we continue now to promote freedom despite the 
ongoing resistance.
  Earlier this year I joined with many of my constituents at a 
solidarity rally to remember Israel's efforts during Operation Cast 
Lead. I sympathized with the families of the victims who were injured 
and killed there.
  This recent conflict served as a sobering reminder that liberty comes 
with a great price and a great responsibility. Yet Israel has not 
allowed challenges to suspend its progress. Israel was little more than 
a barren desert back in 1948. And, amazingly, this wilderness has been 
transformed into a center of thriving agricultural production. Not only 
has Israel been the source of innovative techniques, but it has also 
shared those techniques and that knowledge with countries across the 
world.
  My own State of New Jersey is called the Garden State. Our State has 
directly benefited from the irrigation practices first developed by the 
people in Israel.
  So I come to the floor right now grateful to how Israel has so freely 
shared their lessons that they have learned. By illustrating the 
virtues of liberty and the benefits of innovation, Israel today serves 
as a model for other developing nations.
  This 61st anniversary is truly indeed a cause for celebration. I urge 
my constituents and colleagues to join me in recognizing this 
achievement of our friend and ally, Israel.
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my final speaker, Mr. 
Gohmert, a distinguished member of the Judiciary, Resources and Small 
Business Committees.
  Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my friend from Arkansas 
yielding me this time.
  On the 61st anniversary of the creation of Israel, we should stop to 
congratulate them. But I have a couple of points that I want to make 
sure that everyone understands.
  Number one, there was a Holocaust. Number two, there could be another 
holocaust.
  Now today, we are told that the Taliban is near Islamabad. If 
Pakistan falls to the most radical Islamic terrorists, then the world 
is in trouble. We need to protect our friends.
  We know that Israel is a democracy, a great democracy; so we are and 
should be friends. We know that Israel believes in the value of human 
life and human rights. We are and should be friends.
  Someone once referred to Israel as the miner's canary for the world 
because when Israel suffers, the world is about to suffer.
  That's the kind of friend we need to hold close and work together 
with. I want to make clear these radical Islamic terrorists, they are 
such a tiny, tiny fraction of the Islamic believers in the world. But 
they are a dangerous, dangerous part that needs to be understood and 
dealt with.
  Congratulations to Israel. They are our friend. They should be our 
friend, and we need to make sure another holocaust never happens.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today in 
support of H Con. Res. 111, recognizing the 61st anniversary of the 
independence of the State of Israel. I would like thank my colleague, 
Representative Scott Garrett, for introducing this act of solidarity. I 
would also like to thank my fellow co-sponsors.
  On May 14, 1948--61 years ago--the Jewish people of Palestine 
declared their independence as a sovereign state. Across the world, the 
Jewish people saw a new opportunity to reestablish their ancient 
homeland--the possibility of living, not as eternal outsiders, but as a 
nation.
  Eleven minutes after this declaration, the United States became the 
first country to recognize the new state. This began a long, strategic 
partnership based on shared democratic values, friendship, and respect. 
To this day, Americans share an affinity with the people of Israel and 
view their country as a strong and trusted ally.
  The new nation provided a refuge to millions who had survived one of 
the most glaring examples of man's greatest inhumanity to man. These 
survivors helped to found a democracy that made use of all the 
freedoms, we, as Americans hold dear ourselves, including freedom of 
speech, freedom of religion, freedom of association, freedom of the 
press, and government by the consent of the governed.
  Israel continues to serve as a shining model of democrat values by 
regularly holding free and fair elections, promoting the free exchange 
of ideas, and vigorously exercising, in the Knesset, a democratic 
government that is fully representative of its citizens. The leaders in 
this parliament have, as the times have required, led Israel as the 
nation defended itself from repeated military and terrorist attacks.
  Likewise, when they saw the opportunity, the democratically elected 
leaders of Israel have worked for peace, as they did with the 
neighboring governments of Egypt and Jordan to establish peaceful, 
bilateral relations. These efforts continue to this day--despite the 
deaths of over 1,000 innocent Israelis over the last several years at 
the hands of suicide bombers and other terrorists--as the people of 
Israel continue to seek peace with their Palestinian neighbors, I will 
continue to work for a two-state solution and the saving of lives in 
Palestine and in Israel.
  This is all to say nothing of the country's many other 
accomplishments, including significant global contributions in the 
fields of science, medicine, and technology.
  That is why I stand here today--to recognize this simple truth--that 
the independence of the State of Israel is more than a single event--it 
is the stabilization of a region, it is the lasting friendship of a 
like-minded country--and it is the bond of sovereign friendship. That 
is what this resolution does.
  To the administrations and Congresses that have, since its creation, 
stood by the people of Israel, working for their security and well-
being, we give our praise. We further commend our allies who have 
helped us to strengthen our bilateral relations in recent years in the 
fields of defense, diplomacy, and homeland security. We also encourage 
them to continue their cooperation in resolving future mutual 
challenges, as we resolve, today and always, to continue ours. For that 
is also in this resolution.
  Finally, I extend the warmest congratulations and best wishes to the 
people of Israel as they celebrate the 61 years of their noble nation's 
independence and sovereignty. May they know many more, and thrive as a 
country.
  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, for the past 61 years, the United 
States and Israel have enjoyed a strategic partnership based on shared 
democratic values, commitment to freedom, friendship, and respect. I 
rise today to recognize that relationship and congratulate the people 
of Israel on the 61st anniversary of Israel's independence.
  In addition to congratulating the people of Israel as they celebrate 
their independence, H. Con. Res. 111, recognizes important events and 
people who have shaped this nation's history. While Israel's history is 
marked by proud accomplishments and successes, it is also peppered by 
instances when Israeli's had to defend their country from outside 
threats. Sadly, many threats still remain. As Americans join Israeli's 
in celebrating their country's independence, we should take notice of 
those threats and renew our commitment to addressing them.
  No bigger, more challenging threat exists to Israel than that posed 
by Iran. Continuing to enrich uranium, Iran now has enough low enriched 
uranium that if further processed could

[[Page 11444]]

produce a nuclear bomb. Such a development would be an existential 
threat to Israel. As one of Israel's closest friends and allies, the 
United States should take appropriate action to prevent Iran from 
acquiring nuclear weapons. Congress can begin by approving H.R. 1327, 
the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act, and H.R. 1985, the Iran Diplomatic 
Enhancement Act.
   By standing with Israel against Iran, we demonstrate the strength of 
the ties that bind our two nations. Again, Mr. Speaker, I congratulate 
the people of Israel on the 61st anniversary of their independence and 
call on my colleagues in Congress to show their support for Israel by 
passing legislation that will pressure Iran into abandoning its pursuit 
of nuclear weapons.
  Mr. MARKEY of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
H. Con. Res. 111 recognizing the 61st anniversary of the founding of 
the State of Israel.
  This resolution enjoys bipartisan support, because Americans from 
across the political spectrum agree that the State of Israel is a great 
friend of the United States, and we all celebrate the anniversary of 
its founding today.
  As we mark this anniversary, it is fitting that we also note a new 
American tradition. May 1st of this year marked the beginning of the 
4th annual Jewish American Heritage Month, during which we celebrate 
the many contributions that American Jews have made to the society in 
which we live and thrive. When the first Jewish settlers came to this 
land, they sought a place of promise where they could practice their 
faith in freedom and live in liberty.
  The history of Jews in the United States includes the earliest days 
of the Republic, when in 1790, a member of the oldest synagogue still 
standing in the United States--the Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode 
Island--wrote to George Washington, expressing his support for 
Washington's administration and good wishes for the first President. 
President Washington sent a letter in response, which read in part:

       . . . the Government of the United States . . . gives to 
     bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance . . . May 
     the children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, 
     continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other 
     Inhabitants; while every one shall sit in safety under his 
     own vine and figtree, and there shall be none to make him 
     afraid. May the father of all mercies scatter light and not 
     darkness in our paths, and make us all in our several 
     vocations useful here, and in his own due time and way 
     everlastingly happy.

  These many years later, I encourage all Americans to stop and think 
about the great gains in medicine, literature, journalism, law, 
entertainment, and fine arts that have been made due in no small part 
to the role of our Jewish friends and neighbors have played in American 
society.
  I will also note that as a nation of immigrants, our culture has been 
enriched by the traditions that settlers from across the globe have 
been able to incorporate into their daily lives as Americans. In the 
Jewish culture, the phrase ``tikkum olam'' directs believers to live 
their lives to heal the world. There is no better guiding principle in 
these challenging times, and our shared American culture is stronger 
because of it.
  On the occasion of Israel's 61st anniversary, and as we celebrate the 
contributions of Jewish Americans in our daily lives, I look forward to 
the future of our friend and ally, the State of Israel, and to the 
prospects for peace in the Middle East.
  I will remain steadfast in my support of an independent Jewish state, 
and I am hopeful that we will soon reach the day when children will 
have to turn to the history books to learn that there ever was conflict 
in the Middle East.
  President Obama has begun the vital work of reengaging the United 
States in the quest for peace in the Middle East by appointing George 
Mitchell as Special Envoy for Middle East Peace. As we commemorate the 
61 historic years since the founding of the State of Israel, we must 
also look to the future, and I believe the future for Israel is bright.
  I congratulate the State of Israel on its 61st anniversary, and I 
urge adoption of this Resolution.
  Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 
111, a resolution recognizing the 61st anniversary of the founding of 
the modern state of Israel. I believe it is important on this occasion 
to highlight the close bond between the United States and Israel. Just 
as the U.S. is a symbol of hope and freedom around the globe, Israel 
stands as a symbol of freedom and democracy in an area historically 
rampant with violence and oppression.
  On May 14, 1948, Israel declared its independence, with the United 
States being the first country to formally recognize the new nation. 
Since that historic day, the United States and Israel have shared a 
close relationship of friendship and cooperation that serves as an 
example to the rest of the world. This relationship is strengthened 
with each successive year.
  One critical aspect of the U.S.-Israeli relationship is the role 
Israel plays in the pursuit of peace in the Middle East. Indeed, Israel 
has worked hard to develop friendly working relationships with its 
neighbors, Egypt and Jordan, setting an example of leadership and peace 
even as many around them spread hatred and terror. And while recent 
years have unfortunately been marked by escalating armed conflict 
between Israel and Hamas, the United States will stand steadfast in its 
commitment to a free Israel as the Middle East comes to embrace the 
liberties and freedoms of democratic societies.
  Mr Speaker, as a cosponsor of this resolution, it is my honor to 
recognize and congratulate the success of Israel on its 61st 
Anniversary. It is vital the United States continue to develop its 
strong relationship with Israel so that other countries around the 
world still oppressed and ruled by terror can see the true value of a 
free and democratic society.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, on May 14, Israel will celebrate its 61st 
anniversary as a sovereign and independent nation. Only eleven minutes 
after its creation, the United States recognized Israel and was one of 
the first nations to do so. In these intervening 61 years, the people 
of Israel have established a unique, pluralistic democracy that 
includes the freedoms cherished by Americans.
  Today, the United States House of Representatives voted on and 
approved House Concurrent Resolution 111 that states that Congress 
recognizes the independence of the State of Israel as a significant 
event in providing refuge and a national homeland for the Jewish 
people; commends the bipartisan commitment of all United States 
administrations and United States Congresses since 1948 to stand by 
Israel and work for its security and wellbeing; congratulates the 
United States and Israel for the strengthening of bilateral relations 
in recent years in the fields of defense, diplomacy, and homeland 
security, and encourages both nations to continue their cooperation in 
resolving future mutual challenges; and extends warm congratulations 
and best wishes to the people of Israel as they celebrate the 61st 
anniversary of Israel's independence.
  I am proud to be a cosponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 111 and I 
have consistently supported efforts to strengthen the relationship 
between the United States and Israel. As a senior member of the House 
Foreign Affairs Committee, I will continue to work with members on both 
sides of the aisle to ensure that our country remains steadfast in our 
support for Israel and its people.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, as many have said before, friendship is 
found and tested through adversity. The friendship between the United 
States and Israel has certainly been tried and proven true. Both our 
nations confront challenges that are rooted in extremism and terrorism. 
While America formerly found some comfort in distance, Israel stands as 
a true testament to freedom and democracy in the Middle East--but 
Israel does not stand alone. The commitments between Israel and the 
United States are not born out of mere necessity, but out of mutual 
respect and the common belief that all of mankind deserves to live in 
peace and freedom.
  On the 61st Anniversary of the Independence of the State of Israel, I 
offer my gratitude and congratulations to a steady ally and friend.
  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker. I welcome the opportunity to 
commemorate the 61st anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel 
and congratulate the people of Israel as they celebrate the 
independence of their country.
  I am hopeful that this year we make substantial progress to the goal 
we all share which is to see Israel and its neighbors living side by 
side in peace. To achieve this goal, it is important that the parties, 
aided by the United States acting as an honest broker, address and 
resolve all of the major issues standing in the path to peace.
  The appointment by President Obama of former Senator George Mitchell 
as Special Envoy for Middle East Peace is an outstanding gift from the 
United States to Israel on the occasion of its 61st birthday.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support 
for H. Con. Res. 111, a resolution recognizing the sixty-first 
anniversary of Israel's independence.
  Just eleven minutes after the establishment of Israel on May 14, 
1948, President Truman recognized its status as a sovereign nation. 
That moment marked the beginning of an enduring relationship between 
our two countries.

[[Page 11445]]

  Israel and its citizens have made outstanding contributions to global 
prosperity and culture. The whole world has benefited from Israeli 
advances in science, medicine, technology, and the arts. As the 
longest-enduring democracy in the Middle East, Israel is a strong and 
trusted ally in a volatile region.
  After more than six decades, the United States remains committed to 
its friendship with Israel. This friendship has endured, and will 
endure, because our countries share fundamental values.
  The Jewish People's Council, in approving the Declaration of the 
Establishment of the State of Israel, articulated many of our common 
values, stating ``The state of Israel . . . will be based on freedom, 
justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel; it will 
ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its 
inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex; it will guarantee 
freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture.''
  On the occasion of its Independence Day, I congratulate the people of 
Israel for their continued commitment to these democratic principles. I 
look forward to strengthening our relationship based on our many common 
ties in the decades to come.
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this very important 
resolution, and thank the gentleman from New Jersey for bringing it 
forward. Again, I urge all of our House Members to vote in the 
affirmative, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 111.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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