[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 5]
[House]
[Page 6909]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY

  (Mr. PERRY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support and recognition of Israel's 
Independence Day.
  Israel is one of our closest allies in the Middle East, and for 66 
years it has been the stronghold of democracy and a model for those who 
seek freedom and prosperity.
  The success of the Jewish State makes it a target for oppressive 
regimes that seek the destruction of Western ideals, such as the 
advancement of women's rights.
  Iran is chief among these threats. It has openly and repeatedly 
called for Israel's eradication. This threat may become a reality if 
Iran is allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. Mr. Speaker, we simply can't 
allow that to happen.
  This administration must be clear-eyed in dealing with Iran, and it 
must do whatever is necessary to protect our vital interests in the 
region, including Israel.
  With that, I offer my sincere congratulations to our Israeli friends 
on this 66th anniversary of their country's independence and wish them 
a very happy and prosperous Independence Day.

                          ____________________