Gus Bilirakis: “due to the start of the celebration of Greek Orthodox Easter and religious obligations in my district, I was unable to…”

“due to the start of the celebration of Greek Orthodox Easter and religious obligations in my district, I was unable to cast a vote on roll call 126. Had I been present, would have voted ``yea'' on H. Res. 392. I strongly support Israel's right to defend its citizens and applaud their quest for peace. Israel is exercising its right to act in self-defense against the suicide bombings and other attacks on Jews. This is the time for the United States to stand with Israel, our ally for several decades, and to express our support for ending the violence in Israel. Israel must squash the terrorism within its borders in order to maintain its status as a free, democratic and civilized society. Our pledge to eradicate terrorism everywhere it occurs should be taken seriously, and Israel should be commended for having chosen to help us.”