Political Quotes

“It is in our national security interests of the United States to strengthen our relationship with our strongest ally, the democratic Jewish State of Israel. Our two nations share more than just a strategic partnership--we share the same values; we share the same ideals. The United States and Israel are both freedom-loving and democratic nations that serve as a model of how free and open societies can work and can thrive, but it is also our belief in these ideals that has made us a target by those who seek to oppress their people and impose strict laws that govern their everyday lives and restrict their freedom of expression and their freedom of religion. The citizens of the United States and of Israel speak openly, and we live honestly, but our enemies hate everything that we stand for, and they will stop at nothing to harm or destroy our way of life. That is why, Mr. Speaker, it is so important that we continue to strengthen our relationship with Israel and support its right to defend itself and its citizens, and that is exactly what we will be doing when we pass this bill. I would like to say to my Florida colleague, Mr. Deutch, that it has been a joy to have joined him in our recent trip to Israel, and I have greatly enjoyed our Florida road trip as we speak around our great State about the strength and the vitality of the U.S.-Israel relationship. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.”