Ann Wagner: “I thank my friend, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, for yielding, and I am glad that I made it. Mr.…”

“I thank my friend, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, for yielding, and I am glad that I made it. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 311, which I did introduce, to honor 75 years of friendship between the United States and Israel. The decades-long partnership between our nations underpins security in the Middle East and promotes economic growth throughout the region. Tonight marks the beginning of Israel's 75th Independence Day, a remarkable milestone that celebrates the establishment of a democratic Jewish homeland. I have had the privilege to travel to Israel several times as a Member of Congress; from Jerusalem to the West Bank. I met so many wonderful and welcoming people there: parents and businesspeople who simply yearn for peace in their region. Being on the ground in the Holy Land was among the most moving experiences of my life. The United States was the very first Nation to stand in recognition of Israel at its founding in 1948, and I am proud of what our countries have accomplished together. The signing of the Abraham Accords more than 2 years ago heralded an unprecedented opportunity for growth in the Middle East and beyond. Already, the Abraham Accords have proven to be enduring and fruitful, contributing to regional stability and a sense of kinship between Israel and its neighbors.…”