Iran Diplomatic Enhancement Act of 2009

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.

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. 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 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. 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. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my final speaker, Mr. Gohmert, a distinguished member of the Judiciary, Resources and Small Business Committees.

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. 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.

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.

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.

At this time, I yield 5 minutes to the delegate from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega).

(Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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.

Madam Speaker, a few weeks ago, I came to this House floor to address my colleagues and bring to their attention the danger that Iran poses to Israel. I shared with my colleagues some of the things that the Iranian leader had said about Israel to illustrate the seriousness of the threat.

Madam Speaker, the Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has again spoken. Last week, at the opening day of the United Nations Anti-Racism Conference, the Iranian President was given a platform on which to spread racist and hateful views. In his address to the conference, he called Israel ``the most cruel and racist regime,'' said that Zionism ``is a paragon of racism,'' and said the creation of Israel was founded on ``the pretext of Jewish sufferings and the ambiguous and dubious question of the Holocaust.''

While the Iranian leader's comments are disturbing in any context, it is even more troublesome that he would question the Holocaust on the day before we celebrated the Holocaust Remembrance.

It is hard to understand how the United Nations and so many other countries fail to take the Iranian threat seriously. It is more than ironic that the U.N. would give one who has denied the Holocaust and advocated for the destruction of Israel the opportunity to speak at a conference convened to combat hatred and racism.

Although the United States and a few countries had the sense to boycott the summit and thereby refuse to lend credibility to the conference and speakers like Ahmadinejad, too many nations continue to act with complacency.

Last Thursday, our Nation's leaders gathered in our Rotunda here in the Capitol for the National Commemoration of the Day of Remembrance to remember the 6 million Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust. The theme of this year's events was, ``Never Again: What You Do Matters.'' That theme is a message for all of us to take very seriously.

When we say ``never again,'' we need to think about the current threats to peace and security and take appropriate action to prevent senseless violence. Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons is an existential threat to the people of Israel and a grave danger to the rest of the world.

Madam Speaker, the things we do do matter. It is time for us to join together and confront this Iranian threat.

Today, Israel celebrates its 61st anniversary of its independence; again, a day in which we ought to remember the threat that still remains. Congress can take action to address this threat by approving H.R. 1327, the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act, and H.R. 1985, the Iran Diplomatic Enhancement Act.

The Iran Sanctions Enabling Act gives States and local governments the authority to divest their assets from any company that invests $20 million or more in Iran's energy sector. The other piece of legislation, H.R. 1985, would sanction any entity engaged in activities that contribute to Iran's ability to import gasoline or fine petroleum.

I am a sponsor of these bills, and I believe that sanctions will increase pressure on the Iranian regime to change course and abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

The Days of Remembrance call us to soberly evaluate the changes to peace we face and take swift action as best we can to address them.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to quickly approve the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act and the Iran Diplomatic Enhancement Act. ``Never again: What we do does matter.''