Langevin Takes to House Floor to Support Israeli Struggle

(Washington, D.C.)–Congressman Jim Langevin today voted and spoke in favor of a measure that reaffirms the strong relations between the United States and Israel and condemns the acts of terror against the Israeli people.  After debate, Congress overwhelmingly passed the resolution.

Langevin offered the following statement in support of the resolution:

The U.S. has a unique relationship with Israel - the only democratic nation in the Middle East.  We must continue to support nations with similar ideological goals and that share the same commitment to democratic principles.  Our history of friendship spans many decades, and the U.S. has been the strongest advocate for efforts to craft a long-term peace settlement in the region. 

Since the Aqaba summit earlier this month, three suicide bombings have taken the lives of 22 innocent Israelis and injured many others.  If the United States is truly committed to establishing a lasting peace by pursuing the roadmap, we must remain true to its principles and condemn violence and terrorist attacks.  Just as Israel has demonstrated its commitment to cooperative action by dismantling its settlements, Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas must be aggressive in his efforts to dismantle terrorist networks.  The international community must support him in those efforts by condemning Hamas and other terror groups while endorsing the principles of the road map.

We must continue our efforts in Congress to promote peace in the Middle East and maintain a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.  I urge all of my colleagues to vote for the resolution before us today.

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