08/21/13 Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (IN-02) recently returned from Israel where she gained firsthand understanding of some of our nation’s most pressing foreign policy challenges. During the trip, Walorski met with senior Israeli and Palestinian leaders and learned more about the U.S.-Israel relationship, Israel’s security situation, and current political and economic trends in the region.
“As Israel continues to experience constant terror threats from surrounding countries, the United States recognizes its special bond to Israel and is proud to be a strong ally. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I believe it is critical that the United States continues to focus on Israel’s security, particularly from the growing nuclear threat in Iran, to help stabilize the region and protect our own national security interests,” said Walorski. “I was grateful for the opportunity to speak with a wide range of leaders across the spectrum, including Israeli and Palestinian leaders about their quest to reach lasting peace across the region.”
As part of the fiscal year 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Walorski offered an amendment expressing the sense of Congress to fully support implementing U.S. and international sanctions on Iran. This House-passed amendment reiterates that it is U.S. policy to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon capability, and declares that the U.S. has a vital national interest in the survival and security of the State of Israel.
“Egypt’s stability is also paramount to the security of Israel and the entire region. The horrific blood-shed between Muslim Brotherhood supporters and security forces must be stopped, focusing on a non-violent resolution to restore stability for the Egyptian people. The United States needs to carefully consider the consequences of suspending foreign aid to the Egyptian military, who currently uphold a strong national security presence that prevents Al Qaeda from acquiring safe havens in the Middle East and maintains important resources like access to the Suez Canal,” said Walorski.
The trip was sponsored by the American Israel Educational Foundation (AIEF), a charity affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), and was paid for by the AIEF, which is privately funded by American citizens.
