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Washington, D.C. - Feb 12, 2003
Cantor Resolution Commending Israel Elections Passes House [with text]

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Stressing his firm belief that a strong U.S.-Israel relationship is essential to securing America's interests in the Middle East, Virginia Congressman Eric Cantor today was the original sponsor of a resolution congratulating the people of Israel for conducting free and

Fair elections last month. The resolution passed by a vote of 411 to 2.

The two nays were Nick Rahall (D. WV) and Ron Paul (R. TX).

"I congratulate our only true democratic ally in the Middle East- Israel- a country that stands with the United States on the key principles of human rights, freedom, peace and democracy; a country like no other in its region," said Eric Cantor during a U.S. House floor speech supporting the resolution.

"Israel is currently fighting a war on terrorism against people dedicated to hate and destruction; dedicated to ending freedom and democracy; dedicated to suppressing the basic rights of life and liberty. For the past two and a half years, Israel has faced an unrelenting campaign of violence and terror against her citizens," continued Cantor.

"Yet, during all of this unrest and violence, the Israeli people engaged in the most basic and most important feature of democracy: They held free, open and, competitive elections--an act in stark contrast to their enemies," said Cantor.

"I strongly believe the U.S. must maintain its commitment to Israel's safety. Israel has always worked for peace in the Middle East, even in the face of terror and the loss of innocent lives of her citizens. I am proud to stand with and support our only democratic ally in the region," concluded Cantor.

On January 28, 2003 citizens in Israel exercised their right to vote in a free, transparent and democratic election. In Israel, like the United States, the right of citizens to vote is not denied or abridged because of race, color, creed, sex or religion.

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108TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. RES. 61

Commending the people of Israel for conducting free and fair elections, reaffirming the friendship between the Governments and peoples of the United States and Israel, and for other purposes.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

RESOLUTION

Commending the people of Israel for conducting free and fair elections, reaffirming the friendship between the Governments and peoples of the United States and Israel, and for other purposes.

Whereas the United States and Israel are close allies whose people share a deep and abiding friendship based on a shared commitment to democratic values;

Whereas since its establishment in 1948, Israel has fulfilled the dreams of its founders who envisioned a vigorous, open, and stable democracy;

Whereas an essential feature of Israeli democracy is its system of competitive, free, and open elections;

Whereas on January 28, 2003, the people of Israel elected Israel's 16th Knesset, or Parliament, which in turn will choose the Prime Minister of Israel; and Whereas the election on January 28, 2003, is the most recent example of the commitment of Israel to the democratic ideals of freedom and pluralism, ideals that Israel shares with the United States

Resolved, That the House of Representatives

(1) commends the people of Israel for reaffirming their dedication to democratic ideals as expressed in the election on January 28, 2003;

(2) expresses both its respect for the freely expressed will of the people of Israel, and its intention to engage in constructive relations with the new Government of Israel, and urges the international community to do so as well;

(3) reaffirms the close bonds of friendship that have bound the people of the United States and the people of Israel together through turbulent times for more than half a century;

(4) urges the Palestinian leadership to abide by its commitments made to the United States and to Israel and urges the Palestinian people to act on President Bush's call of June 24, 2002, to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure, end incitement to violence in official media, elect new leaders not compromised by terror, and embrace democracy; and

(5) restates the commitment of the United States to a secure peace for Israel.  

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