Congress Must Continue To Support Israel by Passing These Important Bills, Ros-Lehtinen Says

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), former Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, now serving as Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, released the following statement on her support for the Jerusalem Embassy Recognition Act, introduced by Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ), and the Visa Waiver for Israel Act, introduced by Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) and Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX).  Said Ros-Lehtinen:

“I am proud to once again be a co-sponsor of two important bills that are key to Israel’s sovereignty and economic wellbeing: the Jerusalem Embassy Recognition Act and the Visa Waiver Program for Israel. Both of these bills will help bolster the economic and political ties between the U.S. and Israel and strengthen our bilateral relationship. 

The Jerusalem Embassy Recognition Act reaffirms America’s sincere commitment to our ally Israel and asserts once again that Jerusalem is the undivided capital of the Jewish State of Israel, while the Visa Waiver for Israel Act will add Israel to the State Department’s Visa Waiver program. Granting this waiver will allow Israeli citizens to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without having to obtain a visa from our consulate. Both of these important bills will strengthen our bond by helping to increase tourism, travel, and job creation in both our nations.

The Obama Administration must adhere to U.S. law and recognize Jerusalem as the true capital of Israel. I call on my colleagues in Congress to support these bills and seek passage quickly in order to support Israel, our strongest ally and a valued partner in promoting peace and preserving democracy in the Middle East.”