Both Houses of Congress unanimously congratulated Israel on its 60th anniversary.
The U.S. Senate passed its non-binding resolution late Tuesday and the U.S. House of Representatives passed a similar resolution on Wednesday.
The Senate resolution was unusual because it was co-sponsored by all 100 senators. The House resolution was also unusual in that it was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), the House speaker, joined by Republican minority leader Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio.).
In the House resolution, the sponsors said the House “reaffirms its support for Israel’s right to defend itself against threats to its security and existence and commends the people of Israel for their remarkable achievements in building a new state and a pluralistic, democratic society in the face of terrorism, as well as hostility, ostracism, and belligerence from many of their neighbors.” In floor remarks, Pelosi also said she would travel to the region next month to join Israel’s 60th anniversary festivities. President Bush is also attending the festivities.
“These important congressional measures celebrate the six-decade relationship between our two democracies,” the American Israel Public Affairs Committee said in a statement. “They are a demonstration of broad, bipartisan American support for Israel and the strength of the U.S.-Israel relationship.”
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