Congressman John D. Dingell

April 23, 2008

Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following statement on the passage of H.CON.RES.322, which recognized the 60th anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel:

“This is a realization of a vision shared by millions of Jews over six decades. A vision that I am proud to say my father, Congressman John D. Dingell, Sr., also embraced: the idea of an independent, democratic, Jewish homeland. In my tenure in the House, I proudly followed his lead, encouraging close diplomatic, economic, and strategic ties with our fellow democratic nation. In my 50 years in Congress, I have proudly supported more than $300 billion dollars in aid for the State of Israel.

“Since its independence, Israel, the “keystone in the arch of peace” in the Middle East, as my father put it, has dealt with its share of crisis and wars.  The United States stood by as its partner and friend and has served over the years as the chief broker in negotiations between Israel and its neighbors.  It is imperative the United States continue in these efforts and continue to foster a close friendship with Israel, as a nation that shares our ideals and values.”