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February 11, 2003

Cantor Resolution Commending Israel Elections Passes House[with text]

Cantor: "The Israeli people engaged in the most basic and most important
feature of democracy: They held free, open and competitive elections."

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.
++++
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.