By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
On Friday February 14, 2014 U.S. Representative Bradley Byrne (R) from Montrose announced that he was cosponsoring H.R. 938, the United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act. H.R. 938 was introduced by Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R) from Florida and Ted Deutch (R) from Florida. This bill declares that Israel is a “major strategic partner” and would expand cooperation between the two nations on matters including trade, defense and intelligence, energy, and homeland security.
Congressman Byrne said: “In light of recent developments in the Middle East including an emboldened Iran, instability in Egypt and Syria, and the continued threat of global terrorism, now more than ever we must do everything we can to support our primary friend and ally in the region, Israel.”
Rep. Byrne said, “I am proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the nation of Israel as we cooperate to spread democracy and freedom in the Middle East. I thank Representatives Ros-Lehtinen and Deutch for their hard work on this legislation and stand ready to build coalitions to move this policy forward.”
The past President of the Mobile Area Jewish Federation Larry Voit said: “I am glad Congressman Byrne is taking action to support the nation of Israel as the Middle East faces continued turmoil and instability. A strong U.S.-Israel relationship is in our national interest, and we need leaders like Congressman Byrne who will stand with Israel and bolster Israel’s ability to defend itself from attack. I thank Congressman Byrne for his bold leadership on this issue and look forward to working with him to support a foreign policy that empowers our friends in the region.”
Congressman Byrne also announced last week that he has joined the Republican Israel Caucus.
The House Republican caucus is devoted to strengthening ties with the nation of Israel and educating Members of Congress about the importance of our nation’s relationship with this strategic ally.
House Republican Israel Caucus Co-Chairman Peter Roskam (R) from Illinois said: “I’m pleased to welcome Congressman Byrne as the newest member of the Republican Israel Caucus. Congressman Byrne has been a true friend of Israel throughout his career, and I look forward to working with him to advance the U.S.-Israel relationship.”
In the aftermath of World War II and the Holocaust, the allies resettled surviving Jews in their Biblical homeland. A series of wars followed between Israel and their Arab neighbors over whether or not the people of Israel were entitled to the land that is claimed by both the Israelis and the mostly Muslim Palestinians.
Congressman Bradley Bryne was elected in a special election just a few weeks ago to fill the remainder of Congressman Jo Bonner’s (R) from Mobile term. Rep. Byrne is seeking a full term representing Alabama’s First Congressional District.
