“Madam Speaker, I take this opportunity to express my concern about events in Israel and Gaza, and my support for Israel’s right to defend itself against rocket attacks launched from the Hamas controlled Gaza Strip. The region must have a meaningful resolution that will permanently end these rocket attacks and open a pathway to alleviate civilian suffering and

develop a secure and prosperous Palestinian society. Hamas’ rocket attacks targeting civilians triggered the current crisis. Any country is compelled to defend its civilians against attack.

“The situation in the region has reached a new level of violence, and each civilian death is tragic. The images of suffering innocents, especially children, in both the Gaza Strip and Israel are a stark reminder that it is long past time for this region to know peace. The United States must be deeply involved in the peace process while vigorously working for short and long term solutions that will provide security to Israel and the means for a better future to Palestinians.” (Congressional Record, January 8, 2009)