Rep. Messer Rallies Support for Private Funding for New U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) is gathering congressional support to offset the costs through private donations for relocating the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

Messer is authoring a letter to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urging the State Department to accept private donations to help cover the costs and expedite the process of relocating the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. President Trump announced in December the U.S. Embassy in Israel would be moving from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

"President Trump's decision to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem reaffirms our commitment to stand with our most important ally in the region," Messer said. "Allowing private citizens to help fund the costs of moving our Embassy would save taxpayer dollars and show America continues to strongly support the Jewish State."

Under current law, the State Department "may accept on behalf of the United States gifts made unconditionally by will or otherwise for the benefit of the Department of State (including the Foreign Service) or for the carrying out of any of its functions."

In December, Messer strongly supported President Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and begin the process of moving the U.S Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

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