Celebrating Israel's 60th Anniversary and the Strong Texas-Israel Relationship

CELEBRATING ISRAEL'S 60TH ANNIVERSARY AND THE STRONG TEXAS-ISRAEL RELATIONSHIP -- HON. PETE SESSIONS (Extensions of Remarks - May 13, 2008)

HON. PETE SESSIONS
OF TEXAS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Tuesday, May 13, 2008

* Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Israel's 60th Anniversary and to recognize the strong partnership between my home State of Texas and Israel. Israel has made tremendous strides since its establishment in 1948--and today it is a strong security and trading partner with the United States. Israel's growing business sector has benefited the United States as a whole and the State of Texas.

* Because of this growing partnership, the Texas-Israel Chamber of Commerce was established in Richardson, Texas. Texas is Israel's third largest U.S. trading partner--exporting over $1 billion in goods in 2007. The State's low taxes, affordability and strategic trade location make Texas is a great place for Israeli companies to do business. Additionally, Texas's reputation as a leader in telecommunications, energy and security technologies make the State very attractive to Israel. With the second highest number of companies on NASDAQ and strong investment incentives, Israel is equally attractive to U.S. investment. Israel boasts an extremely high level of skilled engineers and is the world leader in medical device patents.

* Through the State's Department of Agriculture, the Texas-Israel Exchange program has encouraged the development of business relationships and joint technology research for agriculture and natural resources.

* The strong ties Texas shares with Israel are reflective of our Nation's valued friendship with the Jewish community. I am grateful for the bonds our two countries share and I will continue to work to strengthen our relationship for the next generation.

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