Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2010

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2010 -- (House of Representatives - July 09, 2009)

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Mr. PETERS. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3081. I would like to thank Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Granger for their hard work on this important legislation.

I am pleased that this bill provides $2.2 billion to one of our most important allies: the State of Israel. Israel is a strategic partner and this funding will help ensure Israel has the resources it needs to protect her borders and citizens. Ever since the United States became the first nation to recognize Israel's independence our two nations have shared a special friendship and I am pleased that this bill continues that close relationship.

I am also proud to support report language that will provide at least $20 million to provide relief to religious minorities in Iraq, including assistance for displaced and refugee populations. In the last year thousands of Iraqi Christians have sought refuge in Southeast Michigan and thousands more are expected in the years to come. This funding will aid refugee populations in Iraq that are most in need of our assistance I thank Chairwoman Lowey and Representative Eshoo for their work on this issue.

This bill ensures that America will continue to be the leader in spreading security and opportunity throughout the world and I urge its passage.

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