Commending the Government of Portugal and the Portuguese People in the Effort to Combat Terrorism

Commending The Government of Portugal and The Portuguese People in The Effort to Combat Terrorism -- (House of Representatives - July 14, 2004)

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 688; and I want to just commend my colleague, the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Nunes), for his offering up this amendment.

As chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa of the Committee on International Relations, I can attest to the importance of Portugal engagement not only in Africa on the War on Terror but also, as a member of the Committee on International Relations, we have seen their engagement in Europe and in Southeast Asia. They have been at the vanguard of confronting terrorism and confronting the threats that we in the entire world community have faced post-September 11. They have continued to allow the United States access and use of the Lajes Air Base, and we are deeply appreciative of that but also certainly very appreciative of the friendship that Portugal has shown the United States.

We want to commend the people of Portugal and, at the same time, we also want to recognize in this resolution the many contributions made to our Nation by the Portuguese-American population here in the United States.

As we focus on Iraq, we again also appreciate the Portuguese forces that serve there, the military forces, the medical personnel, the police that have been such an asset to us.

So, with that said, in conclusion, I would like to again thank the government of Portugal and the Portuguese people for their friendship, their support as an ally and also for their leadership in Europe and worldwide. I urge the adoption of this resolution.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT