US Congress Pro-Israel Legislation Initiated

As received:

Franks Introduces Bill to Recognize Jerusalem and Golan Heights, Move American Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-08), Chairman of the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus, today announced the introduction of the Israel Sovereignty and Security Recognition Act (ISSRA). The bill recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital and the Golan Heights as Israel's sovereign land, recommends selling or repurposing the current embassy in Tel Aviv in favor of an existing location in Jerusalem, and repeals the 1995 Presidential waiver in Section 7 of the Jerusalem Embassy Act, which successive Administrations have used to postpone just such a relocation from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
According to Franks, "Given the turmoil and increasing dangers Israel faces in the Middle East, it is imperative that we affirm America’s respect for Israel's sovereignty, security and legal rights to its lands.

"The Israel Sovereignty and Security Recognition Act both recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's eternal, undivided capital and the Golan Heights as Israel's sovereign land.

"In 1967, the city of Jerusalem was reunited after Israel was attacked by Jordan during the conflict known as the Six Day War. Since then Israel has restored and guaranteed freedom of religion and full access to holy sites for people of all faiths.

"Likewise, the Golan Heights was restored to Israel after Israel was attacked by Syria during the Six Day War, and this region remains vital and strategically indispensable to the security, well-being and continued existence of the State of Israel, allowing it to detect and defend from infiltration, attacks, and hostilities that continue to emanate from Syria.

"The bill also provides significant cost-savings because it recommends that the United States government either repurpose the current Embassy property in Tel Aviv to a consulate, or sell the property. In either instance, our Embassy would move to an existing, more modern, and more secure location in Jerusalem.  It is important to note that there is no language appropriating any funds to build a new Embassy.

"We have assisted the Jewish People in restoring their ancient state. We must act and recognize her ancient and eternal city as her undivided capital, and her rights to her lands, now and forever."

The initiative has drawn bipartisan support. Primary sponsors of the legislation include Representative Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Representative Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Representative Gene Green (D-TX), and Representative Mike McIntyre (D-NC).

If you want to thank and encourage the sponsors, go to their sites:

Congressman Trent Franks
Representative Doug Lamborn
Representative Jeff Duncan 
Representative Gene Green
Representative Mike McIntyr 

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