Exclusive Statements from Colorado's Congressional Delegation
Regarding Attendance at the March 3rd Address of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
U.S. Senator Michael Bennet
“The United States and Israel have a unique and unbreakable bond, built upon our shared traditions and dedication to democracy, human rights, and rule of law. As the world continues to become a more complex and uncertain place, we must respond by strengthening our commitment to the Israeli people. We have historically been the strongest of allies and will continue working to uphold our shared values.”
U.S. Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01)
Communications Director Matt Inzeo: "Congresswoman DeGette will not be able to attend Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech. She has had a long-standing scheduling commitment that morning to address a clinical research group about her 21st Century Cures initiative, and we just learned this morning that the Prime Minister’s speech is scheduled for 11:00, which creates a conflict for her."
U.S. Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03)
Communications Director Josh Green: "Congressman Tipton plans to attend the Prime Minister’s speech."
U.S. Congressman Ken Buck (CO-04)
"I do plan to attend Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address and have invited other guests.
"Israel is our closest ally in the Middle East. This address comes at an important time, as President Obama attempts to strike a reckless deal with Iran on their nuclear program. It is incumbent upon Congress to demonstrate that we understand the consequences of such negotiations, both for the United States and for Israel as well as to Arab governments in the region that are friendly to the US. President Obama and his administration have a tense relationship with Prime Minister Netanyahu due to clashing world views, but that is not the case for all leaders in this country. Many of us support Israel and understand the need to maintain a unified front toward hostile regimes.
"America and Israel have been strong allies since Israel’s founding in 1948. The US and Israel share several mutual adversaries in the Middle East, who pose serious threats to both nations if they are not handled properly. Iran and other hostile regimes have become increasingly emboldened as a result of President Obama’s feckless foreign policy and his erroneous view that the US can successfully negotiate with Iranian Mullahs from a position of weakness. The United States should maintain a strong relationship with Israel, and whoever occupies the White House next will have to restore our relationship after eight years of President Obama degrading it."
"Israel is our closest ally in the Middle East. This address comes at an important time, as President Obama attempts to strike a reckless deal with Iran on their nuclear program. It is incumbent upon Congress to demonstrate that we understand the consequences of such negotiations, both for the United States and for Israel as well as to Arab governments in the region that are friendly to the US. President Obama and his administration have a tense relationship with Prime Minister Netanyahu due to clashing world views, but that is not the case for all leaders in this country. Many of us support Israel and understand the need to maintain a unified front toward hostile regimes.
"America and Israel have been strong allies since Israel’s founding in 1948. The US and Israel share several mutual adversaries in the Middle East, who pose serious threats to both nations if they are not handled properly. Iran and other hostile regimes have become increasingly emboldened as a result of President Obama’s feckless foreign policy and his erroneous view that the US can successfully negotiate with Iranian Mullahs from a position of weakness. The United States should maintain a strong relationship with Israel, and whoever occupies the White House next will have to restore our relationship after eight years of President Obama degrading it."
U.S. Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05)
"Prime Minister Netanyahu will addressing our negotiations with Iran. President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu hold different opinions, but that should not discourage us. We should be encouraged to listen to all the different opinions. As a separate and independent branch of the government, we have both the right and the obligation to make an independent and informed decision in the interest of the security of this nation.
"Additionally I have enjoyed the bipartisan fellowship and cooperation in support of Israel that exists in Congress. At a time the Israel is repeatedly attacked by the international community, and that anti-Semitism is on the rise, I am proud that this Congress and this nation still stand strong with Israel and the Jewish nation. Prime Minister Netanyahu will be representing that nation, and I believe that we should listen with respect to what Israel has to say.
"Israel is a strategic ally and the U.S. is committed to its security. However, our relationship is much deeper and more historic than that. We the American people are raised, educated, and committed to the principles of freedom, justice, and the rule of law. When we look at Israel, we see a sister nation in faith and values. The average American person is filled with admiration when he sees how the Jewish people have managed, against all odds, to establish their vibrant democratic state in the Middle East.
"Since the day President Obama took office there has been friction between him and Israel. This is not a crisis between Israel and the U.S. it is a crisis between Obama and Israel. Israel still enjoys the bipartisan support of the American people. I can only hope that we are wise enough to nurture and maintain this important relationship."
"Additionally I have enjoyed the bipartisan fellowship and cooperation in support of Israel that exists in Congress. At a time the Israel is repeatedly attacked by the international community, and that anti-Semitism is on the rise, I am proud that this Congress and this nation still stand strong with Israel and the Jewish nation. Prime Minister Netanyahu will be representing that nation, and I believe that we should listen with respect to what Israel has to say.
"Israel is a strategic ally and the U.S. is committed to its security. However, our relationship is much deeper and more historic than that. We the American people are raised, educated, and committed to the principles of freedom, justice, and the rule of law. When we look at Israel, we see a sister nation in faith and values. The average American person is filled with admiration when he sees how the Jewish people have managed, against all odds, to establish their vibrant democratic state in the Middle East.
"Since the day President Obama took office there has been friction between him and Israel. This is not a crisis between Israel and the U.S. it is a crisis between Obama and Israel. Israel still enjoys the bipartisan support of the American people. I can only hope that we are wise enough to nurture and maintain this important relationship."
U.S. Congressman Ed Perlmutter (CO-07)
Communications Director Ashley Hause: "At this time, Rep. Perlmutter is undecided as to whether he will attend Netanyahu’s speech."
