The relationship between the United States and Israel is one forged in friendship, security, and mutual respect. During a bipartisan Congressional delegation to Israel led by Speaker Kevin McCarthy (CA-20) earlier this year, he committed to forming a Parliamentary Friendship Group with the Israeli Knesset. Now, following last week’s Joint Meeting of Congress with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Speaker McCarthy and Leader Jeffries are appointing 12 Members of Congress to serve as part of this historic alliance, including Congressman Max Miller. The group will be led by Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08).

“As one of just two Jewish Republicans in Congress, it is a privilege to be named to the Speaker’s Parliamentary Friendship Group,” said Congressman Miller. “I look forward to working together closely to deepen ties between the U.S. and Israel, our closest ally in the Middle East.”
  
“Today, the growing partnership and enduring friendship between Israel and America enters an exciting new chapter,” said Speaker McCarthy. “For the first time in history, the 435 members of the House and the 120 members of the Knesset have a forum to engage directly with one another, seek solutions that benefit our nations, and faithfully represent our peoples’ hopes and dreams together. I look forward to working closely with Speaker Ohana in this effort, which I believe will further foster and strengthen the special relationship between Israel and America.”
 
“The commitment of the United States Congress to a safe and secure Israel is bipartisan and ironclad,” said Leader Jeffries. “The special relationship between our two nations is anchored in our shared democratic values and strategic interests. It is this relationship that the members of the House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group will strengthen as they come together with our Israeli counterparts.”
 
The following Members will serve on the House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group: 

1. David Kustoff, Chairman
2. Max Miller
3. Ann Wagner
4. Nicole Malliotakis
5. Anthony D’Esposito 
6. John James 
7. Mike Lawler 
8. Dean Phillips, Ranking Member
9. Brad Sherman
10. Kathy Manning
11. Ritchie Torres
12. Nikema Williams

“I am honored to be appointed Chairman of the House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group,” said Congressman Kustoff. “I applaud Speaker McCarthy for establishing this group tasked with strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship and building a better understanding of our two democracies. Now more than ever, it is imperative we show the rest of the world that the United States stands firmly with our greatest friend and ally in the Middle East, Israel. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this important initiative.”
 
Background
In May, Speaker McCarthy and Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana signed a joint pledge to establish a mutual friendship group that memorializes the special relationship between Israel and America and further strengthens it.
 
Members of this Group will be able to engage more directly with Israel’s Knesset, continue to travel to Israel on a bipartisan basis, and host Knesset members who travel to America.

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