Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, Appropriations Committee Members Take Bipartisan National Security Trip to Middle East

Amid rising threats, instability, and changes in Israel, House Appropriations Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) joined a bipartisan Congressional delegation to the Middle East. It will help strengthen America's defense, reinforce partnerships with allies, and make critical changes possible.

The Members met with heads of state and other leaders from Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia to work effectively against Iran, address the humanitarian crisis, and to achieve peace and security in the region. It was critical to see our Armed Forces deployed in the region who play such a critical role.

"I was grateful for this opportunity to join a bipartisan delegation of United States lawmakers to gather firsthand information and perspectives from some of our closest allies and security partners in the Middle East," said Ranking Member DeLauro. "The Middle East is at a crisis point after years of destabilizing influence from Iran and its proxy groups, and it is vital that the United States work with our allies to bring critical changes. The delegation affirmed our strong bipartisan support for Israel's security, and I emphasized that it is time to transform Israel's military victories into strategic success. We need an immediate ceasefire, release of the hostages, and massive help for Gaza. It is tied to a political path that includes a viable Palestinian state, which is key to regional peace."

DeLauro was joined by House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Representatives John Rutherford (R-FL), Ed Case (D-HI), and Mark Alford (R-MO).

During visits with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, King of Jordan Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, and Saudi officials, the U.S. lawmakers held productive, high-level meetings on reinforcing strategic alliances, the importance of increased regional cooperation, and our shared commitments to supporting global security and the safety of our citizens. The group agreed to unite to bolster peace and security during this difficult time.

In Israel, the delegation reiterated the unbreakable bond the United States shares with our friend and ally. While meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Foreign Minister Israel Katz, Members received briefings on military and humanitarian operations, continued efforts to rescue hostages, including American citizens, and the malign activities of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other Iranian-regime proxies.

Just over a year after the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust, the Members concluded their time in Israel with a visit to Mount Herzl to honor the tremendous stories of heroism and tragedy. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, they laid a wreath at the cemetery in solemn remembrance of those lost.

Their final stop of the trip was to visit with officers and crew of a U.S. warship on duty in the eastern Mediterranean.