Rep. Valadao Concludes First Stop on Middle East CODEL

Press Release

On Sunday, May 1, 2016, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) joined several of his colleagues on a bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to the Middle East.

On Wednesday, the Congressional delegation visited the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) North Camp located in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. Here, hundreds of United States troops are working with other nations as part of a long-standing peacekeeping operation. While in Egypt, the delegation focused on the growing presence of ISIS in the Sinai, an area that the terror group has declared as one of its provinces. In addition, the Delegation met with President Sisi to discuss countering terrorism and bilateral relations.

Following the visit, Congressman Valadao stated, "The United States is leading the fight against ISIS, however, as ISIS continues to expand globally, there is much work to be done." He continued, "As we continue to fight terrorism abroad, it is important to strengthen relationships with allies in the region, making this visit even more important."
Led by Chairman McCaul of the House Committee on Homeland Security, the primary purpose of the trip is for Members of Congress, including Congressman Valadao, to examine the spread of Islamist terror and threats to the United States and its allies. Throughout the remainder of the trip, Congressman Valadao will assess United States' counterterrorism operations, current and emerging terrorist sanctuaries, foreign fighter flows, ongoing threat streams, and foreign partner engagement to confront terrorist groups.

Joining Chairman McCaul (R-TX) and Congressman Valadao are Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Representatives Bill Keating (D-MA), Pete Sessions (R-TX), Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-NY), Michael Pompeo (R-KS).