Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2006 and 2007

FOREIGN RELATIONS AUTHORIZATION ACT, FISCAL YEARS 2006 AND 2007 -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 27, 2005)

SPEECH OF HON. DARRELL E. ISSA OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 2005

The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2601) to authorize appropriations for the Department of State for fiscal years 2006 and 2007, and for other purposes:

* Mr. ISSA. Mr. Chairman, I had submitted an amendment made in order by the rule to strike proposed changes to U.S. economic and military aid to Egypt because of concerns I have that these changes may harm the U.S.-Egypt security relationship. I decided not to offer this amendment.

* Egypt is a friend and ally of the United States and their contributions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the global war on terrorism have made important contributions to our security and that of our military personnel serving abroad. Egypt is also a source of stability and leadership in the Middle East--they played an important role in convincing Syria to withdraw its military from Lebanon and have made important efforts to support peace and security for Israelis and the Palestinians.

* Consider Egypt's role in Iraq alone. From the beginning of U.S. operations there, Egypt has provided Suez Canal transits and landing and overflight rights. Egypt permitted emergency transit of the Suez Canal when the 4th Infantry Division was not permitted to stage from Turkey, saving weeks of transit time around the Horn of Africa. Moreover, since the U.S.S. Cole was attacked in 2000 at the entrance to the Red Sea, Egypt has provided the increased security necessary to prevent any attacks on U.S. forces transiting through the Suez Canal or other Egyptian facilities. Egypt sent an ambassador to the new government in Iraq to help support the new and democratic government that has been chosen by the Iraqi people. Sadly, the Egyptian ambassador to Iraq, Ihab ai-Sharif, was kidnapped and murdered by the same insurgents who have claimed 1,775 lives of our troops.

* Egyptians, like the people of the United Kingdom, have also been the victims of terrorism committed by Islamic extremists. The recent terrorist bombing in Sharm el-Sheikh against the people and Government of Egypt was a clear strike against a partner in the global war on terrorism. The need for continued security and military cooperation between the U.S. and Egypt could not be clearer.

* Because of the contributions Egypt has made as a valued friend and ally, many of my colleagues, the administration, our military leaders at CENTCOM, have expressed deep concerns that the changes to military assistance proposed in section 921 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act could significantly harm the U.S.-Egypt security relationship that has been so critical for our efforts to promote peace between Israel and the Arab world and our ability to stop terrorist attacks. I also have concerns about whether the proposed restructuring of economic aid to Egypt contained in section 921 will actually yield substantive benefits for the Egyptian people.

* Mr. Chairman, my district is home to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The safety of Marines from Camp Pendleton serving in Iraq is significantly increased due to support provided by Egypt. Without the active support of Egypt for U.S. operations in Iraq, transit times for U.S. ships to the theater of operation would be considerably longer and more dangerous. Supplying troops in Iraq would also take longer and cost more. And finally, without Egyptian leadership in the Arab world, the political reconstruction of Iraq would be even more complicated and far-off.

* But perhaps most important, Mr. Chairman, is the fact that our Marines from Camp Pendleton will be able to come home, and stay home, in only one way: when Iraqi security forces are finally able to provide stability in their own country. This goal will be achieved more quickly because of efforts being made by Egypt to train Iraqi security personnel.

* Maintaining the close working military-to-military relationship developed with Egypt over the past 26 years is important to successfully completing our mission in Iraq and bringing American troops home. Fundamentally altering that relationship seems ill advised to me. We must be certain that the actions we take enhance his ability to fight the war on terrorism whether in Iraq, Afghanistan, or anywhere else in the region.

* Mr. Chairman, despite my concerns I recognize that Chairman HYDE and I share common goals of strengthening America's security relationship with Egypt and helping the people of Egypt build strong democratic institutions and a vibrant free market economy. I would also add that I support his efforts and those of the ranking member, Mr. LANTOS, to seek new ways to strengthen U.S.-Egypt relations.

* I would, furthermore, like to thank Chairman HYDE and Ranking Member LANTOS for agreeing to continue to work with me and the administration in order to protect our national interests and to help Egypt achieve the economic and political reform it needs.

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