Anne Arundel Today

WASHINGTON, DC – On May 2, 2023, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) returned to the United States after joining a bipartisan group of House Members on a delegation to Israel and Jordan. While in Jordan, Congressman Hoyer and the delegation met with King Abdullah II of Jordan and Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah to discuss the crucial strategic partnership between Jordan and the United States. The delegation also visited the Petra UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a symbol of Jordanian history and culture. 

After Jordan, Congressman Hoyer and the delegation traveled to Israel where they joined in celebrating the seventy-fifth anniversary of Israel's founding and its enduring partnership with the United States. He also participated in meetings with high-ranking Israeli leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana. The delegation's conversations with members of the Knesset and other Israeli leaders focused on how the United States and Israel can continue to maintain and deepen their cooperation to promote stability and democracy throughout the region and world.

"Last week, I was proud to join Speaker McCarthy, as well as Democrats and Republicans, on my nineteenth visit to Israel," Congressman Hoyer said upon his return. "Together, we reaffirmed our longstanding bipartisan consensus that strengthening the U.S.-Israel partnership is vital to the future success of our two nations, the region, and the world.  During our visit, we also celebrated Israel's seventy-five years of independence and reflected on how our shared democratic values have bound Israel and the United States together since 1948. I was pleased to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Herzog, Speaker Ohana, and other members of the Knesset to discuss how we can work together to ensure that our close cooperation continues for another seventy-five years and beyond.  That effort must include building on agreements like the Abraham Accords, which is why I joined a bipartisan coalition in the House last week to pass a resolution recognizing the importance of the Accords and the need for their expansion. I was grateful to have another opportunity to experience Israel's vibrant culture, society, and history as a democratic Jewish state in its people's ancestral homeland. I look forward to continuing to play a leading role in Congress' effort to support our friends in Israel and to ensure that their nation remains a beacon of democracy and stability long into the future. 

"I also participated in our delegation's visit to Jordan – another important ally that shares our commitment to building greater peace, stability, and prosperity throughout the region. Our delegation spoke with King Abdullah II, Crown Prince Hussein, and other key Jordanian leaders about how we can further strengthen our ties and continue working together to address pressing challenges facing our two nations and the world. I am hopeful that our partnership will grow even deeper in the years to come." 

Other members of the delegation included Speaker Kevin McCarthy (CA-20) and Representatives Garret Graves (LA-06), Bruce Westerman (AR-04), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Julia Letlow (LA-05), Anthony D'Esposito (NY-04), Erin Houchin (IN-09), Thomas Kean (NJ-07), Nick Lalota (NY-01), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Michael Lawler (NY-17), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Max Miller (OH-07), and Jared Moskowitz (FL-23).

Photos from the CODEL can be found here.

Original source can be found here.