Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Terri Sewell issued the following release to confirm her attendance at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address before a joint session of Congress:

“Israel is our closest ally in the Middle East and, as a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, it is especially important for me to hear Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s assessment of the growing crisis in the region.

“I strongly disagree with Speaker Boehner's decision to circumvent the White House. This is not a partisan event, and I am deeply concerned that the Prime Minister was invited to speak to both Chambers of Congress on the eve of the Israeli elections. Nevertheless, I believe it is important to hear from America’s closest partner in the Middle East.

“The purpose of this event should be to strengthen the unbreakable bond that ties our two nations, not to highlight any divisions that fall along party lines. I hope that today’s speech does not set a precedent, and that the Speaker works more closely with the Administration to ensure this does not happen again.”

Rabbi Jonathan Miller of Temple Emanu-El in Birmingham is Congresswoman Sewell's guest for today’s speech.

###

For more information about our releases, please contact Deshundra Jefferson (Washington, DC) at 202.225.2665 or Aneesa McMillan (Birmingham) at 205.254.1960.