Request for Joint Meeting of Congress

Floor Speech

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Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, one of the great honors this body can bestow upon a foreign leader is an invitation to address a joint meeting of Congress.

As co-chairman of the Friends of Egypt Caucus, Tulsi Gabbard and I have delivered a letter today to the Speaker of the House, Paul D. Ryan, urging him to invite Egyptian President el-Sisi to give such an address.

General el-Sisi came to power amidst chaos and restored order to his country. He was then democratically elected as President of Egypt. He is a pivotal figure in the Middle East during this time of great danger. He is a champion of the Egyptian people and a friend to the people of the United States.

Most importantly, he is a voice for respect and reconciliation between people of all faiths. Thus, he is a force for peace and stability in a region plagued with terrorism and religious persecution. He and the people of Egypt have earned our moral and strategic support.

I will include in the Record the official request that the Friends of Egypt Caucus have made to Speaker Ryan to invite President el-Sisi to be invited to address a joint meeting of Congress. Congress of the United States, Washington, DC, January 8, 2016. Hon. Paul D. Ryan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. Speaker: As co-chairs of the Friends for Egypt Caucus we request that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah elSisi be invited to address a Joint Meeting of Congress during the second session of the 114th Congress.

Egypt under President el-Sisi's leadership is playing a pivotal role in North Africa and the Middle East. Egypt is a bulwark against a barbaric and fanatic Islamic state and its ilk. El Sisi's courage and commitment to peace and stability is a dramatic and positive force that deserves to be recognized. His call for tolerance and respect of people of all religions has been a dramatic step towards reconciliation and stability in the Middle East. His visits to Christian gatherings have been historic and worthy of praise by all people of good will.

The United States and Egypt have had a long and mutually beneficial relationship. We need to bolster relations between our people now in this time of crisis and radical terrorist attacks in the region and throughout the world.

Having President el Sisi address the United States Congress would be a message to the world of our solidarity with moderate Muslim leaders who share our goal of a more peaceful and stable world. His appearance before a Joint Meeting of Congress will underscore our gratitude for his leadership in this time of turmoil.

We appreciate your consideration of this request. Sincerely, Dana Rohrabacher, Member of Congress. Tulsi Gabbard, Member of Congress.

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