Portman Statement on Israel's Independence Day “Israel’s Independence Day should serve as a reminder of the unique kinship between the U.S. and this critical ally and a call to rise to the challenges that lie ahead.
BigNews.Biz - Apr 29,2012 - Portman Statement on Israel's Independence Day
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) issued the following statement in observance of the 64th anniversary of Israel’s independence which began last night:
“Israel’s Independence Day should serve as a reminder of the unique kinship between the U.S. and this critical ally and a call to rise to the challenges that lie ahead. This past year has been very turbulent for the Middle East. We must never lose faith with the true democratic outpost that has stood side-by-side with us through decades of challenges.
“We must continue to find opportunities to collaborate and demonstrate to the world the values and the alliance we share. I will seek every opportunity in the Senate to keep this relationship strong.”
During his time representing the Second District, Rob earned a reputation as a serious leader who focused on results. Rob was actively involved in crafting and promoting the historic welfare reform efforts as a member of the committee that wrote the legislation, and he was a forceful advocate of the balanced budget that passed in 1997. Rob gained the respect of both Republican and Democratic colleagues through his successful, bipartisan legislative initiatives, including several measures he authored to increase retirement savings, reform the IRS and add over fifty new taxpayer rights, curb unfunded mandates, reduce taxes, and expand drug prevention and land conservation efforts.
In 2005, Rob left Congress when he was asked to serve as the United States Trade Representative, the Cabinet-level official responsible for implementing and enforcing U.S. trade policy. In his one year in the job, Rob was successful in reducing barriers to U.S. exports and increasing enforcement of trade laws to help level the playing field for American farmers, workers and service providers. Under his leadership, American exports increased and the U.S. brought successful legal challenges against international trade law violations.
Following his accomplishments as Trade Representative, Rob was asked to serve in another Cabinet post, this time as Director of the Office of Management and Budget. A deficit hawk, Rob made his mark by proposing a balanced budget, fighting irresponsible earmarks, and putting in place new transparency measures for all federal spending.
Rob succeeded George Voinovich as Ohio's U.S. Senator on January 5, 2011 and immediately began fighting for pro-growth, pro-jobs policies to help get Ohio and our nation back on track.
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