Congresswoman Houchin Joins Overseas CODEL with Speaker McCarthy
WASHINGTON – Last week, Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-Ind.-09) joined a bipartisan group of members for Speaker McCarthy’s first international Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to the countries of Jordan, Israel, Egypt, and Italy. The delegation trip was aimed at establishing peace and stability in the region with U.S. allies and partners.
Israel
The trip to Israel occurred during their celebration of 75 years of Independence to show strong bipartisan support of the relationship between our two countries. The delegation met with Speaker Ohana, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and President Herzog of Israel. Congresswoman Houchin also witnessed Speaker McCarthy’s historic address to the Knesset.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to visit our ally and friend, Israel, with Speaker McCarthy. I came away with an even deeper appreciation for our partners in Israel. My colleagues and I were greeted with tremendous hospitality as they welcomed us as not only honored guests, but as friends. It was an incredibly moving experience to visit Holy sites in Jerusalem, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Western Wall. I look forward to continuing our strong U.S.-Israel friendship for years to come,” said Congresswoman Houchin.
The Congresswoman also participated in a wreath laying ceremony at the Yad Vashem to honor victims of the Holocaust and viewed the book of names. The more than 2-million-page book includes the names of the 4 million identified holocaust victims and has blank pages as they work to identify and record nearly 2 million more.
Egypt
While in Egypt, the delegation met with the President al-Sisi and members of his cabinet. It was an opportunity to understand the relationship between our countries and solidify their commitment to the United States and to peace in the Middle East. The members also visited U.S. Marines stationed in Egypt at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.
“Visiting with President al-Sisi was a fascinating experience and a study of the history of U.S. and Egyptian relations. I was pleased with Speaker McCarthy’s handling of the meeting and his strong representation of the value of the United States to the region,” said Congresswoman Houchin.
Italy
In Italy, Congresswoman Houchin met with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the first female elected to the position in the history of the country. The delegation also visited with Speaker Lorenzo Fontana and members of Parliament as well as Italian President Sergio Mattarella. Congresswoman Houchin also joined the delegation during a visit to the Vatican where she met with Pope Francis.
“The visit to Italy was especially meaningful for me as the first woman to represent our district in Congress, meeting with Prime Minister Meloni and to learn about her experience. It was enlightening to hear they share some of the same challenges in supporting mothers wishing to enter the workforce,” said Congresswoman Houchin.
Jordan
The delegation visited the historic site of Petra to discuss the United States Park Service’s work with the Jordanian government to improve the entrance and access to this world wonder. They also had the opportunity to meet with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan and his royal highness Prince Hussein bin Abdullah. Congresswoman Houchin expressed appreciation to the Jordanian government for their role in promoting stability in the region through the Abraham Accords.
“The progress made toward peace in the Middle East through the Abraham Accords was evident throughout our visit. There is always more work to be done, but I left encouraged in how far we have come,” said Congresswoman Houchin.