Congressman Kelly traveling in Israel

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly and other members of Congress are on a privately funded one-week trip to Israel.

Kelly said in a statement that he is in Israel to learn more about the relationship between the two countries and to gain a better understanding of the political and economic trends in the region.

Kelly, of Butler, R-3rd Dist., along with Majority Leader Eric Cantor and other members of Congress, are meeting with both Israeli and Palestinian officials and hearing from speakers representing diverse political views.

Kelly, who serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, said that Israel is one of America's greatest friends.

"Our national security has a direct connection to the region, and it's imperative that the U.S. and Israel continue to work together to strengthen our efforts in the fight against global terrorism and to work toward establishing lasting peace throughout the Middle East,'' Kelly said in a statement.

The trip is being funded by the private American Israel Educational Foundation, which is affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

The trip costs the foundation about $10,000 per person, said Kelly's spokeswoman, Julia Thornton.

This is Kelly's second overseas trip since he took office in January. His first one was a government-funded, congressional-delegation trip to Asia from April 25-May 2 that included stops in South Korea, Vietnam and the Philippines, Thornton said.

Thornton said in a statement that Kelly has been asked to participate in multiple overseas trips to advance the work of the Foreign Affairs Committee and to further develop partnerships with key U.S. allies. That trip, she said, was part of Kelly's efforts "to promote the passage of a free and fair trade agreement with South Korea to bring jobs and economic opportunities to the 3rd District.''

Asked about traveling abroad when unemployment and other domestic issues are facing the nation, Thornton said Kelly is in the district, whenever possible, when Congress is not in session.

"His first priority is to be (accessible) to the people he represents. If an overseas trip presents an opportunity for Rep. Kelly to advance the interests of his constituents, either through opening new markets and creating economic opportunities for district businesses, or by strengthening our Homeland Security efforts, he will judiciously consider the benefits and costs of each trip and do what is in the best interest of those he serves,'' she said.

He will return home Sunday.

JOHN GUERRIERO can be reached at 870-1690 or by e-mail.

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Source: http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110824/NEWS02/308239900/-1/RSS01

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