"During this time of historic change in the Middle East, and with the United States fighting three wars in the region, it's critical to maintain the strongest possible bond with Israel, our great ally and partner in democracy," Graves said. "I am pleased to join this mission to Israel as we seek to learn from each other and maintain the strategic U.S.-Israel alliance that protects our interests and provides security for our citizens."
This trip was organized by the American Israel Education Foundation [AIEF], an independent, nonprofit charitable organization, and is privately funded by U.S. citizens. No funding is provided by the U.S. government or the Israeli government.
Over the course of two weeks, 81 members of Congress, Republican and Democrat, are expected to travel to Israel.
Members of the U.S. delegation will meet with key Israeli and Palestinian government officials, American diplomats, and other defense and economic experts in order to receive high level briefings on security, defense cooperation, and international trade, among other core issues. The delegation will visit a variety of areas across Israel, including U.S-Israel cooperative projects, military bases, universities, hospitals, and holy sites.
U.S. Rep. Tom Graves
http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/8/241269