March 18, 2005

Reid to Lead Bipartisan Senate Delegation to Middle East Region and Several Developing Democracies

Focus of international trip will be on security

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid will lead a bipartisan Senate delegation to the Middle East and several emerging democracies. The primary focus of the trip will be on security issues, and exploring ways the United States can support several developing democracies around the world.

The delegation will be traveling next week. Due to security concerns, details of the trip will not be released in advance.

Sen. Reid will be traveling with Assistant Democratic Leader Richard Durbin (D-IL), and Senators Robert Bennett (R-UT), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Ken Salazar (D-CO).

“This is a critical time for the peace process in the Middle East, and for democratic change in several other nations. Many of the developments hang tenuously in the balance. It’s only appropriate for the Senate to be fully engaged at this time and express the full commitment and support of the United States.”

Reid’s position as Senate Minority Leader comes with the responsibility and capability to lead Senate delegations on official visits with senior foreign government officials regarding political, economic, and military/security issues affecting United States bilateral and regional relationships. The trip will give the Senate delegation the ability to gain first hand knowledge of progress in the region and the challenges that still lie ahead.

The delegation will also meet with American servicemen and women serving in the area, as well as Foreign Service personnel, Peace Corps volunteers and other civil society representatives.

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