Rep. Wasserman Schultz leads a delegation to Yad Vashem, the Israeli holocaust museum.

(Washington, DC)  --  Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20), is leading a congressional delegation trip to Egypt, Israel, and Turkey this week. The trip, comprised of eight bi-partisan members of the House of Representatives seeks to promote a deeper understanding of the region and its complex security issues. The three countries are strong and important allies of the United States in a region known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and importance on the global stage.

This is the first time Rep. Wasserman Schultz, a member of Congress since 2005, has led a congressional delegation trip, commonly known as a "codel." The Congresswoman is leading the codel in her role as the Chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee's Legislative Branch Subcommittee.

There is no doubt that the Middle East is a region of vital economic and national security for the United States," said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. "At this important point in the region's history, it is vital that the United States remain actively engaged at insuring the peace and stability of the region. I am pleased that our schedule has allowed us to travel to this region and meet with key leaders shaping the region's future.

Joining Rep. Wasserman Schultz on the trip are: Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-4) and the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee's Legislative Branch Subcommittee, Rep. Anthony Weiner (NY-9), Rep. Jim Matheson (UT-2), Rep. Adrian Smith (NE-3), Rep. Christopher Murphy (CT-5), Rep. Gerry Connolly (VA-11), and Rep. Cynthia Lummis (WY-At Large).

The trip began Saturday with a meeting with the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Ahmed Aboul-Gheit, where they discussed Egypt's role in the Middle East peace process, the fight to combat terrorism, and America's long and continued support of Egypt and efforts to improve the quality of life of the Egyptian people.

Today, the delegation visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, where they laid a wreath at the stone crypt containing the ashes of Holocaust victims, brought to Israel from the extermination camps. The crypt sits before the Eternal Flame in the Hall of Remembrance. The museum commemorates the 6 million Jews murdered by the Germans and their collaborators in World War II.

Tomorrow, the delegation will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, President Shimon Peres, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, and Opposition Leader Tzipi Livni to discuss the mutual security concerns of the United States and Israel, the ongoing cooperation between our two countries, and the desire of both nations to find a lasting peace in the Middle East.

The delegation will visit Ramallah, where they will meet with Prime Minister Salam Fayyad as well as USAID officials to discuss the progress in the Middle East peace process, as well as security and economic issues in the West Bank. The delegation will also travel to the Golan Heights, on the border with Syria, where they will visit a Druze village and meet with the Israeli Defense Force and United Nations officials to discuss regional security issues.

To conclude the trip, the delegation will travel to Ankara, Turkey, where they will meet with President Abdullah Gül to discuss Turkey's important role in regional stability.