U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler (D-Fla.) says that his reappointment as the ranking Democrat on the Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging Threats will enable him to monitor U.S. efforts to combat “terrorist organizations operating in Europe, including Hizbullah, Hamas and Al Qaeda” and to prevent “anti-Semitism in Europe” among other responsibilities.

“I am deeply honored to have been chosen in the 109th Congress as the leading Democrat on the Europe Subcommittee,” Wexler said in a statement issued Friday, Feb. 4. “It is imperative that the United States repair and strengthen its relations with our European allies as we face issues of mutual concern, including the war on terror, the Israeli-Palestinian issue, rebuilding Iraq and Afghanistan and preventing an Iranian nuclear program.

”As the President begins his second term, I strongly urge him to take concrete steps to mend tattered relations with European nations, who if constructively engaged can play an integral role in promoting global tolerance, democracy and peace,” Wexler said.       Donald H. Harrison