Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – 5/30/25… This week, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, concluded a bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Jordan, where he and fellow House Foreign Affairs Committee members engaged with regional leaders to advance shared interests, address ongoing challenges, and reinforce America’s commitment to peace in the Middle East.

With Iran continuing to actively fund terror proxies and pursue a nuclear weapons program, the delegation placed a strong emphasis on deepening security coordination with key U.S. allies. In particular, the group explored emerging diplomatic opportunities in Syria and Lebanon, two countries where Iran’s malign influence has waned and where strategic engagement could help foster long-term stability.

Conversations also centered on defeating Hamas, securing the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza, and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches Palestinian civilians directly, without interference from Hamas. The CODEL built on the momentum of President Trump’s recent visit to the region and explored new opportunities for economic cooperation and investment, especially in AI and emerging technologies across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states.

Joining Congressman Lawler on the delegation were Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Ranking Member of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, and Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), Chairman Emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. 

In Saudi Arabia, the delegation held high-level meetings with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Adel Al-Jubeir, and engaged with leading U.S. defense and technology companies. They also met with Diriyah Gate Development Authority CEO Gerard “Jerry” J. Inzerillo and toured the UNESCO World Heritage Site At-Turaif District in Diriyah, the historic capital of the first Saudi dynasty (1744-1818). 

In Israel, the delegation met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, received briefings on U.S.-Israel missile defense coordination, and visited key religious and cultural sites, including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the City of David.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu’s determined leadership during this time of war has fundamentally shifted the security landscape of the Middle East and made it a safer place,” said Congressman Lawler. “The U.S.-Israel alliance remains ironclad as we pursue diplomatic solutions for lasting peace in the region.”

In Jordan, the delegation met with His Majesty King Abdullah II and senior cabinet officials to reinforce the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Jordan. Congressman Lawler also led a discussion with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti, as well as Jordan’s ministers of Economic Affairs, Investment, and Planning and International Cooperation. 

The delegation also met with the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority to explore avenues for expansion in tourism, cultural preservation, and sustainable development.

“This CODEL served as a vital opportunity to strengthen our alliances, confront shared threats, and demonstrate bipartisan American leadership in support of our partners,” said Congressman Lawler. “As Chairman of the MENA Subcommittee, I remain committed to deepening U.S. engagement in the region and working with our partners to build a more secure, prosperous, and stable Middle East.”

“Amidst President Trump's efforts to end the war in Gaza & secure normalization agreements, I was honored to visit several of our allies and partners in the Middle East. These nations will play pivotal roles in shaping the future of the region — a future defined by peace and prosperity. I am grateful to our friends in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the Kingdom of Jordan for welcoming us, and I look forward to our continued partnership with these regional leaders as we work toward greater peace and stability across the Middle East,” said Congressman McCaul.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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Official Photos from the congressional delegation can be found HERE.