High-Flying U.S.Rep. Phil Roe spends 1/3 of August 2009 recess overseas on $16k Israeli junket

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High-Flying U.S. Phil Roe spends one-third of August recess on $16k Israeli junket; should have spent more time working on health care issues with TN 1st District constituents
http://www.legistorm.com/trip/31499.html
(register for free site password)



Photo by Larry N. Souders All smiles Johnson City Mayor Dr. Phil Roe (center) and State Representative Kent Williams (left) were all smiles after both men claimed election night victories. Pictured at right is Williams’ sister, Judy Veeneman, who served as his campaign manager (note:neither Williams or Veeneman participated within the Roe junket to Israel).

Rep. Phil Roe trip to Tel Aviv, Israel on Aug. 1, 2009

Traveler Rep. Phil Roe (-TN)
Companion Roe, Pamela (Spouse)
Start Date 8/1/2009
End Date 8/9/2009
Filed date 8/21/2009
Approver Rep. Phil Roe (-TN)
Sponsor(s) American Israel Education Foundation
Destination(s) Tel Aviv, Israel

View all trips to: Israel
Purpose Attended tours and meetings to learn more about the U.S.-Israel relationship
Total Cost $15,917.74
Detailed Expenses
Personal Companion
Transportation $4,375.43 $4,375.43
Lodging $1,756.00 $1,756.00
Meal $851.06 $851.06
Other $976.38 $976.38

Nothing on the official congressional website for U.S. Rep. Phil Roe within his news releases pertaining to his almost $16k August 2009 junket to Israel...

Congressman Phil Roe - August 2009 News Releases
http://www.roe.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=1&Itemid=35

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1. Kingsport Times-News: Roe defends funding for Israel trip

Roe defends funding for Israel trip
http://www.timesnews.net/article.php?id=9015946
By Hank Hayes
Published August 11th, 2009



KINGSPORT — U.S. Rep. Phil Roe is defending his recent trip to Israel funded by a pro-Israel organization.
Roe said his way was paid for by the American Israel Education Foundation, a group that pays for fact-finding trips for congressional members.

The foundation is associated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, whose Web site (www.aipac.org) indicates its goals include supporting peace with Arabs and imposing tougher sanctions on Iran.

Roe insisted that the foundation picking up the tab for his trip was not a violation of his pledge to not accept money from political action committees.

“I go visit plants and every place I can go visit to learn about things,” Roe said. “I have to do that. I just voted to give money to protect that country (Israel). Now I have a much better understanding having stood and looked at the 10 miles across that country and what a vulnerable position they are in. ... For me it was like going to visit Guantanamo Bay. ... I’m voting on things I have to go learn about. No taxpayers dollars were spent. ... I have to do those things.”

You might have noticed that the Kingsport Times article fails to mention that U.S. Rep. Phil Roe was also accompanied by his wife, Pamela, on his "fact finding" junket to Israel...I wonder what "facts" Mrs. Roe also learned in Israel?