Messer Urges Tillerson to Expedite Embassy Move to Jerusalem

As the United States prepares to move its Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) today urged Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to consider ways to expedite the process and save taxpayer dollars.

Messer sent a letter to Tillerson, asking him to allow private citizens to help pay for some of the relocating costs if they choose. Allowing citizens to contribute would save some taxpayer dollars and show strong support for Israel.

“President Trump is right to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel to its true capital, Jerusalem,” Messer said. “By allowing private donations to cover some of these costs, we can save taxpayer money and enable citizens to show their support for relocating the U.S. Embassy to Israel’s capital. Our letter to Secretary Tillerson shows he has our support in taking action to help President Trump deliver on this important effort.”

Under current law, the State Department “may accept on behalf of the United States gifts made unconditionally by will or otherwise for the benefit of the Department of State (including the Foreign Service) or for the carrying out of any of its functions.”

The letter states that “allowing these donations could help offset the cost of the facility and expedite the process of relocating the Embassy.”

President Trump announced in December the U.S. Embassy in Israel would be moving from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

In December, Messer strongly supported President Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and begin the process of moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.