Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today regarding the passing of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Saturday.

"I was saddened to learn of the passing of Former Prime Minister Sharon.  He spent much of his life fighting tirelessly for Israel both in the military and as an elected official.  

"Israel is our closest ally in that region and Sharon made great strides to further strengthen the Israeli-American relationship.  He will be dearly missed," Rogers said.

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