Standing with Israel As It Defends Itself Against the Barbaric War Launched By Hamas and Other Terrorists

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, and still I rise, cognizant of the urgency of the situation in the Middle East and the spirit in which this resolution has been put forth.

As we conscientiously denounce the horrific crimes against humanity committed by Hamas, let us remember our ultimate goal of peace, the need for diplomacy, as well as our commitment to a two-state solution. I regret that the vision of peace between Israel and Palestine by way of a two-state solution is not referenced in the resolution. I sincerely believe that this non-inclusion risks conveying an incomplete representation of our nation's long-standing position on this pressing matter at a critical time in our history. The situation in Israel and Palestine is highly sensitive, and our response should denounce the violation of human rights, while supporting Israeli and Palestinian victims. Omitting such judicious principled concepts from our resolution could inadvertently give the erroneous impression that we have abandoned the Palestinians as well as the two-state solution to peace. I called these issues to the attention of the Foreign Affairs Committee in a letter delivered to the committee on October 12, 2023.

To this end and because I had no hand in drafting the resolution, I propose that we amend the resolution under consideration to include the following: ``Whereas the U.S. House of Representatives desires lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.'', ``Whereas the two-state solution has and continues to be the best path to lasting peace.'', ``Whereas we mourn the deaths and suffering of babies as well as innocent Palestinian and Israeli people of all ages.'', ``Whereas our support for humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian babies and innocent civilian Palestinian people is a necessity.'', and ``Resolved that the House of Representatives desires a two-state solution that leads to peace between Israel and Palestine.''

The resolution without these principle points will lead me, as a matter of conscience, to not vote ``yea.'' I realize that on this vote I may stand alone. However, on votes of conscience I believe it is better to stand alone than not stand at all.

As we witness the calls for war, let us remember our moral imperative to stand for peace at the genesis of war. Doing so will make clear our unwavering commitment to not only Israel's defense but also to the ultimate vision of peace that we all wish to see materialize in the region.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source