Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement this afternoon on the floor of the House of Representatives in support of H. Res. 392, Expressing Solidarity with Israel in its Fight Against Terrorism. The resolution was approved by a vote of 352 to 21, with 29 voting present.
Mr. Speaker, as we hold this sad and difficult debate today on the floor of the House, there is an ongoing tragedy in the Middle East. Indeed, we mourn the loss of life on both sides of the conflict.
Yes, the United States and Israel have an unbreakable bond of friendship based on our shared commitment to peace, stability, and democracy. A secure Israel can only prevail if there is peace in the Middle East.
Less than two years ago, Israeli and Palestinian leaders met at Camp David, and we were hopeful of an agreement on the issues of permanent status, including the establishment of a Palestinian State and a secure State of Israel would be resolved.
Prime Minister Barak made a generous and historic proposal. Chairman Arafat missed an historic opportunity when he failed to sign it and to negotiate a peaceful settlement of the Middle East crisis.
We must return to that effort sooner rather than later. Neither Israel nor the Palestinians can afford to abandon the search for peace.
The United States must lead at this critical time. We know that when the United States is involved, there is less violence in the Middle East.
Terrorism and suicide bombings must not be the price that is paid for a free society. The goal of terrorists is to instill fear. They kill not just to destroy lives, but to change the way people live and the way a country thrives.
In order to build a better future for his people, Chairman Arafat must become a viable partner for peace. It is only through honest negotiations, not through violence, that the Palestinians can achieve their goal, which most of us support, the creation of a Palestinian State.
That is why I am pleased that the resolution before us today calls for the international community to provide humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians and the United States must be a strong part of that.
We must build upon the efforts of the heroes who have built the foundation for peace. We must honor the legacy of that martyr for peace, Prime Minister Rabin, and work for a secure Israel and for peace in the Middle East. That can only happen with a secure Palestinian State.
In the spirit of Rabin, we must be guided by his words: “Enough of blood and tears. Enough.”