[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 64 (Thursday, May 1, 2003)]
[House]
[Page H3574]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 AMERICA MUST REMAIN ENGAGED FOR PEACE TO TAKE HOLD IN THE MIDDLE EAST

  (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on this day of focusing on 
national prayer for those who wish to express their faith in their 
different ways, I think it is an appropriate time to reinforce the 
importance of peace throughout this world. Particularly as the road map 
for Mideast peace has been unveiled, it is important to reinforce the 
key element of that process.
  Two years ago, approximately, in February of 2001, I rose to the 
floor of the House to indicate that the only way that we would have 
peace in the Middle East is if the United States remained engaged. 
Unfortunately, that did not occur for a number of months, but I do 
believe that we are now on the road to peace.
  The key element again will be, even if there are difficulties, we 
must remain engaged. Even as we work with the Palestinians to cease 
immediately the violence, to break up the terrorist groups, to remove 
the illegal weapons, we must work with the Israelis as it relates to 
the road map in stopping the expanding of the settlements, and, as 
well, the attacks on Palestinians.
  These are not easy challenges, and we cannot be daunted by failure. 
We must continue to work for peace, because it is worth it for all of 
the people of that region.

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