[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 169 (Monday, November 16, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2771]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    STATEMENT REGARDING H. RES. 867

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                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 16, 2009

  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, after careful 
consideration of House Resolution 867, I joined 22 other Members of 
Congress in voting ``Present'' on November 3rd. This resolution 
denounces the ``Report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on 
the Gaza Conflict,'' also known as the ``Goldstone Report,'' and calls 
on the President to oppose any further consideration of the report.
  While I agree that the Goldstone Report is biased, in my view, the 
harsh tone employed by both this resolution and the U.N. does nothing 
productive for the ultimate goal of peaceful reconciliation, and this 
entire discussion suffers as a result. There are some conclusions in 
the Goldstone Report itself worthy of our consideration and H. Res. 867 
does all parties a disservice by ignoring that fact.
  This Resolution contained inaccuracies and was rushed to the floor 
without Congressional hearings. Investigations should be conducted 
before such harsh criticisms are leveled. Israel itself, a positive 
example of democracy in the Middle East, has previously conducted 
internal investigations of its military operations that were both 
transparent and constructive.
  I have always been a strong supporter of Israel, which has long been 
one of our most loyal allies. I believe that we must lead in the effort 
of bringing peace to the Middle East, but at the same time, we must 
ultimately allow the Israeli people, who are committed to democratic 
rule, to determine their own course.

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