[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 100 (Thursday, July 7, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1265]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




REAFFIRMING COMMITMENT TO NEGOTIATED SETTLEMENT OF ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN 
                                CONFLICT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 6, 2011

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
express my concern that H. Res. 268 threatens Palestinians with 
sanctions if they attempt to get UN membership this fall. This 
resolution, which addresses the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, unfairly 
demands more of the Palestinians than it does of Israel. The United 
States cannot be a force for peace by unfairly singling out one party 
and ignoring the faults of another. While the United States concerns 
about Hamas's inclusion in the Palestinian unity government are valid, 
we should not prematurely pull the rug underneath the feet of the 
Palestinian unity government.
  In an effort to achieve peace, the United States must hold both 
Israeli and Palestinian decision-makers accountable for upholding past 
agreements and negotiating a new one. I urge my colleagues to support 
more balanced policies and actions that seek a solution to the Israeli-
Palestinian conflict.
  As our country continues to help move the peace process forward, I 
remain committed to preserving the peace negotiations between all 
parties. I will continue to work with the Administration in honoring 
our commitment to a peaceful resolution in the Middle East.