[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 141 (Wednesday, September 21, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H6279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY AND ISRAEL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Austin Scott) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge 
President Obama to take a strong stance against the Palestinian 
Authority's efforts to seek unilateral recognition for statehood from 
the United Nations.
  Mr. Speaker, Israel is our ally, an ally that has proven, time and 
again, a devotion to freedom, democracy, peace, and economic stability. 
Indeed, Mr. Speaker, Israel is our greatest ally in the turbulent 
Middle East, and we need to support their efforts to resolve their 
issues with the Palestinians. The President must show that America is 
resolute in support of Israel and that he is determined that we find 
real solutions for peace in the Middle East.
  Mr. Speaker, solutions between Israel and the Palestinians will come 
through good-faith negotiations and cooperation. Solutions and peace 
come through both sides sitting at the table with equal determination 
to reach an agreement.
  I hope that the President realizes all of this, and that he will show 
America's support for Israel and be a strong voice for peace reached 
through negotiations and partnership. The President should make clear 
to the Palestinian Authority that the way to a bright and stable future 
for the Palestinian people will be through talking to Israel, not 
unilaterally seeking statehood through the U.N.
  I urge all of my colleagues in this House and the Members of the 
Senate to join me in this call.

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