[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 71 (Thursday, April 27, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E372]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 27, 2023

  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I voted for H. Res. 311 on April 
25, 2023, because I support the resolution's general goals to expand 
normalization agreements between Israel and its neighbors and encourage 
future cooperation between the United States and Israel on shared 
economic, security, and civilian priorities.
  However, I was disappointed that H. Res. 311 failed to reaffirm 
bipartisan support for a two-state solution that respects the dignity 
of both the Israeli and the Palestinian people. As nations around the 
world confront their own struggles with democracy, H. Res. 311 also was 
a missed opportunity to emphasize U.S. support for a free and liberal 
democracy in Israel. I hope future efforts to recognize Yom Ha'atzmaut 
will fully address these important issues.

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