[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 103 (Tuesday, June 13, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

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                       HON. LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 13, 2023

  Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to address my vote for 
H. Res. 311.
  This resolution will encourage the State of Israel to continue its 
diplomatic efforts within the Middle East and North African (MENA) 
region and beyond. In recent years, Israel has succeeded in 
establishing diplomatic relations with several nations around it. I 
continue to be supportive of the efforts by the State of Israel to work 
toward normalization of relations with its neighbors and improve the 
stability of the region. The resolution also describes several aspects 
of U.S.-Israel policy, which I continue to support, including the 10-
year Memorandum of Understanding and maintenance of our bilateral 
relationship. It is for these reasons that I voted in favor of this 
resolution.
  However, I am disappointed that the resolution did not include an 
explicit affirmation of a two-state solution nor the eventual goal of 
peace with the Palestinians. A similar bipartisan resolution marking 
the 70th anniversary of the founding of Israel included these 
affirmations. These statements are long-standing aspects of U.S. 
policy, including the Biden Administration's current policy, and are 
core principles for a successful peace process.
  I will continue to support a two-state solution and the peace process 
needed to achieve that goal.

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