[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 154 (Friday, September 19, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S6790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         THE TWO-STATE SOLUTION

  Mr. WELCH. Madam President, I support Senator Merkley's resolution 
calling on the President of the United States to recognize an 
independent and sovereign State of Palestine, alongside a secure State 
of Israel. This is a long-held position of the United States, of both 
Republican and Democratic administrations, which must not be abandoned.
  The choice before us is clear: either we embrace the two-state 
solution or continue to support today's relentless military occupation. 
This horrible death and destruction in Gaza must stop. That is why the 
time for two states can be delayed no longer.
  Calling for this does not create a state, but rather reinforces the 
commitment of the two-state solution.
  I am deeply committed to a safe, secure, democratic Israel. But this 
outcome is only possible if there is also an independent, 
demilitarized, and sovereign Palestinian state.
  While the Senate cannot diplomatically recognize an independent 
Palestine, my colleagues make a reasoned plea in this resolution for 
President Trump to listen to the American people, to listen to our 
allies, and to listen to our partners around the world. This step is 
critical for the peace and security of the Israeli and Palestinian 
peoples.
  This resolution reinforces the fact that Israel's neighbors want 
peace. Saudi Arabia has led the entirety of the Arab League in 
reaffirming that it seeks full normalization and peace with Israel--if 
and when Israel is willing to recognize that Palestinians deserve what 
all people deserve: the right to self-determination, sovereignty, 
freedom, and dignity.
  Saudi Arabia and France have also led a multinational initiative this 
year underlining that the entire Middle East is willing to build a 
regional security framework that assures the safety of the people of 
Israel, but Israel must take unequivocal steps toward a Palestinian 
state.
  I urge my colleagues to join us on this timely resolution, which 
aligns with the objective of nearly 80 years of U.S. policy: two 
independent states and lasting peace in the Middle East.

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