Barbara Lee: “This amendment is a clear attempt to return to the punitive and shortsighted policies of the previous administration…”

“This amendment is a clear attempt to return to the punitive and shortsighted policies of the previous administration with regard to the Palestinians. Let's get one thing straight. American diplomacy and engagement are not rewards to our friends and things to hold over the heads of those we are trying to pressure to bring about change. Diplomacy and engagement serve our own interests. United States policy is to support a two-state solution in the Middle East--that is the United States policy, and the only path to peace--and to avoid any steps by any party that makes that goal harder to reach. By keeping a channel of communications open, the Palestinian Affairs Unit is an important part of that strategy. I have and will continue to urge the Biden administration to reset U.S. relations with the Palestinian people, and to resume the United States' role as a credible and constructive leader in the region. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.”