Lynn C. Woolsey: “I rise with sincere concerns about H. Res. 392. We should not be bringing this type of one-sided resolution to the floor…”

“I rise with sincere concerns about H. Res. 392. We should not be bringing this type of one-sided resolution to the floor now. Instead, we should be working on a resolution that encourages peace. The United States does not need a political resolution to show that it is a friend of Israel. America has proven it is a friend of Israel, and I personally count myself as a long and loyal friend of Israel. But I am not pleased with the behavior of either side--Israel or the Palestinian Authority--right now. When friends allow a fight to continue that neither side can win, inaction only prolongs the violence and killing. We must not allow our aversion to inaction spur us to unhelpful resolutions that do not help our friends. I will vote ``Present'' on H. Res. 392 because this unbalanced resolution does not benefit our friends. Instead, it fans the flames of hatred. That is one of the reasons I am a cosponsor of Congressman DeFazio's resolution, H. Res. 394. That resolution is a balanced attempt to bridge the gap between the two sides in this conflict. The United States' approach must be evenhanded if we are to move the peace process forward. Languishing in a cycle of blame over the mistakes of both sides is counterproductive. We must recognize that all parties have made mistakes, and instead of re-hashing what they have done wrong, start thinking about what they can do better in the quest for peace.”