Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick: “today, I voted ``present'' on this Concurrent Resolution because it is my belief that the United States through the…”

“today, I voted ``present'' on this Concurrent Resolution because it is my belief that the United States through the House of Representatives should remain a fair and honest broker in the Middle East. At a time when hostilities in the Middle East are escalating and all parties are looking to American officials to negotiate a fair and equitable solution, I believe that this Resolution is ill timed and diminishes the credibility of the negotiation process. It is imperative that all steps we take in this House secure our position as an impartial broker in the Middle East and this measure does not do this. Make no mistake. I stand against terrorism and the killing of innocent civilians such as those that occurred in Israel this past weekend. I condemn them wholeheartedly. Both sides in the conflict, however, have the blood of innocents on their hands. Both sides in this conflict must make extraordinary and concerted efforts to come to the negotiating table and resolve the problems of the region. I support the findings of the Mitchell-Tenet Commission, which recommended that Congress not approve such resolutions. I regret that Congress is ignoring that recommendation. By doing so, the action of this chamber only serves to prolong the hostilities in that region and discourages both sides from engaging in the negotiation process. I strongly urge the parties to cease hostilities and do all they can to move forward with the Mitchell-Tenet recommendations.”