Debbie Dingell: “I rise today with regret and oppose the resolution on the floor. My opposition to this resolution does not stem from…”

“I rise today with regret and oppose the resolution on the floor. My opposition to this resolution does not stem from favoring one side over another, but rather because I favor peace above all else; and like previous resolutions passed by this institution will not help to bring about peace, security, and prosperity to the suffering on both sides of this conflict. This resolution, like past resolutions, allows this Congress to emote, nothing more. It allows members--who take little real notice of the dreadful situation facing Israelis and Palestinians--to feel good about 'doing something.' But in reality, what we are voting on makes no commitment about peace. It makes no effort to find common ground. It doesn't really hold terrorists accountable for the maelstrom of destruction and tragedy they have caused. It doesn't remove any illegal settlements. It doesn't invigorate legitimate Palestinian democracy. And most of all, it doesn't force our aggravatingly lethargic and timid peace initiatives to the importance it deserves. The withdrawal of Israeli troops and settlements from the Gaza is a good step. No one can possibly deny it. But imposing a solution on the Palestinians will land their problems not just on the doorstep of Israel, but on the doorstep of the United States as well. This withdrawal demands that it be followed by strong American action.”