Political Quotes

On the recordNovember 30, 2023
Mr. Chairman, this amendment targets Qatar, the most important partner of the United States in freeing Americans and Israelis held hostage by Hamas. Passage of this amendment and, in my opinion, this overall bill would jeopardize sensitive, ongoing diplomacy related to the hostage crisis in Gaza and further endanger Americans and Israelis in harm's way. Israel's National Security Adviser publicly praised Qatar's role as crucial to ongoing efforts to facilitate humanitarian solutions. Furthermore, it was reported in late October that Qatar's Emir told Secretary of State Blinken that his government was open to reconsidering the presence of Hamas in Qatar once the hostage crisis is resolved. I agree that Hamas' continued presence in Qatar and Turkiye is problematic. These terrorist leaders are living a life of luxury while their people suffer in Gaza. They should be held accountable, but this is not the way to go about it. Let's free our hostages. Then, we can talk and work with Qatar to hold Hamas' leadership in Doha accountable. This amendment is simply grandstanding and not the best way to deal with this issue, and certainly, it is being offered at the worst possible time. {time} 1400 Diplomacy is very important. If we challenge or damage these diplomatic channels, it further endangers Americans. We can't pass this legislation. We should not pass this legislation. I ask my colleagues to please join me in voting ``no'' on this amendment. We shouldn't even need the bill. Mr.…
Said by
Gregory Meeks
Democratic · New York

Share & report

More from Gregory Meeks

Jul 8, 2024

I greatly appreciate the work that you have done with the State Department, with the National Security Council, and with the whole Biden Administration in isolating Russia in the wake of its illegal, unjustified, and immoral invasion of…

congress.gov
Sep 11, 2024

Mr. Chairman, I oppose this amendment. The draft pandemic agreement advances global health security without impacting the United States' international sovereignty. The draft agreement explicitly states that it does not give the WHO any…

Congressional Record · 2024-09-11
Sep 11, 2024

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment because it is within the President's authority to negotiate treaties and agreements without Senate ratification. While inserting findings clarifying the role of Congress and ratifying…

Congressional Record · 2024-09-11
Sep 11, 2024

Mr. Chair, I yield 5 minutes to the esteemed gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee). My colleague is the ranking member on the Committee on Appropriations' State, Foreign Operations, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.

Congressional Record · 2024-09-11

Other voices in this conversation