Nita Lowey: “I rise in support of H.R. 5272, the Peace Through Negotiations Act of 2000, and urge my colleagues to support this…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 5272, the Peace Through Negotiations Act of 2000, and urge my colleagues to support this important legislation. I especially want to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler) for his leadership on this issue and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman). I am a proud cosponsor of his bill, the Middle East Peace Process Support Act, which provided the foundation for the legislation we are considering today. I share the frustration and impatience of those who have waited decades for a peace that will safeguard Israel's security and regional stability. After 7 long years of negotiations, an agreement is within reach, and we recognize how important it is that both parties remain dedicated to the completion of this difficult process. We also recognize the damage that could be inflicted by unilateral acts of irresponsible brinksmanship. Compromise, not nonnegotiable demands and political posturing, must guide the peace process. H.R. 5272 demonstrates unflinching Congressional support for a fair, negotiated peace agreement. This bill simply states that the United States will not recognize nor will it reward the unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state. The rejection of negotiation as the path toward peace is unacceptable, and we have the opportunity to make this clear today.”