Sheila Jackson Lee: “Mr. Speaker, diplomacy is bilateral. It is a two-way street. It is a give-and-take. It is the ability to help all of the…”

“Mr. Speaker, diplomacy is bilateral. It is a two-way street. It is a give-and-take. It is the ability to help all of the people who are involved, and it is also the ability for the world to recognize that a coming together has occurred. I have the greatest sense of concern and respect for the Palestinian people and for Palestinian Americans, who themselves have reached out and asked for help. I believe the people of the West Bank and Gaza want freedom, opportunity, equality, and a peaceful existence. I believe, over the years, the people of Israel and its many leaders have engaged in the process of peace. We in the United States are committed to a two-party state. We are committed to a peace resolution. Make peace today. Unilateral affirmation of one state without the recognition of the importance of both states coexisting and working together does not lead to the recognition that the world should give to two independent states that will be working alongside each other.”