Congressional Support

Engel, McCaul, Zeldin & Rose Offer Legislation Supporting Israel’s Normalization of Relations with UAE and Bahrain

Chairman Eliot L. Engel of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Ranking Member Michael McCaul, Representative Lee Zeldin, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, and Representative Max Rose, this week introduced legislation supporting the landmark normalization agreements between the State of Israel and the United Arab Emirates and the State of Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain. (17 September 2020)

Menendez, Graham, Young, and Cardin Lead Bipartisan Senate Resolution Congratulating Israel, UAE, and Bahrain on Historic Abraham Accords

U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), and Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today introduced a bipartisan resolution congratulating the governments and people of Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Bahrain on the recently signed Abraham Accords.

The resolution:  

  • Congratulates the Governments and people of Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the Kingdom of Bahrain on reaching these historic agreements. 
  • Encourages other Arab nations to establish full relations with Israel with the vision of realizing full peace between Israel and all of its Arab neighbors.
  • Reaffirms its strong support for a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict resulting in two states—a democratic Jewish State of Israel and a viable, democratic Palestinian state—living side-by-side in peace, security, and mutual recognition. (17 September 2020)

Cardin, Graham, Menendez and Young to Introduce Resolution Praising Historic Agreement Between Israel, UAE

U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.), today said they will introduce a Senate resolution praising the historic agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Senate resolution:

  • Congratulates the Governments and people of Israel and the United Arab Emirates on reaching this historic agreement.
  • Encourages other Arab nations to establish full relations with Israel with the vision of realizing full peace between Israel and all of its Arab neighbors.
  • Reaffirms its strong support for a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict resulting in two states—a democratic Jewish State of Israel and a viable, democratic Palestinian state—living side-by-side in peace, security, and mutual recognition. (20 August 2020)

Senator Mitch McConnell, US Senate Majority Leader

“We have come a long way. What a moment. Far-sighted leaders in both countries made sacrifices to make the deal possible. Prime Minister Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed understand that both Arabs and Israelis will benefit from the peace and prosperity that tearing down barriers can bring. America will also benefit from these two key regional friends working more closely together and reducing tensions across a challenging region.” (14 September 2020)

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the US House of Representatives

“The agreement to establish full diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE is welcome news.  It is an important step that could benefit both nations, the region and the world.

The House continues to object to steps including unilateral annexation that will undermine future efforts to advance a just, stable and lasting peace in the Middle East. I hope that these efforts have been put on hold as the agreement indicates. This agreement reminds us that the best way forward for peace in the region is to create conditions for Israel to negotiate directly with her neighbors.” (13 August 2020)

Senator Jim Risch, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

“It was an honor to witness today’s historic signing of peace agreements between Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain. These agreements demonstrate a potential to improve the economic, security, and diplomatic environment in the Middle East, and President Trump is to be commended for his efforts in brokering these agreements. I continue to encourage like-minded Arab and Muslim countries to follow the example set by the UAE and Bahrain today.” (15 September 2020)

Senator Bob Menendez, Ranking Member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

"I welcome today’s historic announcement between the #UAE and #Israel. I hope this new relationship can pave the way for a more constructive, productive and secure future for Israelis, Palestinians, Emiratis and indeed the entire region." (13 August 2020)

Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs

“I welcome the announcement that the United Arab Emirates and Israel are normalizing relations.  This is a mutually beneficial step that will strengthen both countries.  It will contribute toward stability in the region and advance the cause of peace.  I hope that this new breakthrough will give courage to other countries to move forward toward normalization and motivate Palestinians to give peace a chance. I look forward to the day when Israel is surrounded by peaceful neighbors, including a democratic, demilitarized Palestinian state that accepts that the Jewish state has a permanent place in the Middle East.” (13 August 2020)

Representative Michael McCaul, Ranking Member on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs

“I welcome the announcement that the United Arab Emirates and Israel are normalizing relations.  This is a mutually beneficial step that will strengthen both countries.  It will contribute toward stability in the region and advance the cause of peace.  I hope that this new breakthrough will give courage to other countries to move forward toward normalization and motivate Palestinians to give peace a chance. I look forward to the day when Israel is surrounded by peaceful neighbors, including a democratic, demilitarized Palestinian state that accepts that the Jewish state has a permanent place in the Middle East.” (13 August 2020)

Additional Congressional Reactions:

More than 150 Members of Congress have voiced support for the agreement.

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