Schakowsky Statement on H.Con.Res.57 - Expressing the sense of Congress supporting the State of Israel

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Chief Deputy Whip and Ranking Member of the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, released the following statement ahead of the vote on H.Con.Res. 57:

“Today, I intend to vote ‘yes’ in support of a resolution cynically brought forth by Speaker McCarthy and his extremist allies in support of Israel. I have always supported the existence of a Jewish and democratic state of Israel, as have the vast majority of my Democratic colleagues in the House of Representatives. I continue to value the strong partnership between Israel and the United States and understand the crucial need for a strong Jewish state. And for my entire career, I have vocally supported justice for Palestinians, an end to the occupation, and a two-state solution guaranteeing the rights of all.

“But unlike my Republican colleagues, who cower in fear of Donald Trump’s seditious, democracy-crushing shadow, being a staunch ally means telling the truth. And the truth is that Prime Minister Netanyahu and the extremists in his current government, have for decades systematically undermined a two-state solution by supporting settlement expansion, pushing Palestinians from their ancestral homes, and working towards de facto annexation of the West Bank. And now we see Netanyahu dead set on undermining Israel’s very own democracy via a misguided judicial reform process. These actions are in direct conflict with US policy that has been overseen by successive bipartisan Administrations for decades until the emergence of twice-impeached, and now twice-indicted, former President Trump.

“Despite the grave challenges we face, I remain committed to doing everything in my power to fight for Israel’s democracy, and for a two-state solution that can guarantee peace, prosperity, and security for both the Israeli and Palestinian people.”

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