Statement on the Recent Conflict in the Middle East

"I am very disappointed by the lack of both urgency and vision that was shown by the Bush administration in the face of the latest crisis in the Middle East. However, I am relieved that an initial ceasefire has been reached between Israel and Hezbollah. I remain committed to lasting, permanent peace in the Middle East, and I would like to share with you my actions on this important issue so far.

• On July 20, 2006 the House of Representatives passed H.Res. 921, legislation condemning the attacks against the State of Israel, holding terrorists and their state-sponsors accountable for such attacks, and supporting Israel's right to defend itself. I was one of 410 Members of Congress to vote for the resolution.

• I supported this legislation out of my longstanding belief in Israel's right to defend itself, as a legitimate nation-state, against acts of aggression. However, I was saddened that this piece of legislation was the best that the House could offer on such a tragic and complicated issue. I was especially sorry to learn that the Republican leadership in the House refused to allow language within the measure that would have called on both sides to work to limit civilian casualties.

• On July 28, prior to the recent ceasefire, I cosigned a letter imploring President Bush to use his authority to broker a necessary ceasefire for a meaningful peace process to begin.

• I also cosponsored H.Con.Res.450, which called on the president to send a high-level diplomatic mission to facilitate multi-party negotiations. H.Con.Res.450 also supported an international peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon to prevent cross border skirmishes during long-term negotiations.

I am very frustrated that the Bush administration has largely been absent from this volatile part of the world. The current and tragic outbreak of violence between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon is one result of this "hands-off" policy toward the Israeli peace process. Such a policy has resulted in the death of many innocent civilians and the further legitimization of a state-sponsored terrorist organization.

While President Clinton was unable to bring about a final peace agreement during his time in office, his hard work proved that early and strong American involvement always lessens and diminishes the impact of violence in the Middle East. So while Israel has the right to defend itself, President Bush has the ability, and the responsibility, to help stem the loss of innocent lives.

I am alarmed and saddened by the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon and I am angered that the Bush administration sat by passively during the first weeks of the conflict. While I am pleased that a ceasefire has been reached, we must must take all necessary steps to ensure that it leads to a meaningful peace process and lasting stability in the Middle East. I will continue to work towards a fast and effective resolution to this conflict that respects the inherent rights of all people and all nations. I will continue to call upon the president and work with my colleagues in Congress to appeal to all sides involved to ensure that the ceasefire is permanent."