“I support Israel’s right to exist and defend itself.  That does not mean I am willing to issue a blank check that does nothing to advance U.S. interests in the region… or Israel’s interests for that matter.

“House Resolution 921 is a case in point. I voted against it because it sends a message that is best summed up as, “Congress to Israel: Let’s you and them fight.” 

“Instead of acting as an unreflective cheerleader for Israeli military action, Congress should be encouraging meaningful U.S. diplomatic efforts to end the fighting.  House Resolution 921 does nothing to advance that goal.  Instead, it masks the failure of U.S. leadership and lost opportunities that have occurred during the Bush Administration.  The real tragedy here is that there will be no resolution without full, vigorous U.S. diplomatic engagement.  By refusing to acknowledge that fact, the House Resolution 921 gives a Congressional stamp of approval to the policy drift that perpetuates the endless round of atrocity and retaliation.

“Hezbollah may take a beating in the current fighting, but no matter how it ends, I do not believe the organization will be destroyed, disbanded or disarmed.  At some point the fighting will stop, and U.S. engagement (or lack of it) will probably be decisive in determining the longevity of whatever arrangements are agreed to.  The most disheartening aspect of House Resolution 921 is that it perpetuates a policy that makes an affirmative, positive U.S. contribution to stability less likely.

“In contrast to that approach, I am cosponsoring House Concurrent Resolution 450.  The measure urges the President to appeal to all sides in the crisis for an immediate cessation of violence.  It also calls for a U.S. diplomatic commitment to multi-party negotiations without preconditions.  I believe that policy offers the best hope of a constructive U.S. role and thus to a stable cease fire.

“That is entirely consistent with my past and current support of Israel on substantive matters where Israel’s interests are truly at stake.  These include my backing, as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, of the joint U.S.-Israel Arrow missile program, which has been seeking a solution to the challenge posed by short range missiles like the ones which have been falling on Israeli cities.  They also include my votes for every single annual Foreign Operations appropriations bill since 1991.  These measures have designated nearly $50 billion in U.S. aid for Israel and are a critical priority for that country.

“Real support for Israel means commitment to long term solutions.  That kind of support was missing from House Resolution 921.  That is why I believe it fails to support the interests of either Israel or the United States.”

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