U.S. Representative

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 5, 2017 – U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority Whip, spoke on the House Floor today to state his disapproval of President Obama and his administration’s refusal to veto the anti-Israel resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) Security Council on Dec. 23, 2016. Rep. Ross has been a strong advocate for Israel and outspoken about President Obama’s lack of support and disdain for the nation. The House passed a resolution this evening to object the UN’s anti-Israel resolution. Rep. Ross has also introduced a resolution (H. Res. 14) to formally condemn the president for refusing to veto the anti-Israel resolution and turning his back on the U.S.’s closest ally.

Click here to watch Rep. Ross’ Floor speech.

Floor speech as prepared for delivery:

“Mr. Speaker,

“I rise today to support this rule and to express my strong disapproval of President Obama and his administration’s refusal to veto the anti-Israel resolution adopted by the United Nations Security Council on December 23, 2016.

“Since its establishment, Israel has worked tirelessly to forge peace with its neighbors. They have neither sought violence nor conflict.

“In fact, for some historical context, the territories discussed in the misguided UN resolution we are condemning today were areas Israel gained in self-defense during the 1967 Six Day War. These areas include the Old City, with the Temple Mount and Western Wall; areas that thousands of years ago were the origin of the Israeli culture, heritage, and religion.

“Israel did not seek to take this land, rather when threatened by its Arab neighbors, in 1967; they were forced to act in self-defense, and repel these attacks. 

“Since that time, Israel has successfully reached peaceful agreements with many of the Arab countries who, at that time, sought to wipe them off the map. Israel is the only thriving democracy in the Middle East who practices and protects human rights regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, or citizenship.

“Over the recent weeks, I have been appalled at what has taken place under the direction of President Obama, Secretary Kerry, and others within the administration. In response, I also introduced a resolution condemning these intolerable actions.

“By failing to direct the United States to veto the one-sided, anti-Israel UN Security Council Resolution, the president turned his back on Israel and, as a result, turned his back on America.

“The anti-Israel resolution adopted by the UN Security Council threatens peace and stability in the Middle East. It is a tremendous setback to peace and will most likely incentivize  further violence and radical boycotts. This UN resolution is counterproductive to peace.

“While President Obama and Secretary Kerry’s long list of foreign policy failures have been well documented over the years, none to date have been this deliberate and calculated.

“That is why I have come to the floor today to support Chairman Royce’s resolution.

“As Republicans and Democrats alike have expressed their contempt for the Presidents lack of action, I look forward to working with my colleagues and President-elect Trump in correcting President Obama’s anti-Israel tactics, as we work to form a stronger bond with Israel and as we work to promote peace in the Middle East.”

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