Statement Regarding H. Res. 867

Floor Speech

* Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, after careful consideration of House Resolution 867, I joined 22 other Members of Congress in voting "Present'' on November 3rd. This resolution denounces the "Report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict,'' also known as the "Goldstone Report,'' and calls on the President to oppose any further consideration of the report.

* While I agree that the Goldstone Report is biased, in my view, the harsh tone employed by both this resolution and the U.N. does nothing productive for the ultimate goal of peaceful reconciliation, and this entire discussion suffers as a result. There are some conclusions in the Goldstone Report itself worthy of our consideration and H. Res. 867 does all parties a disservice by ignoring that fact.

* This Resolution contained inaccuracies and was rushed to the floor without Congressional hearings. Investigations should be conducted before such harsh criticisms are leveled. Israel itself, a positive example of democracy in the Middle East, has previously conducted internal investigations of its military operations that were both transparent and constructive.

* I have always been a strong supporter of Israel, which has long been one of our most loyal allies. I believe that we must lead in the effort of bringing peace to the Middle East, but at the same time, we must ultimately allow the Israeli people, who are committed to democratic rule, to determine their own course.

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