The first substantive resolutions introduced in Congress this year were about helping Israel – not Americans.
U.S. Capitol Building, June 13, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)BY: Nisreen Eadeh/Staff Writer
The first substantive resolutions introduced in Congress this year were about helping Israel – not Americans.
The 115th session of Congress began this week and to almost no one’s surprise, the legislative focus was on Israeli needs above those of taxpaying Americans. Congress displayed stronger acts of loyalty to the state of Israel than they did for their president this week, signaling the year to come.
In the House and Representatives and the Senate, resolutions regarding Israel came pouring in on the first day. Typically, the first five to ten resolutions introduced in Congress confirm meeting times, adopt rules, and let the president know that the chambers have indeed assembled. After these perfunctory measures take place, then the substantive resolutions are introduced.
The Senate
In the Senate, the first two substantive resolutions introduced this year benefit Israel and Israel only. They are merely declarations of love to Israel, as well as echoes of statements made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
S.Res.5 – A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate in support of Israel.
Introduced by: Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS)
Status: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
Seemingly, this resolution exists just so Senator Moran can get paid. It uses simple language to express the same support for Israel that has been repeated for the last several decades, all while blaming Palestinians for their problems. The resolution isn’t substantive, nor does it solve any problems; writing it was a waste of time.
S.Res.6 – A resolution objecting to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334 and to all efforts that undermine direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians for a secure and peaceful settlement.
Introduced by: Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)
Status: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
The logic seems to be missing from this one. How is an internationally agreed upon resolution that combats one of the largest problems between Palestinians and Israelis an obstacle to peace? This bill praises Israel as a vibrant democracy with legitimate leaders who can make decisions for themselves. Except those decisions are deadly and break international laws, so the Senate needs to wake up and smell the Arabic coffee.
S.Res.11 – Jerusalem Embassy and Recognition Act
Introduced by: Senator Dean Heller (R-NV)
Status: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
This resolution includes everything the Arab media has feared. It recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, relocates the U.S. Embassy of Israel to Jerusalem, and outlines construction logistics for the building. Since the Clinton administration, the expectation that Jerusalem would be the home of the American embassy has lingered through Congress, but the president has always stopped the initiative from happening. However, the Trump administration and Senate believe it’s imperative to change locations before addressing any number of domestic issues, such as high healthcare costs, high college tuition rates, and lead poisoning in America’s crumbling infrastructure.
The House of Representatives
For their first resolution, Representatives from the House called for April 18, 2017 to be designated as “National Lineman Appreciation Day.” Promptly after this resolution, the House began pushing pro-Israel actions.
H.Res.11 – Objecting to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334 as an obstacle to Israeli-Palestinian peace, and for other purposes.
Introduced by: Representative Edward Royce (R-CA-39)
Status: Passed
Since the establishment of Israel, and the ten years beforehand, Palestinians and Israelis have not lived in peace. Congressmen are under the belief that UNSC 2334 is harming peace – not the 50 years of occupation, thousands of seizures of homes and villages, and wrongful murders of thousands of Palestinians.
H.Res.14 – Disapproving 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.
Introduced by: Representative Dennis Ross (R-FL-15)
Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs
Despite being reminded countless times that Israeli settlements have been viewed as “illegitimate” by the U.S. State Department for decades, members of the House have voted in favor of disapproving President Obama’s abstention on UNSC 2334. President Obama didn’t even vote “yes” to the Security Council resolution, but is being criticized as anti-Israel even after giving the country $38 billion, the most of any president before him. The title of this House resolution proves that Israel will only accept unconditional love and nothing less from American political leaders.
Put Americans First
It is hardly believable that these resolutions were introduced because Congressmen have overwhelming numbers of constituents who wanted to see Israel a priority this year. Americans endured an exhausting presidential election in order to see real, palpable changes in domestic economic and social policies.
The reason why so many expressed how “fed up” they are with the political system is because they are literally ignored by their Congressmen. The U.S. did not survive an emotionally draining 2016 to have their views ignored on day one. Americans deserve a Congress that works for them, not the lobbyists.
