U.S. Rep. Michael Lawler from New York's 17th District | Official U.S. House Headshot
U.S. Rep. Michael Lawler from New York's 17th District | Official U.S. House Headshot
Today, Representatives Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Ritchie Torres (NY-15) led 34 members of Congress in a letter to President Joe Biden, urging him to nominate a Presidential Envoy for the Abraham Accords, Negev Forum, and related integration and normalization fora and agreements. Reps. Torres and Lawler worked throughout 2023 to advance legislation creating this position, which was passed into law in December through the National Defense Authorization Act of 2024 (NDAA).
"As our ally Israel continues to fight to bring their hostages home, it is increasingly important to ensure U.S. partners in the Middle East support Israel and normalize relations. That is why the Abraham Accords, first signed in 2020, were so consequential and continue to provide a roadmap for Middle East peace today. In support of this goal, we write today to urge you to nominate a Presidential Envoy for the Abraham Accords, Negev Forum, and Related Integration and Normalization Fora and Agreements," the Representatives wrote.
"Unfortunately, since this position was created in December, it is our understanding that no progress has been made to nominate an Envoy. In fact, at a House Foreign Affairs Committee Subcommittee hearing on June 23rd, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf stated that there is not even a short list," continued the Representatives.
"It is incumbent that you nominate an Envoy as soon as possible in accordance with the FY24 NDAA. The Envoy will reinforce to our ally, Israel, and the international community that the U.S. remains committed to normalization efforts. Moreover, it further demonstrates our goal of establishing a long-lasting peace between Israel and Muslim-majority countries both in the Middle East and around the world," concluded the Representatives.
"Everything changed in the Middle East after October 7th, which is exactly why the Abraham Accords are more important than ever before. It is critical that President Biden wake up to this simple fact and move expeditiously to nominate someone to fill the role of Presidential Envoy for the Abraham Accords, Negev Forum, and Related Integration and Normalization Fora and Agreement," said Representative Lawler on the letter.
"We find ourselves at a perilous and consequential moment in the Middle East. Israel is fighting to bring hostages home, eliminate Hamas from power, and defend from relentless Hezbollah rocket fire. Time is of essence in battle for Israel's future; now more than ever administration must nominate an Envoy for Abraham Accords," said Representative Torres on letter.
The list of members signed on letter includes: Lori Chavez-DeRemer; Juan Ciscomani; Ben Cline; Anthony D'Esposito; Pat Fallon; Brian Fitzpatrick; Andrew Garbarino; Carlos Gimenez; Jenniffer González-Colón; Josh Gottheimer; Brett Guthrie; Thomas Kean Jr.; David Kustoff; Nick LaLota; Nicholas Langworthy; Michael Lawler; Nicole Malliotakis; Marcus Molinaro; Jared Moskowitz; Andrew Ogles John Rutherford Maria Salazar Bradley Schneider Adrian Smith Elise Stefanik Haley Stevens Claudia Tenney Ritchie Torres Ann Wagner Michael Waltz Randy Weber Brandon Williams Joe Wilson Greg Landsman
Congressman Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District north of New York City containing parts Rockland Putnam Dutchess Westchester Counties
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