WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and six of his Senate colleagues in calling on the President to recognize a Palestinian State. The resolution—the first of its kind in the United States Senate—calls for U.S. recognition of a demilitarized Palestinian State alongside a secure Israel, in accordance with international law and the principles of a two-state solution. It underscores how urgent U.S. action would preserve the best chance for peace, helping give both Palestinians and Israelis a future grounded in freedom, security, and prosperity. 

Senator Welch submitted the following statement for the record: 

“I support Senator Merkley’s resolution calling on the President of the United States to recognize an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, alongside a secure State of Israel. This is a long-held position of the United States, of both Republican and Democratic administrations, which must not be abandoned.  

“The choice before us is clear: either we embrace the two-state solution or continue to support today’s relentless military occupation. This horrible death and destruction in Gaza must stop. That is why the time for two states can be delayed no longer. 

“Calling for this does not create a state, but rather reinforces the commitment of the two-state solution.

“I am deeply committed to a safe, secure, democratic Israel. But this outcome is only possible if there is also an independent, demilitarized, and sovereign Palestinian state.   

“While the Senate cannot diplomatically recognize an independent Palestine, my colleagues make a reasoned plea in this Resolution for President Trump to listen to the American people, to listen to our allies, and to listen to our partners around the world. This step is critical for the peace and security of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.  

“This Resolution reinforces the fact that Israel’s neighbors want peace. Saudi Arabia has led the entirety of the Arab League in reaffirming that it seeks full normalization and peace with Israel—if and when Israel is willing to recognize that Palestinians deserve what all people deserve: the right to self-determination, sovereignty, freedom, and dignity.  

“Saudi Arabia and France have also led a multinational initiative this year underlining that the entire Middle East is willing to build a regional security framework that assures the safety of the people of Israel, but Israel must take unequivocal steps toward a Palestinian state.  

“I urge my colleagues to join us on this timely resolution, which aligns with the objective of nearly 80 years of United States policy: two independent states and lasting peace in the Middle East.”   

Download the Statement for the Record.

The Senators’ resolution comes as world leaders meet at the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week, where a number of U.S. allies are preparing to recognize a Palestinian State, joining more than 140 of the 193 UN member states who already do so—a reflection of the global consensus that Palestinian statehood must be part of any lasting peace. 

In addition to Senators Welch and Merkley, the resolution is cosponsored by Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii). Read and download the full text of the resolution.  

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