Latest from Bob Goodlatte

The U.S. Must Support Israel 

Just 11 minutes – that is all the time it took for the United States to recognize Israel after they formally declared independence in 1948. Since then, the United States and Israel have had a strong relationship based on shared democratic values and common security interests. In a part of the world where some would seek to destroy our way of life, Israel stands strong as one of our greatest allies. That’s why it is so important to preserve and protect this relationship between our nations. Unfortunately, recent steps by the Obama Administration left our friends high and dry when they needed us.

Late last month, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 2334, an extremely one-sided resolution biased against Israel. Instead of vetoing the resolution and preventing it from passing, under the direction of the Obama Administration, the United States abstained from voting, allowing approval of the resolution. This strategy represents a significant break with longstanding U.S. policy to protect Israel from biased resolutions of this nature. Additionally, the failure of the United States to veto the resolution expressly ignores a measure passed unanimously by the House of Representatives in December calling on the Administration to continue the policy of opposing one-sided, anti-Israel UN resolutions.

Standing idly by while this resolution was approved is a completely unacceptable move by the Obama Administration. Not only does the United States’ inaction harm Israel, but it also hurts prospects for peace in the tumultuous region. While the one-sided resolution threatens potential sanctions against Israel, it does nothing to condemn the Palestinian Authority’s questionable actions and “pay to slay” scheme that includes payments to the families of individuals who commit terrorism or violence against Israelis – an amount that reportedly reached $300 million in 2016.

Israel, and the rest of the world, must know that the United States stands by our allies. In response, the House of Representatives passed H. Res. 11 just days ago, a measure rejecting the UN resolution and calling for its repeal. This measure, which passed with an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 342-80, reasserts the United States’ support for Israel and the goal of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

One-sided policies designed to undermine the relationship between the U.S. and Israel and create distance between the two are only obstacles to peace. Productive negotiations are key to a real and lasting peace in the region, a two-state solution recognizing Israel’s right to exist, and the future economic prosperity of the Palestinian people. I am hopeful that the incoming Administration will take a strong stand in support of our ally, Israel, and stop the harmful impacts of the UN’s resolution. There is no question that the U.S. must support Israel, and I will keep working to ensure that the United States stands firm.

Setting the Record Straight on House Rules Amendment

The word ethics carries a heavy weight in the halls of Congress, and with good cause. Those elected to represent the American people should be held to the highest standards. That’s something with which I wholeheartedly agree.

This week, I offered an amendment to the House Rules package relating to the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE), which serves as a receiving forum for ethics complaints from members of the public against lawmakers and staff. Under this amendment, the office would maintain its independence and mission while improving upon due process rights for individuals under investigation, as well as witnesses called to testify. If you saw media coverage of this, you will know that it was stated that this amendment would “gut” this office. I want to make it absolutely clear that this is not the case.

Unfortunately, gross misrepresentation by opponents of my amendment, and the media willing to go along with this agenda, resulted in a flurry of misconceptions about the true purpose of this amendment. Ultimately, it was removed from the House Rules package. I want to reiterate that the OCE has a serious and important role in the House, and my amendment would have done nothing to impede their work or lessen the high ethical standards to which all Members of Congress should be held. I encourage you to read more about this amendment.

Goodlatte Leads House in Constitution Reading

On Thursday, I had the opportunity to lead the House of Representatives in reading the United States Constitution, the very document we as Members swear an oath to uphold.

There is no better way to start the 115th Congress than by reflecting on and recommitting ourselves to the fundamental founding principles enshrined in the Constitution. I am proud to continue this new tradition for the fourth consecutive Congress.

GO DUKES! On Saturday, the JMU Dukes football team will play for the FCS Championship. I’ll be rooting for JMU to bring the championship back home to the Sixth District.