Bradley Schneider

09/16/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/16/2022 15:46

Schneider, Colleagues in House Abraham Accords Caucus Commemorate 2-Year Anniversary of Historic Abraham Accords Signing

WASHINGTON - Abraham Accords Caucus Co-Chairs Brad Schneider (IL-10), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), David Trone (MD-06), and Ann Wagner (MO-02) introduced a resolutionto commemorate the 2nd anniversary of the signing of the Abraham Accords. H.Res. 1359 highlights the progress made since the signing of the Accords and encourages continued development of the existing agreements and expansion to new countries. Additionally, in collaboration with the Abraham Accords Caucus co-chairs, Schneider hosted a roundtable discussion celebrating the anniversary with the American Jewish Committee and young leaders from Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco.

"Two years ago yesterday, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain signed the Abraham Accords on the White House lawn, soon joined by Morocco and Sudan. The historic agreements launched a shift toward peace and normalization between Israel and its neighbors in the Middle East and North Africa," said Congressman Schneider. "New economic opportunities, innovations, and partnerships continue to strengthen and grow, powered by the deepening ties between Israel and its neighbors. This week in the Capitol, members of the House Abraham Accords Caucus were joined by young leaders from Abraham Accords countries to celebrate the 2nd anniversary and the many positive impacts of the Accords across the region. I and my fellow Caucus co-chairs look forward to continuing our efforts to deepen and expand the Accords to advance safety and prosperity in the region."

On September 15, 2020, the United States brought together leaders from Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain to sign the historic Abraham Accords. On December 22, 2020, Morocco signed the Abraham Accords, followed by Sudan on January 6, 2021. These normalization agreements transformed the region, enhanced Israel's security, created economic opportunities, and advanced vital U.S. national security interests.

"Two years ago yesterday, the United States made historic progress towards achieving peace in the Middle East with the signing of the Abraham Accords Declaration. This long sought-after agreement marked the beginning of a new journey together in pursuit of creating a better, safer, and more prosperous world for our children and grandchildren," said Congresswoman Rodgers. "Today, I can say with confidence that we are making great progress thanks to the tremendous work of our international partners and the work of my colleagues on the Abraham Accords Caucus on Capitol Hill. We are making significant strides to uphold and promote the values of human dignity, freedom, and hope around the world. I am proud of our work to this point and believe the best is yet to come!"

"The Abraham Accords have forged historic relationships and secured a diplomatic present and future for millions. Twenty years ago, we would have never imagined such progress in facilitating peace and prosperity in the Middle East," said Congressman Trone. "On its second anniversary, this Caucus continues to serve as a model of how Congress can work together to help solve some of the world's most pressing issues. I look forward to maintaining this vital work with our U.S. and international colleagues."

"Over the past two years, the Abraham Accords have already yielded tangible benefits to the people of Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. The Accords have become a pillar of stability in the Middle East, and they have advanced our commitment to supporting our partners in the region," said Congresswoman Wagner. "It remains critical we work with our Israeli and Arab partners to combat extremism in the region and build on President Trump's efforts to create economic opportunities and advance U.S. national security interests."

In January 2022, Schneider, Rodgers, Trone, and Wagner, along with a bipartisan group of Senators, co-foundedthe Abraham Accords Caucuses to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to help strengthen the agreements of current Abraham Accords countries and help lay the groundwork to expand to new countries that do not currently have diplomatic relations with Israel.

On Wednesday, the Caucus partnered with the American Jewish Committee and ISRAEL-Is, a non-governmental organization that connects young leaders from Abraham Accords countries, to hold a roundtable discussion celebrating and discussing how the Accords have positively impacted the panelists' lives and countries in the past two years. The Members and panelists also discussed ways to strengthen and expand the Accords.

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