Portman, Booker Applaud Senate Committee Passage of S.1061, the Israel Relations Normalization Act

Source: United States Senator for Ohio Rob Portman

June 24, 2021 | Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, applauded the passage of the Israel Relations Normalization Act out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The bill builds upon the Abraham Accords, the peace and normalization agreements between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco, by stating that U.S. policy is to strengthen and expand these normalization agreements. The bill was introduced earlier this year by Senator Portman, co-sponsored by Senators Booker, Jim Risch (R-ID), Todd Young (R-IN), and Ben Cardin (D-MD). This bill has overwhelming bipartisan support with over 50 of their Senate colleagues serving as co-sponsors.

“I am pleased that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has passed this important bipartisan legislation. In my visits to the Middle East, I’ve seen the deep and abiding friendships that exist, and the potential for long-term peace and stability,” said Senator Portman. “This bill will encourage normalization of relations between Israel and other countries in the region, which will help build on the success of the Abraham Accords, support our ally Israel, and enshrine the longstanding U.S. policy that encourages Arab League states to normalize relations with Israel. Finally, Congress has an opportunity to act in a bipartisan way with this bill, sending an important signal of unity and solidarity to the international community, which is more vital than ever given the ongoing aggression of Iran and other malign actors.”

“Today, I applaud the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for advancing this bipartisan legislation out of committee. Building on the Abraham Accords to strengthen the relationship between Israel and its neighbors is not only a vital U.S. security interest but is also important for peace and economic prosperity in the region,” said Senator Booker. “Our bipartisan bill leverages American diplomacy to foster momentum to enable the Abraham Accords to reach their full potential, while reaffirming U.S. policy to support a two state solution. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues across the aisle to continue the strong bipartisan commitment to Israel’s long term security and look forward to a larger vote on the Senate floor.”

Specifically, the Israel Relations Normalization Act would:

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