McHenry County Blog

Just asking.

One big difference is that we can’t build a fence to keep bombers out.

A press release from Congressman Randy Hultgren:

Hultgren Statement on Israel

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today released the following statement on recent events in Israel:

“No population should have to suffer the constant fear of having your home and your family threatened, but that is the situation millions of Israelis find themselves in today. Hamas and other militant groups are firing rockets at innocent civilians, and the world is shocked and saddened by the human cost of their actions.

“We, as a nation, stand by Israel in its time of need and reaffirm our commitment to aid them in their fight against this violent extremism.”

A press release from Congressman Joe Walsh:

Rep. Walsh: Bring Accountability to the Middle East

“The United States must hold the Palestinians accountable for their actions.”

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Joe Walsh (IL-08) renewed his call for Washington to bring accountability to the Middle East and make U.S. aid to the Palestinians and Egypt contingent on peace and reform.

Repeated barrages of rocket and mortar fire from the Gaza Strip have so far killed three Israeli civilians and wounded several others, including children.

“I applaud Secretary Clinton for reiterating the United State’s support for Israel’s right to self defense,” said Walsh.

“But this is hardly enough. More than 220 rockets have been fired at Israeli civilians from militants in Gaza. The United States must hold the Palestinians accountable for these unprovoked, heinous acts. It must also hold Egypt, Qatar, and Iran accountable for their support of Palestinian militants and the terrorist group Hamas.”

Walsh has authored several pieces of legislation aimed at bringing accountability to the Middle East peace process. The Palestinian Accountability Act, H.R. 2457, would make any aid to the Palestinian Authority contingent upon much-needed reforms, including an end to corruption and the vilification of Israel. In July, Walsh led a letter with 35 other Members of Congress to House Leadership urging them to withhold aid to the new Egyptian government until it reaffirms its treaties with Israel.

“I am disappointed that Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi has used this unprovoked attack on Israel to reveal both his sympathy for the terrorist group, Hamas, and his opposition to Middle East peace. Why are we providing Egypt with $2 billion in foreign aid every year to vilify our allies and oppose American interests? It’s time to hold Egypt accountable as well. I urge the President to withhold foreign aid to Egypt until it publicly reaffirms its treaties with Israel.”

A press release from Congressman Joe Walsh:

Rep. Walsh Sends Message to New Egyptian Government

Rep. Walsh Urges Leadership to Condition Aid to Egypt on Reaffirming Treaties with Israel

WASHINGTON- Today, Rep. Walsh sent a clear message to the new Egyptian government that the United States will not continue to provide $2 billion a year in foreign aid if President Mohamed Mursi and the new Egyptian government oppose American interests in the Middle East.

Walsh, along with 35 other members of the House of Representatives, sent a letter to House Leadership that urges them to withhold aid to the new Egyptian government until it reaffirms its treaties with Israel and recognizes Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state.

Since Egypt signed the Camp David Accords in 1979, the U.S. has provided roughly $2 billion a year in aid to Egypt in return for it maintaining peace with Israel.

“At a time when our nation is racking up record deficits and American families are struggling under higher taxes and shrinking budgets, the United States needs to start prioritizing foreign aid programs.

“Every tax dollar that goes to propping up a government directly opposed to American interests is a tax dollar wasted. That money should instead be put towards paying down our national debt or providing tax relief to struggling American families.”

Many members of the Muslim Brotherhood have a history of supporting terrorism, and current party leaders have made no conscious move to abandon that legacy.

President Mursi has spoken noxiously about American policy in the Middle East, referred to Israelis as “tyrants,” and expressed doubts that the 9/11 attacks were carried out by terrorists.

The President has also been quoted as stating that he favors normalizing relations with Iran, including expanding areas of political and economic cooperation in order to create a balance of pressure in the region.

Of greatest concern are reports that President Mursi revealed that the Camp David Peace Accords with Israel “will be reviewed.”

“Israel is a critical strategic partner for the U.S. in the Middle East.

“Only a strong, secure Israel will bring lasting peace to the Middle East.

“We would like to continue an open, working relationship with the new Egyptian government.

“But it must choose to work with the United States to continue to promote peace and stability in the region. Any future foreign aid packages must be contingent on these actions.”

The big news out of the Tampa’s Methodist convention

• for friends of Israel and
• for those who know the impact of Motorola and Caterpillar on the Illinois economy

is the overwhelming defeat of liberal efforts to force Methodist investments out of those and other companies doing business with Israel.

The Institute of Religion and Democracy leads with that outcome of the meeting in its May 2nd report:

Good News! Despite massive lobbying by dozens of yellow shirted anti-Israel activists, the United Methodist General Conference decisively rejected anti-Israel divestment today by 685 to 246.

Sometimes the debate language was ugly.

One Western [West Coast U.S.] Jurisdiction delegate likened United Methodist policy to supporting firms helping Nazi Germany conduct the Holocaust.

So much for temperate argument.

But good sense prevailed in the final vote.

Here’s Jeff Walton’s report on yesterday’s rally for anti-Israel divestment featuring a United Methodist missionary claim he was more “conservative” than Billy Graham even as he speechified in the gay advocacy rally tent.

Debates over marriage, sexual ethics and homosexuality are expected tomorrow. Here’s Bart Gingerich’s report on a speech touting “queer people” here by radical theologian James Cone of Union Seminary.

And here’s a report from Jeff Walton about a “Church Within a Church” event for gay clergy who have unofficial ordinations.

Bart Gingerich blogged about hyper political correctness at General Conference.

But overall, the news here is mostly good.

United Methodism is slowly moving away from dying North American liberal Protestantism and towards growing, biblical Global South Christianity.

In the church restructuring approved today, overseas churches’ representation on church agency boards will increase from 10 percent to over 30 percent, more in line with their membership.

Long overdue!

Please keep praying, especially tomorrow.

With appreciation,

Mark Tooley
IRD President
Director, UMAction

P.S.: Please stand with us with a special online donation today, easily made here. We rely on you!

= = = = =

Below is what the group Good News is reporting:

The 2012 General Conference of The United Methodist Church has been slowly dealing with legislative issues under the watchful eye of silent protesters.

As time is quickly slipping away, delegates are feeling the pressure to make the next several days really count since so many of the big-ticket issues have not been dealt with.

We have been hosting our Briefing Breakfasts every morning this week for the delegates, monitoring the legislation on the floor of the General Conference, and distributing our daily newsletter [newsletters are here] outside the convention center.

If you are watching the General Conference via live streaming and want to see a legislation tracking guide of issues of interest to the Renewal and Reform Coalition, click HERE.

The big agenda today is supposed to be the new Restructure Proposal called PlanUMC. You can read it HERE

Some of the actions that warrant your attention:

• Delegates voted to end the guaranteed appointment of United Methodist elders. To learn more, click HERE.
• Delegates decided not to approve a petition that would have created a new full-time role for the president of the United Methodist Council of Bishops. To learn more, click HERE.
• Delegates revised the Social Principles statement on abortion to say, “We mourn and are committed to the diminishment of high abortion rates.”
• Churches are encouraged to provide “age-appropriate sexuality education, advocacy in regard to contraception, and support of initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all women and girls around the globe.”
• Churches are also encouraged to support “crisis pregnancy centers and pregnancy resource centers that compassionately help women explore all options related to unplanned pregnancy.”
• Delegates opposed, 407 to 383, a longer preamble proposed for the Social Principles by a legislative committee. They agreed with a minority report that affirms “our unity in Jesus Christ while acknowledging differences in applying our faith in different cultural contexts as we live out the gospel.”
• Voting 532 to 414, delegates in a May 1 plenary session added a clause, “We stand united in declaring our faith that God’s grace is available to all — that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.”
• Delegates created an additional episcopal area in the Congo Central Conference, increasing the number of bishops in the area from three to four.
• Delegates celebrated an April 30 decision to enter into full communion with the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, the African Union Methodist Protestant Church and the Union American Methodist Episcopal Church. To learn more, click HERE.

We covet your prayers for our United Methodist Church.

If you would like to receive an introductory issue of Good News free of charge, please request it at info@goodnewsmag.org.

Thank You

Thank you for your prayers and the financial support that sustain this ministry. Your support and participation make it possible for Good News to be your advocate for Scriptural Christianity within the United Methodist Church and beyond.

If you would like to subscribe to Perspective, click HERE.

If you would like to support the work of Good News with an online gift, click HERE

If you would like to be a part of Good News’ prayer ministry and receive monthly prayer updates, please email Ginny@goodnewsmag.org

= = = = =

The Confessing Movement reports some of the same information, but with a different viewpoint, as well as additional happenings on May 2nd:

Wednesday, May 2 – Day 8 of General Conference

Update (9:30 pm):

The gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual groups and their supporters have been here from the beginning of General Conference.

They have engaged in numerous actions such as walking around the area designated for delegates and conference officials only holding signs, handing out pro gay materials and lining up so delegates must walk through their silence demonstrations but they had not violated the General Conference rules.

At about 5:30 today as the delegates were going to break for dinner, the demonstrators entered the restricted area violating General Conference rules.

The conference agenda for tomorrow morning is scheduled to deal with sexuality issues including the practice of homosexuality.

JUST IN (12:35 pm) After 3 hours of debate, restructuring for The United Methodist Church has passed with a vote of 567 in favor (59.6%) to 384 against.

The pace of General Conference thus far has been very slow.

The agenda includes many items and activities that keep petitions from getting considered.

At previous General Conferences this has also occurred, forcing many important issues to the end when there is little time for discussion and debate. 
The proposal to require restructuring of the general church is scheduled to occur today. After hours of committee discussion and work outside of the committee a compromise has been reached with one proposal being presented rather than a major and minor report.

The debate on restructuring began about 9:30 this morning. A motion to refer this report for action in 2016 was defeated with 555 delegates voting against this proposal to kill restructuring this year.

Other important developments include:

1. The United Methodist Women (UMW) petition to become an autonomous organization passed by an overwhelming vote, 889 to 20. This means the UMW will no longer be a division within the General Board of Global Ministries but will be a stand-alone autonomous agency. There appear to be a number of reasons for the desire to be autonomous. The UMW has been subsidizing the World Division and the National Division for a number of years and this has become more difficult since giving is down for UMW. Furthermore, it was uncertain what restructuring would do with UMW. At the moment UMW selects one third of the board and this would change in restructuring. For its part, many in Board of Global Ministries think the UMW has had too much dominance (since it selects so much of the board) and that the board might be more effective if UMW were independent. As part of the change the Deaconess and Home Missions Program, which were part of the board, will be moved to the jurisdiction of UMW.
2. 

   In Illinois, the Chicago Tribune reports May 2, 2012, there are 314,461 Methodists as of 2010. During the decade, the church lost 50,721 members in Illinois. That's almost 14%. The Northern Illinois Conference is under the control of some of the most liberal Methodists in the world.

   The final budget has not yet been set for the General Church (it is usually the last agenda item) but the General Council of Finance and Administration (GCFA) is recommending a 6.04% reduction [emphasis added]. This is the first General Conference in recent times that has recommended a reduction. The question still to be answered: how will the monies in the budget be divided up? Boards and agencies have already needed to cut back on staff. In 1971 there was a total of 3,139 staff serving general agencies. By 2010 this number had been reduced to 1,384.

3. The General Conference referred to the Commission on the Status and Role of Women a petition that would amend Article IV of the Constitution on “Inclusiveness.” The petition, submitted by the Status and Role of Women would have added “gender” and “age” to the categories that are welcomed into United Methodist Churches. The additional words were unnecessary in the minds of many of the delegates. Referral basically kills the petition. Another petition on the paragraph wanted to add sexual orientation, gender choice, and gender identity to the category of persons needed to be included. This petition failed.
4. By a vote of 879 to 25 the General Conference voted to enter into full communion with five predominately black Methodist denominations: Africans Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion, African Union Methodist Protestant, Christian Methodist Episcopal, and Union African Episcopal Church. Each of the denominations will recognize each other as part of the one true apostolic faith, recognize the authenticity of each other’s sacraments, recognize the ordination of each denomination, and enter into cooperative ministry where possible. A service of celebration and recognition was held in the afternoon of May 1. At one time there was some talk of merger but the other denominations would not favor that.
5. Five more resolutions have been passed to bulk up the Book of Resolutions, which is already 1048 pages long. A number of others are recommended for passage but have not yet made it to the floor. One of these is on “Just War” which, if passed, would move the United Methodist from a pacifist position (presently no support for any war). The Publishing House has indicated the Book of Resolutions is so big that it would cost $70,000 to translate it per language and that would not include printing costs. Only 21,000 copies of the book sold after the 2008 General Conference and this is supposed to be a an important book on United Methodist positions. Only 32% of UM pastors feel they understand it.

= = = = =
Other articles that may be of interest:

• 4/24/12 Methodist Convention This Week in Tampa – Unity Not on the Agenda
• 4/27/12 The Disconnect Between American Liberals and Africans in Tampa’s Methodist Convention
• 4/28/12 Conservative Methodists Making Headway in World Conference, Big Fight on Homosexuality in Offing
• 4/29/12 Update from United Methodist Church General Conference in Tampa – Conservatives Winning Most Votes, Setbacks for Abortion & Israeli Divestment Supporters
• 4/30/12 Good News Reports Most Endorsed Candidates for Methodist “Supreme Court,” University Senate Win
• 4/30/12 Conservatives Take Three of Four Vacancies on Methodist Judicial Council, Vote on Homosexuality Imminent
• 5/2/12 Methodists Vote Almost 3-1 Against Ending Investments (Divestment) in Motorola and CAT, Proportional Representation for Africans on Ruling Bodies, Preacher Tenure Ended
• 5/3/12 53% Reject Homosexual Liberalization at Tampa World Methodist Conference
• 5/3/12 Homosexuals Take over Methodist Tampa Convention Floor after Losing Vote
• 5/4/12 Coverage of Conservative Methodists’ Victory over Homosexual Activists Missing in Newspapers

 

Here is an update from Mark Tooley of the Institute of Religion and Democracy about what happened Saturday:

Update from General Conference

Your prayers are being heard!

The Church and Society legislative committee, finishing its work Saturday night, rejected attempts to liberalize United Methodism’s teaching on marriage and sexual behavior, especially homosexuality.

Quite historic, as typically this committee is stacked with a liberal majority and rejects the church’s position, only to be overturned in the full plenary!

Praise God!

The same committee also voted for the first time for United Methodism to withdraw from the infamous Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, which United Methodism sadly helped found in 1973 to promote unrestricted abortion rights. It will be historic if the full plenary confirms this vote later this week. So please keep praying.

Disturbingly, another legislative committee voted to allow church pension benefits for same-sex partners in states where same sex marriage is legal.

We will work to defeat it in plenary.

More prayers needed! Some local conferences already grant benefits to so-called domestic partners.

Support UMAction

IRD depends on support from people like you. Click here to learn how you can help support IRD’s mission.

Today, most of the African delegates attended a wonderful service at a nearby evangelical United Methodist congregation. A Liberian district superintendent aptly told that church:

“This is what the church in America needs, to evangelize and preach the Word of God before it’s too late.”

Indeed.

The Financial Administration legislative committee rejected anti-Israel divestment by 52-20.

They narrowly instead passed a resolution urging “positive” investment that would help Palestinians rather than hurt Israel. Anti-Israel activists are rife here at General Conference, and their sails were inflated by last week’s biased “Sixty Minutes” story, about which I wrote for The Weekly Standard here.

Tomorrow are Judicial Council elections. Please pray that persons who will faithfully uphold our Discipline are elected.

With appreciation,

Mark Tooley
IRD President
Director, UMAction

P.S.: Please help sustain IRD/UMAction’s presence here with a donation today, easily made online here.

P.P.S.: If you received this weekly IRD e-mail as a forward from a friend, and would like to subscribe to this newsletter, please register on the IRD website.  Once logged-in, click on “My E-Mail Subscriptions,” and select “UMAction.”

= = = = =
Here is the report from the Confessing Movement:

Sunday, April 29 – Day 6 of General Conference

Sunday is the Lord’s Day at General Conference so no business will be conducted. Legislative groups finished their work late last night (Saturday). Here are a few of the items to report:

1. A resolution that would have the church withdraw from the Relgious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC) has passed the legislative group and will be send to the floor of the conference where it will receive opposition.
2. A related petition which prohibits agencies from joining external coalitions or organizations without approval of the full agency or the General Conference passed 53-22. This was directed to RCRC.
3. Legislation passed which would limit the Council of Bishops membership only to active bishops (retired bishops have been disruptive and have advanced causes like homosexuality).
4. The restructuring plan which many felt was the major issue at the conference, did not pass the legislative group. Three different plans were proposed. All three were voted down primarily due to confusion of rules, inability to agree on needed compromises, and an inordinate amount of time spent on arguing who should serve on the oversight board.
5. The attempt to remove language in the Social Principles which states that the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching (the basis for all other petitions on homosexual practice) failed 34-43. It had earlier passed the sublegislative group 14-12. There will be a floor fight and probably some demonstrations following the plenary vote.
6. A somewhat similar petition which would have stated that we agree to disagree on matters of homosexuality failed 33-43.
7. Definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman has been reaffirmed.
8. The petitions brought forth by the Ministry Study mostly failed. However, the petition that would removed guaranteed appointments for ministers in full connection has passed.
9. A statement strengthening our theological statement by emphasizing the primacy of Scripture passed.A petition allowing other ministries with women besides the official UMW passed in legislative group. This same petition presented by Renew had failed at a number of other General Conferences.
10. A footnote in Par. 311 which deals with the meaning of homosexuality in clergy matters passed 38-36. This will be debated on the floor of the conference.

All of these actions need discussion and approval by the plenary session before they become official. These debates will begin Monday and will last through Friday.

= = = = =
Articles that may be of interest:

• 4/24/12 Methodist Convention This Week in Tampa – Unity Not on the Agenda
• 4/27/12 The Disconnect Between American Liberals and Africans in Tampa’s Methodist Convention
• 4/28/12 Conservative Methodists Making Headway in World Conference, Big Fight on Homosexuality in Offing
• 4/29/12 Update from United Methodist Church General Conference in Tampa – Conservatives Winning Most Votes, Setbacks for Abortion & Israeli Divestment Supporters
• 4/30/12 Good News Reports Most Endorsed Candidates for Methodist “Supreme Court,” University Senate Win
• 4/30/12 Conservatives Take Three of Four Vacancies on Methodist Judicial Council, Vote on Homosexuality Imminent
• 4/30/12 Good News Reports Most Endorsed Candidates for Methodist “Supreme Court,” University Senate Win
• 4/30/12 Conservatives Take Three of Four Vacancies on Methodist Judicial Council, Vote on Homosexuality Imminent
• 5/2/12 Methodists Vote Almost 3-1 Against Ending Investments (Divestment) in Motorola and CAT, Proportional Representation for Africans on Ruling Bodies, Preacher Tenure Ended
• 5/3/12 53% Reject Homosexual Liberalization at Tampa World Methodist Conference
• 5/3/12 Homosexuals Take over Methodist Tampa Convention Floor after Losing Vote
• 5/4/12 Coverage of Conservative Methodists’ Victory over Homosexual Activists Missing

First Congressman Joe Walsh harshly criticized President Barack Obama for not telling the truth about the effects of not raising the Debt Limit (that if Social Security and Medicare payments were not made it would be his choice).

Now a press release from Walsh calls the Obama Administration to task for implying that Jerusalem is not part of Israel:

Rep. Walsh Slams Obama for Amateur Foreign Policy

Walsh Calls Out President Obama after State Department Gaffe

WASHINGTON – Rep. Walsh (IL-08) issued the following statement in response to a release from the State Department announcing the visit of Acting Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Kathleen Stephens to “Algeria, Qatar, Jordan, Jerusalem, and Israel,” implying that Jerusalem is not part of Israel.

Furthermore, today, State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland refused to even acknowledge whether Jerusalem is the Capital of Israel, despite a 1995 U.S. law that states it is.

Walsh stated: “This latest stunt by the Obama Administration is nothing new—it merely reveals what we have known all along: President Obama is no friend to Israel. H

“His refusal to recognize Jerusalem as part of Israel, let alone its Capital, is amateur foreign policy of the worst sort.

“The President needs to stop humiliating and denigrating our allies, like Israel, with foolish stunts like this.

“The time to be an ‘honest broker’ is long over.

“We are Israel’s ally, and it is ours.

“In fact it is our best and strongest ally in the Middle East, and the President needs to start treating it like it is.

“When is President Obama going to stop throwing our allies under the bus and cozying up to our enemies?”

A press release from Congressman Joe Walsh:

Rep. Walsh Slams Obama and Sarkozy for Talking Trash about Israeli PM Netanyahu

“These comments once again prove that President Obama is no friend to Israel.”

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Joe Walsh (IL-08) slammed President Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy after both were caught by journalists trash-talking Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at last week’s G20 summit at Cannes.

Reuters confirmed today that Sarkozy told Obama, “I cannot bear Netanyahu, he’s a liar,” to which Obama responded, “You’re fed up with him, but I have to deal with him even more often than you.”

Walsh stated:

Joe Walsh

“Throwing American allies under the bus is starting to become a pattern for President Obama. He talks all the time about diplomacy, but it’s clear he doesn’t understand the meaning of the word. Trash-talking an American ally in public is pretty poor diplomacy.

“These comments once again prove that President Obama is no friend to Israel. For him Israel is only a political matter to help him get re-elected. He does not care about the future of Israel or the safety of its people at all.

“I demand that President Obama apologize publicly to Netanyahu and the Israeli people. And, since it is clear that Sarkozy is hardly an honest broker in the Middle East, I urge President Obama to boycott any peace talks that involve Sarkozy or his French government.

“With the Palestinian Authority pushing aggressively for recognition of statehood at the United Nations, the United States needs to stand with Israel more firmly than ever. Israel is the strongest democracy in the Middle East and a critical American ally. Any lasting peace in the Middle East will only come through a strong and secure Israel. “

Congressman Walsh has called for a cancellation of all U.S. funding to the United Nations after UNESCO’s vote to recognize a Palestinian state last week. He has also introduced three strong pro-Israel bills into the 112th Congress.

• H.Res.394 recognizes Israel’s right to annex Judea and Samaria if the Palestinian Authority continues to press recognition of statehood at the United Nations.
• H.R. 1501 will withhold funding from the United Nations until it retracts the Goldstone Report, a 2009 report that accused Israel of war crimes.
• H.R. 2457, the Palestinian Accountability Act, will withhold funding from the Palestinian Authority until it stops inciting violence against Israel and recognizes Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish State; it will also withhold US funding to the United Nations if that body or any of its entities unilaterally recognize Palestinian statehood.

A press release from Congressman Joe Walsh:

Rep. Walsh Condemns UNESCO Move toward Palestinian Statehood

“The time has come to cut off funding to the United Nations.”

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Joe Walsh issued a strong warning to the U.N. Body UNESCO after it took a step closer toward recognizing a Palestinian state.

The UNESCO board decided today to let its 193 member countries vote on unilaterally recognizing Palestinian statehood later this month.

Walsh’s Palestinian Accountability Act (H.R. 2457) would withhold funding from the United Nations if the international body or any of its entities, including UNESCO, vote to unilaterally recognize Palestinian statehood.

“Once again the United Nations has proved that it is less interested in fostering peace in the Middle East than condemning and vilifying the region’s most accountable democracy, Israel.

“The Palestinian Authority has repeatedly violated its peace agreements with Israel, refused to recognize its right to exist, and has now joined forces with the terrorist group Hamas.”Yet, the United Nations continues to vilify and condemn Israel, the one country in the region actually committed to peace.

“The time has come to cut off funding to the United Nations.

“It is no longer in the business of promoting peace, democracy, and human rights around the world. Instead, it has allowed Islamist and totalitarian regimes to hijack its agenda and further their single-minded campaign to destroy Israel.

“I call on President Obama to exercise leadership and join me in warning the United Nations that there will be ramifications to any actions, like UNESCO’s, to reward the Palestinians for refusing to return to the negotiating table.”

Congressman Walsh has introduced two other bills in defense of Israel during the 112th Congress.

• H.R. 1501 will withhold funding from the United Nations until it retracts the Goldstone Report, a 2009 report that accused Israel of war crimes.
• H.Res. 394 supports Israel’s right to annex Judea and Samaria in the event that the Palestinians continue to push for unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood at the United Nations.

A press release from Congressman Don Manzullo:

Manzullo: Palestinians’ UN Bid for Statehood Undercuts Peace Process, Endangers Security

(WASHINGTON) U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo (R-IL), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific and a member of the Subcommittee on Middle East & South Asia, issued the following statement today condemning Palestine’s plan to seek statehood Friday at the United Nations:

STATEMENT

“The Palestinians are playing a dangerous game at the United Nations (UN) by bypassing direct talks with Israel. The Palestinian attempt undercuts the peace process, challenges Israel’s territorial integrity, and threatens the stability of the entire region. The United States has spent more than $4 billion of taxpayers’ hard earned money on foreign assistance to the Palestinians over the last 15 years. I call on Congress and the Administration to review all assistance to the Palestinian Authority immediately to determine when this funding should be stopped.

“The Administration must stand with Congress to send a clear and unmistakable message that seeking statehood at the UN is not only counterproductive, but also endangers Israel’s security. UN action cannot supplant talks that must take place between the Palestinians and Israel itself. A vote from the General Assembly will not create peace.”