Palestinian Authority Chairman Yassir Arafat has renewed his threat to unilaterally declare a Palestinian State.  After returning to Gaza after the Camp David summit, Arafat said that the declaration of statehood will be made “on time”, around September 13^th, “the date for declaring our independent state with Jerusalem as its capital, whether people like it or not.”  Such a declaration would be a fundamental violation of the Oslo accords, which state that the parties must refrain from taking unilateral actions. 

Legislation terminating U.S. aid to the Palestinian Authority if the Palestinians unilaterally declare a state has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Charles Schumer (D-NY) and in the House by Representatives Thomas Reynolds (R-NY) and Jerrold Nadler (D-NY).  The legislation would also prohibit the expenditure of any funds to extend recognition to unilaterally declare a Palestinian state and would mandate that the President instruct the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations to oppose the admission of such a state into the world body.

Members of Congress will be in their districts for the office recess until the first week in September.  It is critical for you to speak or meet with your lawmakers and urge them to co-sponsor this important legislation. 

Talking Points