McMorris Rodgers Announces Bipartisan, Bicameral Abraham Accords Caucus to Support Peace in the Middle East

Washington, D.C. (January 10, 2022) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), along with Representatives David Trone (MD-06), Brad Schneider (IL-10), and Ann Wagner (MO-02), today announced the creation of the Abraham Accords Caucus to build on the success of the historic Abraham Accords. 

The caucus will serve as a forum for identifying and advancing opportunities for strategic partnerships and alliances that mutually benefit the United States, Israel, Abraham Accord countries, and other nations around the world. 

“I can think of no better way to begin the new year than by reaffirming our commitment in Congress to supporting long-standing peace in the Middle East,” said Rodgers. “The bipartisan, bicameral Abraham Accords Caucus will provide a unique opportunity for world leaders to come together in our common pursuit of creating a better, safer, and more prosperous world for our children and grandchildren. I am proud to lead this caucus with my colleagues, and I appreciate the support of our partners seeking to uphold and promote the values of human dignity, freedom, and hope around the globe. I am encouraged by the progress we have made, and I look forward to the amazing things we can accomplish together through our shared commitment to a better future in the name of peace.”

“As leaders, it is our duty to promote peace and broker vital partnerships among nations in the Middle East,” said Trone. “The establishment of the Abraham Accords Caucus marks an important step toward achieving these goals. This Caucus serves as a model of how Congress can work together to help solve some of the world’s most pressing issues.”

“The Abraham Accords Caucus is an incredibly important initiative that will bolster the United States’ commitment to peace in the Middle East,” said Wagner. “This caucus will build on the achievements of the Abraham Accords and promote stability in the region, counteract destructive regimes, and help maintain robust working relationships between our Israeli and Arab partners.” 

“The Abraham Accords have already made historic progress in changing the dynamic of the entire Middle East, and hold the hope for more steps towards regional peace,” said Schneider. “I am proud to be a founding member of the bipartisan Abraham Accords Caucus, which will further Congress’s work toward ensuring a secure, Jewish and democratic Israel living side by side with a Palestinian state – with peace, security and prosperity for both peoples. I thank Senators Lankford, Rosen, Ernst, and Booker and Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Trone, and Wagner for their partnership in forming this caucus.”

The companion Senate Abraham Accords Caucus is chaired by Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Cory Booker (D-NJ).

“It was a great day for peace when I joined President Trump at the White House and leaders from Israel, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates more than a year ago as they signed the historic Abraham Accords,” said Lankford. “When Morocco and Sudan joined the Accords a few weeks later, the concept of the Abraham Accords demonstrated that reconciliation among even more nations in the region was possible. I stand with Israel and for lasting peace in the Middle East, alongside my colleagues, as we launch the Abraham Accords Caucus. We will seek peace through expanding and encouraging the Accords and set the example for other nations who desire peace. Matthew Chapter 5, verse 9 importantly reminds us that ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’”

“In just one year, the Abraham Accords have already transformed the Middle East by contributing to regional peace and stability, promoting US interests, and enhancing Israel’s security,” said Rosen. “The Abraham Accords Caucus will build on that success by providing bipartisan leadership to strengthen existing partnerships and widen the circle of peace to new countries. I have long supported America’s leadership role in fostering peace between Israel and its neighbors, and I look forward to furthering that work through this bipartisan Caucus.”

“Finalizing the Abraham Accords was a historic step toward peace in the Middle East and welcome news, not only for our partners and allies in the region, but for the United States,” said Ernst. “We must continue these efforts to further our nation’s partnership with Israel and promote peace and prosperity, and I look forward to working with my Democratic and Republican colleagues in the Abraham Accords Caucus to do so.” 

“I am proud to join as a co-chair of this caucus, and build upon the work of the historic Abraham Accords, which have normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states, promoted greater economic opportunities in the Middle East, and advanced the prospect of peace in the region,” said Booker. “The United States must continue to play an active role in fostering further dialogue and partnership between Israel and other Arab countries, and I look forward to doing just that as part of this bipartisan group.”

The Abraham Accords Caucus is supported by the Atlantic Council, the Abraham Accords Peace Institute, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee, Hadassah, the US-Israel Education Association, the Conference of Presidents, the Israel Policy Forum, CUFI Action, Jewish Federations of North America, and B’nai B’rith International.

It is also supported by the Ambassadors of Israel, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the Kingdom of Morocco to the United States.

“The Abraham Accords foster close ties, cooperation and friendship among Israel and Arab nations in the Middle East. By working together, we can enhance security, stability and prosperity in this volatile region, countering Iran’s malign regional activities. The establishment of the Abraham Accords Caucus is an important step to promote peace and counter extremism. I’m certain this newly established caucus will help to build upon the existing framework of the Abraham Accords to benefit the entire region. I wish to thank the bipartisan group of lawmakers who took this initiative. Bipartisan support is always welcome in the pursuit of peace.” – Ambassador Gilad Erdan, Israel 

“The UAE appreciates the bipartisan support for the Abraham Accords Caucus. The Accords have been a win for the United States, Israel, the UAE, and the region. In just the first year of the Accords, we have seen countless bridges built among our people in terms of trade, direct flights, infrastructure, tourism, security, and combating COVID. Together we will open wide the doors of opportunity for those who look toward peace, prosperity, and the future.” – Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba, United Arab Emirates

“Bahrain happily welcomes the establishment of the Abraham Accords Caucus as a bipartisan vehicle to strengthen support for US allies in the region. Not only is it important for peace, security, and prosperity, but for our shared values and collective well-being. One year since the signing of the Accords and we see how they are already positively impacting the lives of peoples across the Middle East. We thank Representatives McMorris Rodgers and Trone for their leadership in establishing the Abraham Accords Caucus and their efforts to promote peace and foster progress. We look forward to working closely with Congress to empower the Accords to reach their full potential.” – Ambassador Shaikh Abdulla Al Khalifa, Kingdom of Bahrain

“Morocco welcomes this new bipartisan initiative and looks forward to working together with the Abraham Accords Caucus to support regional peace and shared prosperity. Since the signing of the US-Morocco-Israel trilateral agreement, our countries have resumed diplomatic ties and established concrete partnerships across all sectors. Most importantly, and building on the history and vibrant heritage of the Moroccan Jewish community, we have witnessed a genuine commitment at the human level that will be the driving force of a lasting momentum for peace in the region.” – Ambassador Lalla Joumala, Kingdom of Morocco

NOTE: The Abraham Accords Declaration was signed on September 15, 2020 by the United States, Israel, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates to recognize the importance of maintaining and strengthening peace in the Middle East and around the world. Additionally, it was later signed by Morocco and Sudan.

This historic agreement, which is based on respect for human dignity and freedom, seeks tolerance and respect for every person in order to make this world a place where all can enjoy a life of dignity and hope, no matter their race, faith or ethnicity.

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