Washington, D.C. –Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference, spoke on the House floor today to oppose a likely United Nations (U.N.) vote on Friday to formally recognize an independent Palestinian state.

“As the U.N. considers recognizing an independent Palestinian state, it is more important now than ever that we stand up, speak out, and oppose this blatant attempt to circumvent direct talks with Israel,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers.  “I’ve joined with many of my House colleagues in signing a letter to President Obama, urging his Administration to veto any U.N. resolution that grants Palestinian statehood without direct negotiation with Israel.  Peace cannot be created or sustained through a single, unilateral decision from the U.N.  I will continue to urge a U.N. veto, and I will stand – with tremendous pride and admiration – beside our friends in Israel.”

Rep. McMorris Rodgers is a cosponsor of the United Nations Transparency, Accountability, and Reform Act. This bill would make U.S. contributions to the U.N voluntary, and allow the U.S. to choose what it funds at the U.N., and what it does not. 

“If the U.N. moves forward with recognizing a Palestinian state, we should send an unequivocal message to that body: The era of ‘no-strings-attached’ contributions has come to an end,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers.

To watch the Congresswoman’s floor speech, click here.