Press Releases

Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Ritchie Torres (NY-15), and the American Jewish Committee joined together today to herald the passage of H.R. 3099, which would create a Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords advancing through the House Foreign Affairs Committee today, setting it up for a floor vote in the coming weeks.

“H.R. 3099 is about demonstrating our commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East as well as cultivating the growth of the Abraham Accords. It's about showing our allies and every nation around the world how much we value normalized relations with Israel- that we are steadfast in our support and willing to invest our time, resources, and expertise in ensuring the Accords fulfill their promise,” said Rep. Lawler. “In short, H.R. 3099 is more than just a bill; it's a reaffirmation of our commitment to a peaceful, prosperous Middle East. We have the unique opportunity to shape the future of this region and, by extension, the world, with this legislation. Let’s make sure we seize this opportunity.”

“I am incredibly thankful to be working on this important piece of legislation in a bipartisan way with my colleague, Congressman Ritchie Torres,” concluded Rep. Lawler. “The issue of showing support for Israel, as well as regional peace and prosperity in the Middle East is not a partisan one.”

“If there’s one issue that should transcend partisan politics, it should be peace in the Middle East and the Abraham Accords, which is why I’m grateful to Rep. Lawler and my colleagues on House Foreign Affairs for their bipartisan support of our legislation,” said Rep. Torres. “The Abraham Accords have given birth to a new Middle East, where we’ve seen a transformative breakthrough between Israel and Arab nations that’s expanded the circle of peace and prosperity for Christians, Jewish people, and Muslims."

"The U.S. has a moral and strategic obligation to build on the momentum and progress of the Abraham Accords and not allow these landmark normalization agreements to fall victim to bureaucratic neglect," concluded Rep. Torres. "To continue promoting and maintaining meaningful bilateral partnerships, there must be a clear delineation of power coming from within the U.S. government whose sole, full-time responsibility will be to work in expanding and strengthening the monumental diplomatic impact of the Abraham Accords. I’m hopeful to see this bill on the House floor very soon for a vote and final passage.”

New York's 17th Congressional District is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester County.