U.S. Reps. Ann Wagner (R-MO) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) on Sept. 19 unveiled a bipartisan resolution to commemorate the third anniversary of the signing of the Abraham Accords, which are bilateral agreements on Arab–Israeli normalization signed between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain on Sept. 15, 2020.
The congresswomen, who are co-chairs of the bipartisan Abraham Accords Caucus, joined fellow caucus co-chairs U.S. Reps. Brad Schneider (D-IL) and David Trone (D-MD) in introducing House Resolution (H.Res.) 701, which would highlight the progress made since the signing of the accords and aims to encourage further deepening and broadening of the accords, as well as its expansion to new countries, according to a summary provided by the lawmakers.
“In just three years, the Abraham Accords have had life-changing benefits for Arab and Israeli citizens, unleashing pent-up economic potential and bringing real quality of life improvements,” Rep. Wagner said. “At a time of heightened anti-Semitism across the globe and increased Iranian aggression, it is more important than ever that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Abraham Accords partners and identify opportunities to grow and strengthen these agreements to ensure greater stability and peace in the Middle East.”
Rep. Wagner pointed out that trade and tourism have also grown, and “the accords are enabling signatory countries to break out of the cycle of dysfunction and violence and work together for the advancement of regional priorities.”
Rep. Wagner and Rep. McMorris Rodgers, along with their fellow co-chairs, launched the Abraham Accord Caucus in 2022 alongside a bipartisan group of senators to help strengthen the agreements of current Abraham Accords countries and help lay the groundwork to expand to new countries that do not currently have diplomatic relations with Israel, the summary says.
“Three years ago, the United States made historic progress towards achieving peace in the Middle East with the signing of the Abraham Accords Declaration,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers. “This long sought-after agreement marked the beginning of a new journey together in pursuit of creating a better, safer, and more prosperous world for our children and grandchildren.”
Rep. McMorris Rodgers added that it’s an honor for her to join the caucus’ co-chairs to introduce H.Res. 701, which would celebrate the signing anniversary and “reaffirm our commitment to go above and beyond to make this world a place where all can enjoy a life of dignity and hope.”
The resolution is under consideration by the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee.