Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, an amazing nonprofit service organization which is located in my congressional district, on its recent Diamond Anniversary Celebration of 85 years of service. The Miami Lighthouse has served south Florida since 1931, offering essential programs and experiences for all of those who have visual impairments. As a co-chair of the Congressional Vision Caucus, I understand the importance of the mission of the Miami Lighthouse: to provide vision rehabilitation, eye health services that promote independence, to collaborate with and train professionals, and to conduct research in related fields. Mr. Speaker, organizations like the Miami Lighthouse form the backbone of our civil society. Congratulations to my dear friend Virginia Jacko and all of the staff and many volunteers of the Miami Lighthouse as they continue their life-changing work into their 86th year.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am heartened by the administration's announcement that it will preserve workplace protections for LGBT Federal contractors. This is a meaningful and positive step toward ending discrimination against hardworking LGBT Americans who only want to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. For many years I have been working with my congressional colleagues on both sides of the aisle to protect skilled, qualified, and motivated LGBT employees. Too often these individuals experience rejections at job interviews, are denied promotions, or face other types of harassment in the workplace simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This shameful practice of discrimination on the job runs counter to our core values of fairness and equality. I hope that the administration and Congress can work together to extend equal rights to LGBT individuals in every sector.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to object to the administration's recent executive order suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and visas from certain countries in the Middle East and east Africa. Protecting our national security, of course, must always be our number one priority. This executive order, however, Mr. Speaker, does not focus on the precise challenges that we face. We can keep our homeland safe by immediately implementing more thorough screening procedures rather than pursuing this broad brush approach. Although this measure is temporary and some individuals will continue to be admitted on a case-by-case basis, Congress needs to work to ensure that this order does not apply to U.S. residents, does not apply to those who have already been issued a visa, or does not apply to those who have already been granted refugee status. I urge the administration to work with Congress and Federal agencies to find a measured plan that protects our national security, honors our existing commitments, and follows the letter and spirit of the law.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, January 28 marks the 58th anniversary of the founding of La Rosa Blanca, or as it is known in English, The White Rose. Founded by Rafael Diaz-Balart, The White Rose is an important organization that is dedicated to opposing Castro's Communist tyranny and to offering a blueprint for Cuba's future reconstruction. It promotes democracy and freedom and prepares for the day that Cuba will finally be returned to the people of Cuba. These ideas are embodied in The White Rose Institute, which is a nonprofit that was started by Rafael's son, my dear friend and legislative brother, Lincoln Diaz-Balart. The White Rose Institute will honor two Cuban leaders who have come to embody Rafael's ideas: Jorge Luis Garcia Perez ``Antunez'' and Felicia Guillen Amador. Bravely fighting the Castro dictatorship for even the most basic of human rights, Antunez, Felicia, and those like them are the real future of Cuba, which is a future without the Castros' dictatorship, without the brutal repression. It is a future as Rafael and The White Rose envisioned--of freedom, sacred freedom.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to recognize El Dorado Furniture, a family-owned business in my congressional district celebrating its 50th anniversary. El Dorado was founded by Manuel Capo and his two sons Luis and Carlos within a year of arriving to the United States after fleeing Cuba due to the rise of the evil Castro regime. They deemed it only appropriate to name their store El Dorado named after the small boat upon which they sailed to freedom to our lovely country. Today, there are 14 locations throughout Florida, and it is recognized as the largest Hispanic-owned furniture retail business in the country. Not only does this company provide hundreds of jobs, but it also partners with numerous organizations in order to give back to the community and to those in need. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating El Dorado Furniture's 50th anniversary, and congratulate the Capo family, and wish them all the best and continued success in the years ahead.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today marks the seventh anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti which struck near its capital, Port-au-Prince, leaving behind in its wake total devastation and tens of thousands dead. Haitians have been resilient in their efforts to come back from this massive disaster, and the United States will remain committed to helping Haiti get back on its feet. I have had the privilege of visiting Haiti many times during my time in Congress, and, most recently in October, I had the opportunity to travel to Haiti with my dear Florida colleague Frederica Wilson weeks after yet another terrible disaster, a hurricane, hit Haiti. I would like to commend local organizations in south Florida led by the Haitian Women of Miami, FANM, for holding a silent march this afternoon, beginning at 4 p.m., from 62nd Street and North Miami Avenue to the Little Haiti Cultural Center. Mr. Speaker, let's continue to help Haiti and the Haitian people.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Meg Daly, the board of directors, the founders and partners who have rallied behind the great vision of creating The Underline. Located in my congressional district, The Underline is a 10-mile linear park, an urban trail that extends from the Dadeland South station to the Miami River and that will connect millions of Americans across Miami-Dade County through safe, alternative methods of transportation. Mr. Speaker, this is underutilized land below Miami's Metrorail that has transformative potential for community mobility, positive economic impact, and enhanced quality of life. Thanks to the overwhelming collaboration of our south Florida community, there are also many new ideas that will be incorporated in creating this vision, such as dog parks, yoga programs, street art, and pop-up stores. This Saturday, January 14, this recreational space will feature local artists, and the public will be able to experience art that inspires and challenges us to be healthy, mobile, and connected. Congratulations to Meg and to all involved in The Underline.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 10th anniversary of the founding of Friends of St. Jude--Miami. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is a leading institution in the fight against pediatric cancer and other diseases that harm children. Friends of St. Jude--Miami is made up of young professionals in south Florida, who, like my dear friend Wendy Grant, are dedicated to St. Jude's lifesaving mission and who have continued to help the organization to ensure that no family ever receives a bill for the world-class care their son or daughter requires. To Wendy and, indeed, all of the members of the Friends of St. Jude in south Florida, thank you for the difference you continue to make in the lives of children across our Nation and across the world.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank our esteemed chairman for the time. This resolution, Mr. Speaker, will not undo the damage that has been done at the Security Council, but it sends an important message to the world that the United States Congress resoundingly and in a strong bipartisan manner disapproves of the vote taken on Resolution 2334, and it sends a warning to the nations that will gather in Paris next week to discuss the peace process that there will be repercussions if there is a move to introduce a parameters resolution before the 20th in an effort to further isolate Israel. Our closest friend and ally, the democratic Jewish State of Israel, has been under constant attack by the United Nations. Abu Mazen and the Palestinians have pushed a campaign to delegitimize the Jewish state, to undermine the peace process, to achieve unilateral statehood recognition. We have seen it this year at UNESCO, where that sham of an institution voted on several occasions to deny and distance Jewish and Christian historical and cultural ties to Jerusalem. We have seen it at the Human Rights Council, where Israel is constantly demonized and falsely accused of human rights violations while the real abusers of human rights go unpunished because that body has utterly failed to uphold its mandate. This is a body that allows the worst abusers of human rights--like Cuba, Venezuela, and China--to actually sit in judgment of human rights worldwide. What a pathetic joke. Yet the only thing they can agree on is to attack Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East and the only place in the region where human rights are protected. We have seen this scheme to delegitimize Israel at the General Assembly, where, in its closing legislative session, the General Assembly passed 20--20--anti-Israel resolutions and only 4, combined, for the entire world. These institutions have no credibility, and now we have the unfortunate circumstance of the White House deciding to abstain from this anti-Israel, one-sided resolution at the Security Council. Our ally was abandoned, and credibility and momentum were given to the Palestinian schemes to delegitimize the Jewish state, to undermine the peace process. While the damage has been done, Mr. Speaker, by this act of cowardice at the Security Council, we will have an opportunity to reverse that damage. In the coming weeks and months, this Congress and the incoming administration must show unyielding support for our ally Israel and undo the damage done. This resolution by the chairman and the ranking member is an all- important first step that signals our intent. I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I look forward to working with Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel in further strengthening our U.S.-Israel bond.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an innovative educational program in my south Florida community called the Fairchild Challenge. As a nonprofit founded in 2002, this no-cost, environment-focused annual competition based at the world-renowned Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, located in my district, invites students from around the world to participate from a young age as active and thoughtful members of society. The Fairchild Challenge focuses attention on conservation of the environment, while introducing students to the importance of STEM: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In the 2014-2015 school year, over 153,000 participants were involved in the program. High-performing schools are eligible for cash prizes, while participating students may earn college scholarships. Through innovative programs like the Fairchild Challenge, students are sure to be conscious of the benefits of conserving our environment and may more readily engage in the STEM fields that will better prepare them for the future. Congratulations to all the student participants of the Fairchild Challenge. Hats off especially to the board members, staff, and the many volunteers of the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, and most especially to Mr. and Mrs. Greer, the heart and soul of these beautiful botanical gardens.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence be discharged from further consideration of the bill (S. 1632) to require a regional strategy to address the threat posed by Boko Haram and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate Dr. Eduardo Padron, president of my alma mater, Miami Dade College, for receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom. As a fellow refugee who escaped the Castro regime, I was honored to help lead the effort to nominate Dr. Padron for this meritorious recognition. He has always made it his life's work to advocate on behalf of underserved populations. Through his expert guidance and leadership, Dr. Padron has propelled Miami Dade College into national prominence by improving student access, retention, and graduation, as well as helping them with their professional achievements. Today, MDC enrolls and graduates more minority students than any other institution of higher education in the country. Congratulations to Dr. Padron on receiving our Nation's highest civilian honor. South Florida and the MDC community could not be more proud of you.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I send to the desk a concurrent resolution and ask unanimous consent for its immediate consideration in the House.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to submit statements and extraneous materials for the Record on S. 1632.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, days leading up to the November 30 and December 1 protest in Nicaragua against the Ortega regime's proposed interoceanic canal and a corrupt election, the National Police, instructed by Daniel Ortega, sent heavy machinery, created checkpoints, and used barricades to block farmers and indigenous communities from attending the protests. Nicaraguans were severely beaten. Some were even shot. But Ortega's repression did not stop the Nicaraguan people who yearn for freedom and prosperity from participating in the protest. Mr. Speaker, in September of this year, this legislative body passed the NICA Act--legislation I authored, along with my colleague, Albio Sires, from New Jersey, which calls for free elections, respect for the rule of law, and freedom of expression. The Ortega regime seems eager to neglect these basic important conditions and is doubling down on its tyrannical tactics. We must hold Ortega accountable with the NICA Act and tell him we will not ignore his terrible tactics.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, last week, the United Nations General Assembly passed six anti-Israel resolutions, including yet another one that denies and distances Jewish and Christian ties to the Temple Mount. In fact, Madam Speaker, the General Assembly will have taken up 20 anti-Israel resolutions by the end of this session and will have only brought up four--one, two, three, four--measures against some of the world's worst human rights violators like Iran, China, Russia, North Korea, Venezuela, and Cuba--combined. This just underscores, Madam Speaker, the need for systemwide reforms at the United Nations. With the new administration, Madam Speaker, we have an opportunity in the upcoming Congress to wield our considerable influence and leverage to promote and enact reforms by reassessing how we contribute taxpayer dollars to the corrupt U.N. system. The U.S. must stop legitimizing this farce at the United Nations. It is time for us to take action and bring much-needed reforms.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great joy to recognize Highpoint Academy, a well-respected bilingual private school located in my community, on its 40th anniversary. Since its founding in 1976, Highpoint Academy has provided generations of students with an excellent education in a positive and nurturing academic environment. This prestigious institution is a model of academic excellence, imagination, innovation, and creative thinking. I am proud that, over the last 40 years, the gifted educators at Highpoint Academy have helped develop successful students who have gone on to become leaders in our south Florida community and, indeed, throughout our Nation. To Principal Alicia Casanova and the whole Highpoint Academy family, congratulations on this very special anniversary, and thank you for decades of outstanding educational contributions to our south Florida community. World AIDS Day

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, Congressman Tom Lantos was a giant of a man, an inspiration to all of us who knew him, and greatly admired by his peers. Tom was a patriot, a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom who championed justice, human rights, and human dignity across the globe. Tom Lantos was a Holocaust survivor, the only Holocaust survivor ever elected to serve in this esteemed institution. Coming to America as a penniless immigrant, Tom's life story is one of perseverance and fortitude, yet, a kinder, more loving man you would not ever find. Tom was the embodiment of the American Dream, building a wonderful life for himself, for his wife, Annette, and their two daughters. He made it his life's work to see to it that the horrors that he had seen, the horrors that he had lived through, would never be brought upon others ever again. His background as a survivor and a Member of Congress gave him a unique opportunity to forge an ever stronger relationship between the United States and our ally, the democratic Jewish State of Israel and to guarantee that the Jewish people will always have a homeland. Now Tom's legacy and his memory are being honored on December 19 in Netanya, Israel, where a statue will be dedicated in his honor. I extend my most sincere and heartfelt words of admiration to Tom's family. I congratulate them all on this auspicious occasion. Tom Lantos was an honorable gentleman, Mr. Speaker, and few are more deserving of such a great honor. Honoring Brother Kevin Handibode, President of Christopher Columbus High School

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brother Kevin, president of Christopher Columbus High School, for his 45 years of service to this wonderful institution and for his 60th anniversary as a Marist Brother this upcoming year. Since arriving at Christopher Columbus High School in 1966, Brother Kevin has been an all-around champion for CCHS and its students while serving in many capacities, including teacher, dean of discipline, athletic director, varsity coach for over 18 years, developmental director, and principal. His legendary reputation has carried him through many recognitions and accolades, including the respect and admiration of his peers, his coworkers, and our loving community. In 2008, for his distinguished service to the church and devotion to the Catholic education system, Brother Kevin was bestowed the Cross, the highest medal that can be awarded by the Pope. So, again, Brother Kevin, congratulations on this magnificent milestone. As the heart and soul of Columbus High School, you have been a leader, you have been a role model, but, more importantly, you have given countless students the ability to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential. Go Explorers. Go Brother Kevin. Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Highpoint Academy

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today is a milestone in the history of the fight against AIDS because we are celebrating the 28th World AIDS Day. For sure, we must continue to build upon a bipartisan commitment to ending AIDS by the year 2030, both here in the U.S. and around the world. I will remain deeply involved as the Republican co-chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus because south Florida, my community, is ground zero for the next phase of the battle against HIV/AIDS. Sadly, Florida is number one in the Nation for new HIV cases, and south Florida accounts for more than half of all new HIV cases in our State. Florida's growing struggle with HIV/AIDS mirrors a larger dynamic taking place across the South for which the region, as a whole, is not well-prepared. South Florida's issues, in particular, are exacerbated by the demographics of HIV, our magnetism as a tourist destination, and the international character of both our community and the AIDS epidemic. Next year is a big year for the fight against HIV/AIDS. The AIDS community and the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus will remain committed to putting an end to AIDS by the year 2030.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, over the years, I have come down here regularly to the Chamber, one of the most iconic symbols of our wonderful democracy, and urged the United States to do more to support the cause of freedom for my native homeland, the island nation of Cuba. In tow would be posters just like the one I have here today, depicting images of the real Cuba, the Cuba in which opposition to the Castro regime is met with violence and harassment, extrajudicial punishment and confinement in one of the many Cuban gulags built by Fidel Castro. These images would show what the regime under Fidel Castro would do to the Ladies in White depicted here. These women, clad in white, carrying flowers, march peacefully to mass at a Catholic church every Sunday, praying for their loved ones wrongfully imprisoned by the regime, only to be harassed and beaten by Castro's thugs. I came to this floor to offer my support for these brave women; like Laura Pollan, who was mysteriously killed, no doubt by the regime, and Berta Soler, pictured here. Mr. Speaker, I have come to this very floor denouncing the Castro regime's treatment of opposition leaders like Jorge Luis Garcia ``Antunez'' Perez, who was imprisoned for 17 years by Castro for speaking out against communism and refusing the regime's communist reeducation program. I spoke out in support of Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet, who was sentenced to 25 years in Castro's prisons for crimes committed against Cuban sovereignty, which, in Cuba, is code for calling for reforms; and he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by George W. Bush. I stood here for Coco Farinas, right over here. Coco Farinas went on a 50-day hunger strike just recently to bring attention to the plight of the Cuban people. I also spoke in favor of Cuban rapper El Sexto, pictured here, who was jailed just last week, again, when the regime announced the tyrant's death. I stood here in solidarity with Cubans, freedom fighters like Antonio Rodiles, pictured here, who was arrested hours before President Obama landed in Cuba earlier this year. Round up the usual suspects. I have come to this well time and time again to call attention to the abuses being committed by Fidel Castro against the Cuban people, the people of the homeland that I was forced to flee along with my family when I was a little girl, and to the people who have had everything taken away from them and could not speak for themselves. And I have come repeatedly to this very podium to call my colleagues' attention to the threat that Fidel Castro and his regime pose to the U.S. and our national security. This thug, Fidel Castro, who attempted to infiltrate every level of our government through his intelligence service, like convicted spy Ana Belen Montes, who is currently still serving her prison sentence in a Texas jail. This despot, who aligned himself with the greatest threats to the U.S., like Iran and Russia, and allowed Russia to put up a facility in Cuba in order to spy on our Nation; this autocrat, who told the Ayatollah in Iran that both Iran and Cuba would bring the U.S. to its knees, and who tried to bring the world to nuclear war during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Yet, this is a man who some world leaders and media want to romanticize. They whitewash his horrific crimes and claim that he was a legendary folk hero. The truth is, Mr. Speaker, Fidel Castro was a sadistic murderer, a tyrant, and a hypocrite. He was a thug who took control over all industries and Cuba and decried capitalism. Yet, somehow, he was likely worth about $1 billion when he died. When 11 million Cubans are barely struggling to get by under his Communist regime, this is a tyrant who died with more wealth than the entire island nation. Mr. Speaker, Fidel Castro is dead, and Cuba and the world are better for it. Now we have an opportunity to move forward by reversing some of this administration's concessions to the Castro regime and press for reforms. It is time for the Cuban people to have the opportunity to achieve freedom and democracy for which they have been yearning. We must pressure the regime in the island of Cuba. We must not relent until there are free and fair elections, until all political prisoners are freed, and until the people's basic and fundamental human rights are restored. Is that too much to ask for the enslaved and oppressed people of Cuba? Let that be how we honor the countless Cubans who have lost their lives or who have suffered under the terrible dictatorship of Fidel Castro. That is some legacy.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, in the wake of the announcement of Fidel Castro's death, some world leaders and some in the media were quick to express their sorrow and sympathy for Castro. They fawned over a dictator, as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed he was ``a legendary revolutionary and orator.'' It is precisely this ignorance of Castro's true nature that is so alarming. Fidel Castro was a ruthless tyrant who ruled with an iron fist. Castro was responsible for the deaths of countless Cubans, and he beat, jailed, and even tortured his opposition. Castro was a despot who confiscated private property and businesses. He subjugated Cuban citizens, and he took away all their freedoms and their rights. Fidel Castro was an avowed enemy of the United States. This is a thug who should be condemned and not eulogized.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, as always, I want to thank our esteemed chairman, the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), as well as our ranking member, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel), who is so wonderfully represented by the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman). I thank Mr. Royce and Mr. Engel for authoring this very important resolution, which I am proud to cosponsor. And while I fully support this measure and I urge all of my colleagues to back it as well, I wish that this resolution was not needed; but, sadly, we know better. The fact that we need to bring this up for debate and pass a resolution urging a United States administration to uphold longstanding U.S. policy as it relates to the peace process is telling and also disappointing, Mr. Speaker. These next 2 months are going to be crucial for our friend and ally, the democratic Jewish State of Israel, and the U.S.-Israel alliance, which must remain ever strong. Israel is facing a constant barrage by the Palestinians and their supporters at the United Nations, and there are indications that Abu Mazen will once again attempt to further his plan for unilateral statehood through the Security Council. Ordinarily, any attempt to dictate a two-state solution or impose parameters on negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians would be summarily dismissed by the United States. However, sadly, it has become clear over the past year that this administration may be looking to take unprecedented action; and, in fact, we have heard that the administration has been actively seeking ways in which it could force the Israelis into making dangerous concessions. I have asked Secretary Kerry, I have asked Ambassador Power, our Ambassador to the U.N., I have asked Ambassador Patterson and nearly every administration official who has come before our Foreign Affairs Committee headed by Mr. Royce and Mr. Engel if President Obama will uphold longstanding U.S. policy and will veto any Security Council resolution related to Israel. Each one has evaded the question, refusing to reaffirm this longstanding, unambiguous, noncontroversial policy. We hear speak of one-sided resolutions, but that is slick administration talk. Who defines the one-sidedness? It should have been a resounding blanket statement--it is easy--that the President believes that the only way to a real and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians must come through direct bilateral negotiations between the two, and lacking that, yes, we will urge the President to veto it. It is not hard. Peace cannot be forced. Any short-term achievement an imposed solution will bring will be far outweighed by the long-term damage that it will cause. Mr. Speaker, this is a lameduck administration; and it should go without saying that any action, whether it be at the U.N. or undertaken unilaterally, aimed at forcing solutions to final status issues will be detrimental to the prospects of peace and would harm both Israelis and Palestinians. I support this measure, strongly, brought forth by Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel. I urge my colleagues to support it to reaffirm longstanding U.S. policy that true peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians can only come between direct bilateral negotiations between them, and to urge the administration to not allow the Palestinian scheme of unilateral statehood to gain any legitimacy at the U.N.