Reflecting the broad, bipartisan nature of political support for the Abraham Accords, the Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords Act passed in the House of Representatives with a vote of 413-13. It now heads to the Senate.
The bill calls for the creation of a position that would report to the secretary of state and require extensive experience in Middle East diplomacy and an in-depth understanding of both Jewish and Muslim cultures. Dan Shapiro, the former U.S. ambassador to Israel, is reportedly under consideration.
“The addition of a special envoy will be critical for bringing Saudi Arabia into the accords and continuing to strengthen and expand them,” stated Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), who sponsored the bill. “We are closer to a lasting, long-term peace in the Middle East than we have ever been.”
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), a backer of the bill, stated: “We are working to strengthen and expand the Abraham Accords, support Israel’s existing partnerships and increase regional cooperation to counter shared threats.”
My first bill just passed the House 413-13. I was pleased to see H.R. 3099, my bill with @RepRitchie to establish a @StateDept Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords pass so broadly, underscoring our strong, bipartisan commitment to a lasting, long-term peace in the Middle East. pic.twitter.com/lz8SiCv7v0
— Congressman Mike Lawler (@RepMikeLawler) June 13, 2023