“Today, President Trump took a decisive and historic step toward restoring American leadership in the world," said U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) today. "By rightfully recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the United States has chosen to lead on principle. Jerusalem is the eternal capital of the Jewish people and has been for three millennia. The Jewish State has waited 70 years for international recognition of this fact and for 50 years has ensured religious liberty in all of Jerusalem, including international access to the city’s religious and cultural heritage.

    “With this recognition, our country boldly confirms the unshakeable ties that bind us in friendship and common purpose to our indispensable ally, the State of Israel.

    “I stand prepared to use my voice and vote in the House of Representatives to support the President’s commitment to comply with the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 and relocate the United States Embassy to Israel to Jerusalem as soon as possible. I co-sponsored the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998–which passed Congress–that set aside funding of the construction of a U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.

    “I support President Trump’s new approach to achieving a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and his call for all regional leaders to break from the past and chart a new path toward enduring peace. 

    “Just yesterday, the House voted to pass the Taylor Force Act, which would bar U.S. assistance to the Palestinian Authority unless they immediately stop paying huge amounts of money directly to Palestinian terrorists and their families–‘pay to slay’–who murder American and Israeli citizens.”