September 19, 2025 4:00 a.m. 

On Thursday, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley introduced a resolution calling on the President to recognize a Palestinian state.

A release said the resolution is the first of its kind in the United States Senate and calls for U.S. recognition of a demilitarized Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel, in accordance with international law and the principles of a two-state solution. Merkley said it underscores how urgent U.S. action would preserve the best chance for peace, helping give both Palestinians and Israelis a future grounded in freedom, security and prosperity.

Merkley said, “Recognition of a Palestinian state is not only a practical step the United States can take to help build a future where Palestinians and Israelis can live in freedom, dignity, and security, but it is the right thing to do. America has a responsibility to lead and the time to act is now”.

The resolution is co-sponsored by seven other Democratic Senators including Tim Kaine and Bernie Sanders.

The release said as a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Merkley has long advocated for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine to support peace and stability across the Middle East.