The speech, which can be seen HERE, was controversial because he was invited by House Speaker John Boehner without informing President Barack Obama, considered a breach of protocol. Netanyahu has also been critical of Obama for his efforts to negotiate with Iran.
Numerous Democrats, including Payne, said they chose not to attend the speech out of support for the president. In all, 50 House members and eight Senators skipped the event.
Payne issued this statement on the matter today:
“I
strongly support Israel, and believe it’s absolutely critical that we
maintain the strong relationship between our two countries.
“I also am in complete agreement with Israel that we must prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.
“I
welcome a visit from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as the
chance to greet him. But I believe that his visit should take place
after the Israeli election and Iran sanctions deadline.
“Speaker
Boehner’s unilateral invitation to Prime Minister Netanyahu was a
breach of protocol that I do not feel was in the best interest of either
of our countries.
“Israel
is our closest ally in the region, and we should continuously
strengthen our relationship, not undermine it by bringing partisan
politics into the mix.
“After much consideration, I have decided, for these reasons, not to attend Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech.”
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