We are deeply disappointed by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' decision to seek symbolic non-member observer status through the General Assembly of the United Nations.   We have long believed the only way to achieve a two-state solution is through direct negotiations leading to a peace treaty fully accepted by both governments and both peoples.   We are concerned that today’s unilateral action by President Abbas represents a repudiation of the Oslo Accords and a setback for the peace process.  To be clear, non-member observer status puts the Palestinian people no closer to achieving statehood, and may in fact set back this goal by inflaming tensions and making already difficult negotiations even harder.

With Congress set to go home this week to focus on the upcoming election, Republicans in control of the House are leaving behind a long list of unfinished business. After two years in charge, House Republicans have not taken action on comprehensive jobs legislation to get Americans back to work, they have not prevented a tax increase on middle-class families, they have not worked to enact a big and balanced plan to reduce the deficit and turn off the sequester, and they have not passed major legislation, including a farm bill, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, or postal reform. Having racked up a dismal record as the “Do Nothing Republican Congress,” their failure even to try addressing the serious challenges we face as a nation has been strikingly disappointing.