A recent issue of the Daily State News’ “Daybreak” newsletter stated that, on the first day of the 2024 legislative session, members of the Delaware House of Representatives and Senate passed a resolution calling for federal officials to work toward a cease-fire in Gaza. This statement was mistaken and needs to be corrected.
The confusion was understandable, since two competing resolutions, both dealing with the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, were being worked on the House floor on that day.
One of the measures, House Resolution 26, engaged in sharp rhetorical language that accused the Israeli government of “indiscriminate bombing” and conducting “genocide.” This divisive legislation, which called for a cease-fire, included just two sponsors and was tabled after it became apparent the chamber would not support it.
The second measure, House Concurrent Resolution 80, recognized that the “state legislature is not an instrument of foreign policy” and declared “its support for a long lasting and sustainable peace based on mutual respect and the unalienable rights of all people.” Fifty of the state’s 62 lawmakers sponsored this bipartisan message of unity. The General Assembly approved it without a dissenting vote.
The readers of the Daily State News should know that the overwhelming majority of their elected state lawmakers recognize the need for tolerance, compromise and collaboration in a functional, diverse society.
Joseph Fulgham
Chief of policy and communications
Delaware House of Representatives’ Republican Caucus
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
