Representatives Ramirez, Bush, Tlaib, Carson Reflect on 100 Days Since Introduction of Ceasefire Now Resolution
Washington, DC — One hundred days ago on October 16, 2023, Congresswomen Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) joined Cori Bush (MO-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), André Carson (IN-07), and Summer Lee (PA-12), to introduce H. Res. 786, the Ceasefire Now Resolution. The resolution urges the Biden Administration to call for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Israel and occupied Palestine, and to send humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
Upon introduction, this resolution had 13 original cosponsors. One hundred days later, the resolution has served as a catalyzing force, mobilizing millions across the country to demand an immediate, lasting ceasefire. Since H.Res. 786’s introduction, over 50 additional members of Congress have come forward to publicly support a ceasefire, including 4 Senators.
“100 days without a permanent ceasefire has shown just how desperately we need one. We’ve watched 100 days of devastating footage. We’ve mourned the murder of more than 25,000 Gazans, over 10,000 children, and over a million people displaced. We’ve heard the Netanyahu administration’s rejection of Palestinian self-determination. And in the midst, we’ve seen so many of our colleagues join our call,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “We know now what we knew then. War is not the answer. Diplomacy works. Collective punishment is a violation of international law. Netanyahu’s administration’s extremist, xenophobic policies are an international liability. And ceasefire NOW is the path to peace for Israelis and Palestinians. I am glad a growing number of members of Congress, world leaders, and communities are joining the vast majority of Americans who believe that we need a ceasefire. I invite my colleagues who have not yet done so to heed the words of Rev. Dr. King: ‘the time is always right to do what is right.’”
“In the 100 days since we introduced the Ceasefire Now Resolution, our pro-peace, pro-humanity movement for a lasting ceasefire has grown louder and stronger. It’s clear we, who are demanding peace, are in the global majority,” said Congresswoman Cori Bush. “Across the world, we are joining together to say that this violence that has claimed over 25,000 lives must end. We cannot wait another 100 days for President Biden to call for and demand a ceasefire and for every last person being held hostage and arbitrarily detained to be returned home to their families and loved ones. Each day that passes without a ceasefire represents another day where innocent lives could have been saved. I urge my colleagues to stand with us on the side of peace, listen to your constituents, and join the Ceasefire Now Resolution.”
“Two-thirds of voters in my district support a lasting ceasefire and de-escalation of violence in Gaza, including 80% of Democrats and 66% of Independents. Netanyahu has promised that there will never be a Palestinian state, yet my colleagues and the Biden Administration continue to look the other way and send him an endless supply of weapons to carry out genocide in Gaza. We need an immediate lasting ceasefire and the release of all hostages and arbitrarily detained Palestinians. This madness must end.” said Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib.
“With over 25,000 Palestinian lives lost to date, the need for a permanent ceasefire is more important than ever,” said Congressman André Carson.“Over the last 100 days, we’ve seen a growing movement that is done with the status quo of violence, military aggression, and despicable human rights abuses. I urge all Members of Congress to heed their call: Ceasefire. Now.”
In the months since the introduction of the Ceasefire Now Resolution, hundreds of Ceasefire Now marches, rallies, and direct actions have been organized across the world, including through the Illinois Third Congressional District. Just last week, over 400,000 marched on Washington D.C. demanding President Biden facilitate an immediate, lasting ceasefire.
Across the world, international solidarity for a ceasefire is growing: heads of state, domestic and international organizations, faith leaders, labor unions, veterans, health care providers, scholars, municipal and world leaders, activists, Holocaust survivors, celebrities, and other public officials have joined the call for a ceasefire.
A full list of members of Congress cosponsoring H.Res. 786, the Ceasefire Now Resolution:
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12)
Congressman André Carson (IN-7)
Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12)
Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (IL-3)
Congressman Jamaal Bowman (NY-16)
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12)
Congressman Chuy García (IL-4)
Congressman Jonathan Jackson (IL-1)
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14)
Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-5)
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-7)
Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (NY-7)
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12)
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-7)
Congressman Greg Casar (TX-35)
Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12)
Congressman Maxwell Frost (FL-10)
Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-4)
According to Al Jazeera, over 25,000 people have been killed in Gaza, including over 10,000 children and 7,000 women. The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor’s independent report estimates that the death toll rises up to 32,246 when adding those presumed dead under the rubble. Al Jazeera also reports more than 63,740 people have been injured and over 8,000 are missing.