WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement Wednesday in reaction to President Trump’s announcement that the U.S. will recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and eventually relocate the American embassy there from Tel Aviv:

“The President’s announcement today implements what Congress affirmed in 1995 with the passage of the Jerusalem Embassy Act:  Jerusalem is the capital of the State of Israel and the location of the U.S. Embassy should reflect this fact.  Going forward, it is critical that all religious and ethnic groups continue to have access to Jerusalem. 

“I expect that in advance of the President’s announcement appropriate planning and precautions were taken to ensure the safety of U.S. personnel and facilities, and also that careful consideration and consultations focused on not exacerbating conflicts in a region already suffering from unprecedented levels of violence.

“I look forward to learning more about the Administration’s plans for restarting direct negotiations for a just, sustainable two-state solution.”

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