WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a significant move towards enhancing regional cooperation and peace, Representatives Craig Goldman (R-TX) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) have been appointed as co-chairs of the House Abraham Accords Caucus. This announcement was made on Thursday, February 20, 2025, as part of a bipartisan effort to build on the historic normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states.
Goldman and Wasserman Schultz will join returning co-chairs Representatives Ann Wagner (R-MO) and Brad Schneider (D-IL) in leading the caucus, which has been instrumental in promoting military cooperation and diplomatic relations in the region. They replace former co-chairs Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and David Trone (D-MD), who did not seek reelection in 2024.
The House caucus has been actively working alongside a corresponding bipartisan group in the Senate to strengthen and expand the Abraham Accords, which were initially brokered under the Trump administration. Last year, the caucus launched a working group focused on Gaza, aiming to engage Accords members in post-war governance, reconstruction, and deradicalization efforts in the region.
“I am honored to co-chair the House Abraham Accords Caucus as we continue the vital work of strengthening U.S. national security while advancing peace and prosperity across the world,” said Goldman in a statement. This role marks his first major initiative since being elected to Congress, highlighting his commitment to Middle East policy issues.
Goldman further emphasized the importance of the Accords, stating, “Nearly five years ago, President Donald Trump led the historic and monumental Abraham Accords — uniting nations once divided by conflict in a shared commitment to peace, mutual respect, and religious freedom. I look forward to working with my colleagues and President Trump to foster greater peace and cooperation between Israel and its neighboring Arab states.”
Wasserman Schultz echoed this sentiment, asserting that “strengthening and expanding the Abraham Accords is critical to advancing peace in the Middle East.” She expressed her determination to foster bipartisan coalitions within Congress to provide the necessary resources and tools to promote normalization efforts between Israel and its Arab neighbors. “Achieving peace in the region will strengthen the security and economic opportunities for all,” she added.
Wagner highlighted the positive impact of the Accords on regional stability, noting that the relationships formed have “greatly weakened” Iran’s network of terror proxies. “President Trump’s negotiation of the Accords nearly five years ago was a massive step forward for Middle Eastern stability, and I am committed to working closely with the President so we can strengthen and expand these agreements,” she stated.
Schneider described the agreements as a “historic crossroads,” emphasizing the need for Congress to remain engaged in the process. “Strengthening and building upon them offers a path to durable peace for the entire Middle East, which is why Congress must stay engaged with the process,” he said. Schneider expressed pride in co-chairing this bipartisan effort to ensure a safe, strong Jewish and democratic Israel living side by side with its neighbors, including the Palestinian people, with security, prosperity, and peace for all.
As the newly appointed co-chairs take on their roles, the Abraham Accords Caucus is poised to play a crucial part in shaping U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, fostering collaboration and dialogue in pursuit of lasting peace in the region.