Summary
- Ro Khanna leads push to recognize Palestinian state.
- Supported by 13 House Democrats as of Monday.
- The letter urges the US to follow international recognition.
- Cites 147 countries already recognizing Palestine.
- 13 House Democrats support the recognition push.
The Democratic lawmakers urged the government to follow the example of 147 nations that have already recognized a Palestinian state, stating that the US should not "be isolated from the rest of the free world," in a letter to President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio that was obtained by both Jewish Insider and Axios last week.
There are now 13 politicians that have signed the letter, according to a Monday Axios report.
Representatives Greg Casar, Lloyd Doggett, Veronica Escobar, Maxwell Frost, Jared Huffman, Mark Pocan, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Chellie Pingree, Nydia Velazquez, Andre Carson, Jim McGovern, and Al Green are among the lawmakers who have signed the letter thus far.
"The recognition would come by embracing the 22-state Arab League Plan just passed this week that calls for a Palestinian state and the recognition of Israel as a Jewish democratic state,”
the letter went on to say.
“We encourage the governments of other countries that have yet to recognize Palestinian statehood, including the United States, to do so as well”.
Last week, 11 lawmakers had signed the letter, according to a report by Jewish Insider.
After Jewish Insider leaked the letter, Khanna shared a post on X on 31 July, saying: “Someone leaked our effort to try to sabotage it. Sad. It won't work.
"Recognizing a Palestinian state is an idea whose time has come. The response of my colleagues has been overwhelming. We will build support and release prior to the UN convening.”
Since November 2023, Congressman Green has advocated for a truce in Palestine, and in December 2023, he proposed a measure reaffirming the State of Palestine's legitimacy. Axios was informed that he intended to reintroduce the bill to Congress.
Recognition on a global scale
As of March this year, 147 out of 193 member states, or more than 75% of the UN, recognize Palestine as a sovereign state.
Slovenia formally recognized a Palestinian state in June 2025, while Spain, Ireland, and Norway did so in May of last year.
Over a week and a half ago, France announced at the United Nations General Assembly in New York that it will recognize a Palestinian State in September.
The UK declared last week that if Israel does not consent to a truce by the time the UN meets, it will recognize a Palestinian state. In September, Malta and Canada also plan to conditionally recognize a Palestinian state.
Following the statement by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the United States vowed to penalize Canada over a trade agreement.
At the next UN gathering, Portugal joined an increasing number of nations that are thinking of recognizing the State of Palestine.
Before reaching a decision, the administration will confer with the president and parliament, according to a statement released last week by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro's office.
How might the support from 13 House Democrats influence US policy on Palestine?
While historically the US Congress has strongly supported Israel, this growing bloc of Democrats marks a shift in attitudes, pushing Palestinian statehood into mainstream debate. Their support may encourage more lawmakers to reconsider or soften long-standing US policy positions.
Congressional backing, even from a minority, puts political pressure on the Biden administration (or the sitting president) to acknowledge Palestinian statehood as part of a broader peace strategy. This could lead to formal resolutions or policy changes reflecting this recognition.
The letter and growing support provide a foundation for formal resolutions or bills in Congress advocating recognition.