Rice to attend Netanyahu speech

South Shore Rep. Kathleen Rice released the following statement on Monday:

“Thwarting Iran’s nuclear ambitions and ensuring Israel’s security should be something that unites both parties in Congress. But the recent controversy surrounding Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit threatens to drag this issue down to the level of divisive partisan politics.

“I refuse to contribute to that.

“Some people have urged me to sign a petition asking the Prime Minister to delay his speech, or to suggest that I won’t attend. I will not do either. I do agree that the invitation to the Prime Minister should have been arranged differently, but trading blame and pointing fingers will only further divide us. What’s done is done – the Prime Minister of our closest ally in the world is scheduled to address Congress on March 3rd, and when he speaks, I will be there to listen.

 “I made a commitment to the people of our district not to engage in the partisan politics that so often distract us from the real issues at hand and the real work to be done. That is what I will continue to do – especially when it comes to advocating for the security of the State of Israel and the safety of the Israeli people.”