Oregon’s Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley on Thursday introduced a resolution calling on the United States to formally recognize Palestine as a state — the first proposal of its kind to appear in the U.S. Senate, according to The Oregonian.

Merkley’s measure, co-sponsored by several other Senate Democrats, asks President Donald Trump to recognize what it calls a “demilitarized Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel.” With Republicans holding the Senate majority and generally skeptical of a two-state solution, the effort faces steep political hurdles.

Still, Merkley, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, framed the resolution as an urgent moral and strategic step. In a news release, he argued: “Recognition of a Palestinian state is not only a practical step the United States can take to help build a future where Palestinians and Israelis can live in freedom, dignity, and security, but it is the right thing to do. America has a responsibility to lead, and the time to act is now” (The Oregonian).

The timing of the resolution is notable. Leaders from Britain, Canada, and other Western nations are preparing to announce recognition of Palestine in the coming days, according to Reuters. Nearly 150 of the 193 United Nations member states already recognize Palestinian statehood, and the UN General Assembly recently reaffirmed support for a two-state solution.

The U.S. remains opposed. Speaking in England this week, Trump said he disagrees with Britain’s recognition plan. Meanwhile, a State Department spokesperson posted that the UN’s push was an “ill-advised stunt that will further embolden Hamas and undermine our serious diplomatic efforts to end the war.”

Merkley’s resolution takes aim at both Hamas and Israel. It demands Hamas release hostages taken during its October 7, 2023, attack and end its “campaign of terrorism.” It also urges Israel to stop its military campaign in Gaza and allow more humanitarian aid into the region.

In August, Merkley traveled to Israel and the Gaza border with Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland. The two later published a report accusing the U.S. of enabling Israeli policies they said were aimed at “ethnically cleansing Gaza of Palestinians,” according to The Oregonian. Van Hollen echoed Merkley’s push in Thursday’s announcement: “The most viable way to create some light at the end of the very dark tunnel in the Middle East, and assure security and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians alike, is a two-state solution.”

While passage is unlikely, Merkley’s effort marks a rare attempt to push the U.S. closer to the international consensus on Palestinian statehood — and one that could add new pressure on an administration resistant to the idea.