(Washington, D.C.) -- Oregon U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley is leading the call for recognition of Palestinian statehood. Merkley has introduced a resolution calling on President Trump to recognize a Palestinian state. This is the first time this type of resolution has been introduced in the Senate. It calls for recognition of a demilitarized Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel under the principles of a two-state solution. Merkley recently traveled to Israel with Senator Chris Van Hollen to assess the situation.