Congressional Record, Volume 142 Issue 33 (Tuesday, March 12, 1996)

[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 33 (Tuesday, March 12, 1996)]
[House]
[Pages H2070-H2074]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

CONDEMN BOMBINGS IN ISRAEL

Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 149) condemning terror attacks in
Israel, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:

H. Con. Res 149

Whereas, on February 25, 1996, two vicious terror attacks
in Jerusalem and Ashkelon killed 2 American citizens and 25
Israelis, and wounded over 75 more;
Whereas, on February 26, 1996, an Israeli citizen was
killed and 22 Israelis were injured when a terrorist drove a
rental car into a Jerusalem bus stop;
Whereas, on March 3, 1996, a suicide bus bombing in
Jerusalem took the lives of 18 innocent Israelis and other
individuals and injured 10 more;
Whereas, on March 4, 1996, yet another heinous explosion by
a suicide bomber in Tel

[[Page H2071]]

Aviv murdered at least 13 and wounded 130 more;
Whereas, the Gaza-based Hamas terror group claimed
responsibility for the most recent bombings, and the
Damascus-based Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Popular Front
for the Liberation of Palestine terror groups have claimed
responsibility for the majority of terror attacks since the
signing of the Declaration of Principles;
Whereas, these successive incidents represent an
unprecedented escalation by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic
Jihad of their terrorist campaign designed to cause maximum
carnage against the peaceful civilian population of Israel,
including children, women and the elderly;
Whereas, these terrorist attacks are aimed not only at
innocent Israeli civilians but also at destroying the Middle
East peace process;
Whereas, since the signing of the Declaration of Principle
between Israel and the PLO on September 13, 1993 nearly 200
people, including 5 American citizens, have been killed in
terrorist acts;
Whereas, the Palestine Liberation Organization, the
Palestinian Authority and Yasser Araft have been ineffective
and unsuccessful in completely rooting out the vicious
terrorist elements from Palestinian controlled areas, calling
into question their committment to the peace process;
Whereas, the vast majority of Palestinian terror suspects
have not been apprehended, or if apprehended, not tried or
punished, and not terror suspects requested for transfer have
been transferred to Israeli authorities by Palestinian
authorities in direct contravention of agreements signed
between the PLO and Israel;
Whereas, the Palestinian Authority must must now do much
more systematically to end the threat posed by terrorist
groups and take other steps consistent with the Israel-
Palestinian Interim Agreement, including the apprehension,
trial, and punishment of those who conduct terrorist acts and
the implementation of procedures agreed upon with Israel to
transfer suspected terrorists;
Whereas, the hateful language calling for Israel's
destruction, that remains an integral part of the Palestinian
National Covenant only serves to incite those opposed to the
peace process;
Whereas, the Palestinian National Covenant has not yet been
amended, despite commitments by the PLO to do so;
Whereas, these failures undermine and threaten the peace
process as well as continued U.S. financial assistance;
Whereas, the government of Iran continues to provide safe
haven, financial support and arms to terror groups such as
Hamas, Islamic Jihad, or Hizbollah among others, and has in
no way acted to restrain these groups from committing acts of
terrorism;
Whereas, notwithstanding Syria's participation in a serious
negotiating process to reach a peace agreement with Israel,
Syria continues to provide a safe haven for terrorist groups
opposed to the peace process, permits the arming of Hizbollah
in Lebanon, and has not acted to a prevent these groups from
committing acts of terrorism; and
Whereas, failure to act against terrorists by the
Palestinian Authority, Iran, Syria, and others only
undermines the credibility of the peace process: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That the Congress--
(1) condemns and reviles in the strongest terms the attacks
in Jerusalem, Ashkelon and Tel Aviv;
(2) extends condolences to the families of all those
killed, and to the Government and all the people of the State
of Israel;
(3) expresses its support and solidarity with the people
and Government of the State of Israel;
(4) reaffirms its full support for Israel in its efforts to
combat terrorism as it attempts to pursue peace with its
neighbors in the region;
(5) calls upon the Palestinian Authority, the elected
Palestinian Council and Chairman Arafat to act swiftly and
decisively to apprehend and effectively punish the
perpetrators of terror attacks, to prevent such acts of
terror in the future, to confiscate all unauthorized weapons
and to avoid and condemn all statements and gestures which
signal tolerance for such acts and their prepetrators;
(6) calls upon Chairman Arafat, the Palestinian Authority
and the elected representatives of the Palestinian Council to
eliminate the terrorist structure and terrorist activities of
Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the
Liberation of Palestine, and all other terror groups;
(7) calls upon Chairman Arafat, the Palestinian Authority
and the elected representatives of the Palestinian Council to
adopt legislative and executive measures to ban the existence
and operations of all terrorist organizations resident in the
Palestinian autonomous areas;
(8) insists that Chairman Arafat convene the Palestinian
National Council, so that the Palestinian National Covenant
will be amended of its vile references to Israel within sixty
days of the Palestinian Council's inauguration on March 7,
1996:
(9) reaffirms its belief that the Palestinian National
Covenant must be amended in order for the peace process to
succeed;
(10) calls upon the Palestinian people to support the
deletion of anti-Israel language from the Palestinian
National Covenant;
(11) calls upon the Palestinian people to express their
revulsion for terrorism against Israel, and condemn and
isolate those elements of Palestinian society that employ and
support such terrorist acts;
(12) urges all parties to the peace process, in order to
retain the credibility of their commitment to peace, to bring
to justice the perpetrators of acts of terrorism, and to
cease harboring, financing, and arming terror groups in all
territories under their control; and
(13) calls upon those Arab states that have failed to
condemn these acts of terrorism to do so immediately and
forthrightly, and to support all efforts in the region to
combat terrorism;
(14) calls upon the international community to cooperate
with the United States in isolating states which engage in
international terrorism;
(15) insists that Iran and Syria cease all support for all
terrorist groups operating in areas under their control and
refrain from all activities in opposition to the Middle East
peace process;
(16) expresses its intent to reconsider United States
assistance to the Palestinian Authority, in consultation with
the Administration, in light of the steps that must be taken
by the Palestinian Authority against terrorist
infrastructures and operations;
(17) urges the United States to act decisively and swiftly
against those governments who continue to harbor, arm or
finance terror groups seeking to undermine the peace process;
and
(18) praises United States efforts to provide Israel with
all appropriate anti-terrorism resources to eliminate the
tide of terrorist incidents against Israel.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
York [Mr. Gilman] and the gentleman from California [Mr. Lantos] will
each be recognized for 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York [Mr. Gilman].
(Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution
149, legislation I introduced with the significant support of Members
of this House, which condemns the recent terrorist bombings in Israel.
On February 25-26, and March 3-4, suicide bomber explosions murdered
almost 60 people and wounded over 200. Such violence cannot be
permitted to continue. The future of the peace process, and the
security of the people of Israel, hang in the balance.
House Concurrent Resolution 149 condemns these terrorist acts in the
strongest possible terms. These attacks are aimed not only at innocent
Israeli civilians and at destroying the Middle East peace process, but
additionally show that the PLO, and the Palestinian Authority, under
the chairmanship of Yasser Arafat, have been ineffective and
unsuccessful in rooting out these vicious terrorist elements from
Palestinian controlled areas. Moreover, the hateful language calling
for Israel's destruction, that remains an integral part of the
Palestinian National Covenant has not been amended.
Accordingly, this calls into question the PLO's commitment to the
peace process, and therefore, House Concurrent Resolution 149 expresses
its intent to reconsider United States assistance to the Palestinian
Authority.
Tomorrow's terrorism summit in Egypt will be well attended by many
nations, but Iran and Syria will be conspicuously absent. Iran
continues to provide support to terror groups such as Hamas, Islamic
Jihad, and Hizbollah, and has in no way acted to restrain these groups.
Notwithstanding Syria's participation in the peace talks, Syria has not
condemned the bombings, and continues to provide safe haven for
terrorist groups opposed to the peace process. Syria permits the
continued arming of Hizbollah in Lebanon, and has taken no steps to
prevent terror from taking place.
Because these failures to act against terrorists undermines the
credibility of the peace process, House Concurrent Resolution 149
condemns the attacks, extends our condolences to the families of all
those killed, and reaffirms our full support for Israel in her efforts
to combat terrorism as she attempts to pursue peace.
House Concurrent Resolution 149 calls upon Chairman Arafat to act
swiftly and decisively to apprehend and punish the perpetrators of
terror attacks, to prevent such acts of terror, to confiscate
unauthorized weapons, and to condemn all statements which signal
tolerance for terrorism.
House Concurrent Resolution 149 also insists that Chairman Arafat
convene the Palestinian National Council, to amend the Palestinian
National Covenant.

[[Page H2072]]

The international community, many of whom will be represented at
tomorrow's summit in Egypt, are called upon to cooperate with the
United States in isolating states which engage in international
terrorism. They must join the United States in insisting that Iran and
Syria cease all support for all terrorist groups and refrain from
activities in opposition to the Middle East peace process.
Finally, House Concurrent Resolution 149 praises United States
efforts to provide Israel with all appropriate antiterrorism resources
to eliminate the tide of terrorist incidents against Israel.
Earlier today, our House Committee on International Relations held a
hearing on PLO commitment compliance and the threat of terrorism to
Israel. We had a session which underscores that we must be ever
vigilant against those who only half-heartedly condemn terror and
violence.
Accordingly, Mr. Speaker, I urge our colleagues' strong support for
passage of House Concurrent Resolution 149, and thank our colleagues
for their clear and unambiguous endorsement of this legislation.

{time} 1630

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution
149, as amended.
Mr. Speaker, first I want to commend the distinguished chairman of
the Committee on International Relations, my good friend, the gentleman
from New York [Mr. Gilman], for taking the leadership on this issue, as
indeed he has taken the leadership on issues of terrorism for many
years with great effectiveness, both in this body and in international
bodies.
Mr. Speaker, I also wish to commend my colleague, the gentleman from
Indiana [Mr. Hamilton], the ranking member of the Committee on
International Relations.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, as we debate this resolution, the President of the United
States is on his way to Egypt to attend a conference called in the wake
of the most nightmarish terrorist attacks that we have watched unfold
on our television sets in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and in Israel. I want
to commend the President, not only for this extremely important
symbolic action, but for his persistent support of the democratic State
of Israel which has taken such enormous risks for peace at such a very
high price in precious human life.
Mr. Speaker, this resolution does many things. It condemns the
terrorist attacks in Jerusalem, Ashkelon, and Tel Aviv, it extends the
condolences of the Congress and the American people to the families of
the victims, it expresses support and solidarity with the people of
Israel who are undergoing some very difficult times in the face of this
mindless and brutal terrorist wave, and it expresses support for the
State of Israel as it combats terrorism and attempts to pursue peace
with its Arab neighbors.
An important aspect of our resolution calls on Yasser Arafat to
recognize that this is his last chance to demonstrate that he has the
will and the capability to pulverize the terrorist infrastructure of
Hamas in territory under his control. We have had for too long a
double-faced approach by Arafat saying the right things to the West but
praising to high heaven some of the most brutal terrorists, like the
engineer who created the most terrible weapons of destruction in recent
times in this terrorist wave. Arafat must understand that if he does
not destroy the terrorist infrastructure, Israel will do it itself.
That would set back the cause that we have been trying so hard to
support, the cause of reconciliation, accommodation, and peace.
Our resolution, Mr. Speaker, also deals with state sponsors of
terrorism, countries such as Iran. Iran must cease its support for
Hamas and other terrorist organizations.
Later this week our committee will mark up legislation to impose
tighter sanctions against Iran and those companies and countries which
support Iran economically.
I particularly want to call on our European friends and on Japan to
recognize their responsibility in fighting terrorism supported by Iran.
Their reckless pursuit of profits is singly unseemly as human lives are
sacrificed in the wave of terrorism supported by counties such as Iran.
I want to deplore the failure of Syria to express its regret with
respect to these terrorist acts. Just a few weeks ago in Damascus I met
with the Foreign Minister of Syria, and it was clear in our discussion
that terrorism has no room in the new Middle East. Yet Syria is staying
away from the conference in Egypt and has failed to condemn this
outrageous wave of terrorist attacks.
I am calling on all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to
demonstrate unanimous bipartisan support for this resolution. It is one
of the most important steps the Congress will take in expressing our
support for peace and stability in the region so critical to the
national interests of the United States.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from
Kansas [Mrs. Meyers], a member of our Committee on International
Relations.
Mrs. MEYERS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this
resolution. All civilized people and nations must stand with Israel and
condemn this series of despicable crimes. We must all work together to
bring these criminals to justice. The primary target of our efforts
must be the wicked masterminds who repose in safety while duping their
misguided followers into believing that killing innocent men, women,
and children with suicide bombs is a holy act. These evil beings who
make a travesty of their professed religion must be made to pay the
price.
Furthermore, the Palestinian Authority must be finally put on notice
that if it wants to be treated as a member of the civilized world, it
has to behave as one. Its leaders must be made to understand that if
they have any hope of actually joining the community of nations, they
themselves must suppress the terrorist wing of Hamas--I will not call
it the military wing because military people fight other soldiers; they
do not blow up civilian buses. This will not be easy for them. It will
certainly not be uniformly popular among the Palestinian people. But
difficult choices are the price of responsible leadership. Can Mr.
Arafat and his colleagues prove themselves responsible enough to stop
these vicious terrorists? They had better, if for no other reason than
self-interest. Because if they do not, I am certain that the Israelis
eventually will, and doom forever the hopes of Palestinian
independence. If Israelis and Palestinians are to live together in
peace, these atrocities must be stopped.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the comments of the gentlewoman
from Kansas [Mrs. Meyers] and her support of the resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further request for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House
Congressional Resolution 149 as amended. I want to commend my
colleagues Chairman Gilman and Congressman Lantos for their leadership
on this measure.
We have all known for some time that as significant as it is, the
Middle East peace process is also fragile. It cannot run on automatic
pilot. It can only be strengthened and protected by sustained efforts
to combat terrorism and to build a stronger structure of peace.
Unfortunately, four terrorist bombings in Israel this month--killing
some 62 people, including 2 Americans, and injuring over 200 people--
have brought us to this crisis.
This recent wave of murderous bombings has added a new urgency to the
need for a more sustained and comprehensive effort by the Palestinian
Authority to stop terrorism. The Palestinian Authority must work to
destroy the structure of terrorism which small radical groups wishing
to undermine the peace process have built. There is simply no other
course of action that will allow the peace process to continue.
The effort by Chairman Arafat and by the Palestinian Authority to
combat terrorism must be a sustained, 100-percent effort. Chairman
Arafat cannot do what he has done in the past: relax efforts after the
pressure of the moment eases. Hard-core terrorists cannot be co-opted:
They do not answer to reason and they do not support the peace process.
Statements opposing terrorism may have their place. But words alone
will not reinforce the fragile peace. There is today no substitute for
action against terrorist cells and the structure that supports them,
and against those in Gaza, in the Middle East, and throughout the world
who give terrorists safe haven, financial support, logistical support,
weapons, and other assistance.
This resolution states clearly what needs to be done--what the
Palestinian Authority needs to do, what is needed to reinforce the
peace process and bring greater security to Israelis and Arabs, and
what the United States and others can do to help the parties. Peace in
the Middle East will be hollow if there is no security for people.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this timely resolution.
As we speak, President Clinton is on Air Force One on his way to the
Middle East to cosponsor with President Mubarak of Egypt a Conference
of the Peacemakers tomorrow in Egypt.
Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, the Jewish holiday of Purim is usually an
especially happy one. It is a celebration. Yet this year it was wrought
with tears and horror--overshadowed

[[Page H2073]]

by the deaths of Israelis killed by a bomb blast on a crowded bus.
Instead of celebration, it was mourning, instead of happiness, it was
shock.
Like so many of my colleagues, I rise today to join the Members of
this body, and the people of America, in condemning the recent heinous
terrorist attacks against the people of Israel. These attacks are
nothing more than a blatant attempt by the militant Hamas war-mongers
to derail the peace process in the Middle East. Their virulent actions
against the people of Israel have left scores dead and hundreds
wounded. Their actions deserve, at a minimum, world condemnation.
Once again, the people of Israel have found their democracy under
attack--and once again, instead of reacting hastily and with massive
military might--they restrained from seeking a quick revenge--for it is
their desire for peace that is stronger than the delirious fanatics
that seek to wreak havoc on the peace process.
I am pleased that President Clinton will join leaders from throughout
the world at a summit in Egypt in a show of unity against both
terrorism and the terrorists in the Middle East. I would like to
commend Egyptian President Mubarak for hosting the conference and to
also commend other Arab countries, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia
for participating in this Conference which will hopefully reaffirm the
need to continue the peace process in the Middle East.
As members of the Jewish community throughout the Washington
metropolitan area celebrated Purim last week, Rabbi Jack Moline of
Alexandria said that ``We are not compromising what we are doing
tonight. It is imperative that we go through with this and not let [the
bombers] define our world for us.'' For the people of Israel, they too,
cannot compromise, they, too, cannot allow a group of terrorists to
define their world. They haven't and with our actions here today, we
show our support for them, for their uncompromising valor, and for
their commitment to peace.
Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Concurrent
Resolution 149, and to condemn in the strongest possible terms the use
of terrorism by the enemies of peace in the Middle East.
In the past 2 weeks, Israel has been the victim of four gruesome and
horrible bombing attacks. Like all Americans, I am saddened and shocked
by the killings, and I want to extend my condolences to the families of
the slain. But the dead, among them children, are not the only innocent
victims of the bombs, nor are they the bombers' primary target.
Instead, the bombs have been carefully placed to undermine the
foundations of the peace process, to shatter every Israeli's sense of
basic security, and to threaten the rule of law.
Mr. Speaker, the people of the United States cannot and will not sit
by complacently as extremists like Hamas and Islamic Jihad attempt to
destroy the best hope for Middle East peace through terror and
violence. I commend President Clinton for his swift condemnation of the
recent attacks, and for his commitment to provide Isarel with counter-
terrorism technology and assistance. I encourage further cooperation
between Israel and the United States in finding ways to stop terrorists
from striking. And I endorse the upcoming summit in Egypt, where over
30 nations, including many Arab States, will seek to develop
international strategies for fighting terrorism.
But the Palestinian Authority, as Israel's partner in the peace
process, must also assume responsibility for ensuring that the
atrocious attacks of the past month are never repeated. We must let
Chairman Arafat and the Palestinian Council know that America cannot
tolerate failure in stopping terror attacks on innocent Israeli
civilians. The authority's crackdown on Hamas over the past week is a
welcome step, and should be noted. But we must make absolutely clear
America's interest in seeing the Palestinian Authority control the
violence of rejectionist minority groups like Hamas, and in seeing the
Palestinian Council fully accept the peace process by purging from its
charter all reference to the destruction of Israel.
Mr. Speaker, this resolution sends an important message to the world
that America will not accept terrorism. I urge my colleagues to support
it.
Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand with my colleagues to
reaffirm American support for Israel in the wake of tragic bombings
that have claimed nearly 60 lives. My sympathy for the families who
lost loved ones in the past weeks is unlimited, as is my outrage at
these barbaric acts and their perpetrators.
The fanatics who have murdered innocent men, women, and children must
be brought to justice. Groups such as Hamas that preach and practice
acts of terror are an unacceptable presence in the civilized world.
Although it is hard, we must try to draw strength from this tragedy
and redouble our commitment to bring peace to the Middle East. We must
let terrorists know that their cruel violence will not be rewarded. I
applaud President Clinton for meeting with world leaders in Egypt to
unite against terrorism and to encourage Middle East nations to rejoin
the path toward peace.
The United States must do all it can to support the people of Israel,
further the peace process, and bring these killers to justice.
Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to condemn the recent terrorist
bombings carried out against innocent Israelis. At least 57 people have
been murdered in the past few weeks in Israel during a wave of suicide
bombings carried out by Hamas.
I am pleased to support H. Con. Res. 149 which calls upon Chairman
Arafat, the Palestinian Authority, and the Palestinian Council to
apprehend and punish the terrorists who planned these bloody attacks,
and to prevent such acts in the future. It also calls for the
elimination of the terrorist structures of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic
Jihad, and the Popular Front of the Liberation of Palestine. In
addition, the measure recognizes the role the United States must play
by expressing our intent to reconsider United States assistance to the
Palestinian Authority in light of steps that must be taken by the
authority against terrorist infrastructures and operations.
Mr. Speaker, these attacks were the work of cowards and common
criminals. Now, it's up to both Israeli and Palestinian authorities to
bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice and redouble their
efforts to guarantee Israel's security. Just as important, they must
not let the terrorists achieve their political objective of derailing
the Middle East peace process. The victims will truly have died in vain
if terrorism succeeds in renewing the hideous cycle of violence that
has plagued Israel since it became a state.
Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, at this difficult hour we stand in
solidarity with the people of Israel and reaffirm our commitment to
their peace and security. We unequivocally condemn the reign of terror
that has forever silenced the voices of so many of our children. We
grieve for the victims--and we pray that no Israeli mother will have to
bury a son or a daughter ever again. We remember the words of Yitzhak
Rabin and say: ``Enough of blood and tears. Enough.''
The terrible events of the last weeks have profoundly shaken us all.
We yearn so desperately for peace--yet today we are at war--at war
against terror--at war against the enemies of peace.
There can be no noncombatants in this battle.
Israel has declared war on Hamas. Yasser Arafat must now become a
full partner in this struggle. Nothing less is acceptable. There must
be no more speeches in Arabic extolling the martyrs--no more terrorists
arrested during the day and released at night. The covenant calling for
Israel's destruction must be revoked--compliance with the declaration
of principles must be total. This is Yasser Arafat's moment of truth--
he must prove in word and deed that he is fully committed to peace.
Either he is our ally in the war against terror--or he is our eneny.
This week President Clinton will travel to Egypt to participate in a
historic world summit against terrorism.
The President's message will be simple and clear: There can be no
compromise with terror. The days of talk are over--it is time for
action. Hamas and Islamic Jihad must be eliminated. States that sponsor
and finance terrorism--Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria--must be isolated. Our
allies must join us in cutting off all sources of funding and support
for terrorism.
Yitzhak Shamir wrote many years ago that, ``Israel's twin goals have
always been peace and security.'' We cannot have one without the
other--and that is why we must continue to strive for both in the
difficult days ahead. Thank you.
Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent
Resolution 149, and urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting
this resolution to condemn the despicable terrorist bombing attacks in
Israel. I am hopeful that is sends a message to the people of Israel to
let them know that the United States stands behind them and will
provide every possible support against the increasing and menacing
incidents of terrorism.
We condemn, will all our strength, the outrageous agenda by
extremists seeking to rekindle the glowing ashes of irreconcilibility
in this long-suffering region. They seek to once again plunge the
peaceseekers and the people of the Middle East into conflict and
confrontation.
Mr. Speaker, this resolution expresses the sincere condolences of the
United States to all of the families of those victims killed in the
recent bombings. This resolution also sends a message that the people
of Israel are not alone in their fight against terrorism. Indeed, the
scourge of terrorism today has permeated each corner of the world,
striking developing and developed nations alike.

[[Page H2074]]

At this crucial time, as sponsors of the Middle East peace process,
we reaffirm our support for the peace process and remain confident that
terrorists will not be allowed to obstruct the development of the
Palestine-Israeli peace process, their constructive dialog and
cooperation to resolve the existing problems. We encourage the
Palestinian leadership, which has already condemned these abhorrent
provocations, to follow this policy with even tougher measures.
Mr. Speaker, we have simply worked too hard for too long to allow
terrorists to take over the peace process and determine the fate of
peace after so much progress. Our support for the people of Israel,
however, should not stop with passage of this resolution. Later this
week, we will debate the antiterrorism legislation which seeks to
provide significant resources to fight domestic and international acts
of terrorism and bring swift justice to the perpetrators.
While nothing can take away the national and personal pain caused by
terrorist attacks on innocent men, women, and children, perhaps this
resolution can help in some small way by helping to bring an end to the
violence. We strongly voice our support and understanding to the Jewish
people of Israel and around the world for peace and against cowardly
acts of terror.
Mr. FOX of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, like you, I was shocked and
deeply saddened when I heard about the fourth suicide bombing which
took place on the Eve of Purim in Tel Aviv's shopping district. The
once-solid confidence of the people of Israel and of the pro-Israel
community in the United States has been terribly shaken by the tragic
events of the past weeks.
The United States and Israel are permanent partners in our pursuit of
peace, prosperity, and the promise of liberty. We have built a strong
foundation based on years of mutual respect and trust. Together, we
share risks, rewards, and losses as we strive to make this world a
better, safer place to live, work, and raise our families. The United
States will continue to stand ``shoulder to shoulder'' with its closest
ally, the State of Israel, during this troubling time. Hamas and other
enemies of peace should know that no blast will be strong enough to
weaken the indestructible link between our country and the state of
Israel.
After returning from the funeral of the late Prime Minister Yitzhak
Rabin, I remember thinking that in the long run, those who resort to
violence will find that it accomplishes little. Often, it spurs people
on to completion of the task at hand--in this case, peace in the Middle
East. Just as we were building upon the legacy of Yitzhak Rabin, we
will now continue on the path for peace, honoring the memory of the 61
innocent victims who were murdered and the 190 who were injured in the
four recent reprehensible suicide bombings.
Seventeenth century Dutch philosopher Benedictus De Spinoza once
said, ``Peace is not the mere absence of war, but is a virtue that
springs from force of character.'' During my trips to Israel this past
year, it was clear to me that Yitzhak Rabin provided that force of
character. And after meeting with Prime Minister Peres, Yitzhak Rabin's
partner in peace, I became convinced that he would continue to provide
that force. We must work with him to heal the wounds and move on toward
a more permanent peace and sustained security for our Israeli allies.
As Members of Congress, we must not hesitate, together with our
colleagues and the White House, to provide whatever diplomatic,
economic, humanitarian, or military support is necessary so that Israel
can combat the cowardly terrorists of Hamas and others who would seek
to derail the peace for which Yitzhak Rabin and so many others gave
their lives. The United States must continue to provide whatever form
of assistance is required to preserve and protect the peace and
security of Israel and its people.
While I am encouraged by the recent arrest of the head of the
military wing of Hamas, we must continue to demand that PLO Chairman
Arafat and the leaders of all the states of the Middle East join us in
this war on terrorism. I am proud to stand in support of International
Relations Committee Chairman Ben Gilman's resolution to clearly
communicate this message to Chairman Arafat--we will accept no less
than full cooperation on this matter. Chairman Gilman's legislation
demands that the Palestinian Authority apprehend and punish terrorists,
confiscate all unauthorized weapons, eliminate the terrorist structure
and activities of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Popular
Front for the Liberation of Palestine, ban the existence of all such
organizations in the autonomous areas, and amend the Palestinian
National Covenant to remove all hate-filled anti-Israel language. This
legislation also calls upon all parties to the peace process to condemn
terrorist acts and join us in the fight against terrorism. We insist
that Iran and Syria cease all support for such deplorable activities. I
salute the President for convening the antiterrorism conference
tomorrow, and I am also strongly urging him to act decisively and
swiftly against those who continue to harbor, arm, or finance
terrorists seeking to undermine the peace process.
I thank the chairman for his leadership and I join you in praying for
an end to the despicable violence committed by terrorists and for peace
and prosperity for Israel and throughout the Middle East.
Mr. SANFORD. Mr. Speaker, this past month terrorist acts in Israel
have taken the lives of innocent people. More than that, they have
placed the peace of this region once again in jeopardy. Today, I rise
to stand with the people of Israel and the Jews around the world. This
measure, which we are currently considering, condemns the recent
terrorist attacks as well as urges action in support of the peace
process. However, it cannot console those who have become victims of a
misguided attempt to settle a dispute over land. It cannot repair the
buildings and lives which are now fragmented. Through this measure the
United States states its opposition to actions such as those which have
occurred recently in Israel. This Nation will not condone the senseless
actions of terrorists. We stand with those for peace and for Israel.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Camp). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from New York [Mr. Gilman] that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res.
149), as amended.
The question was taken.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 5 of rule I and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.

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