[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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