[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 64 (Tuesday, May 19, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H3376]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    SPEAKER'S REMARKS WERE RECKLESS

  (Mr. MORAN of Virginia asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, last week the Speaker of the 
House publicly characterized Secretary of State Madeleine Albright as 
``an agent for the Palestinians.''
  I realize that there are those in this Chamber who do not feel that 
the United States should live up to its treaty obligations by acting as 
an unbiased mediator in the Middle East peace process. But to 
characterize the Secretary of State in this manner was unfair and 
irrational.
  I understand that it would be best explained as political posturing 
in an election year, but while we may have grown accustomed to reckless 
rhetoric when it comes to domestic politics, it is inexcusable to 
exploit the peace process for domestic political gain.
  No lasting peace in the Middle East can be secured by riding 
political winds in the United States. The people that must determine 
the acceptability of any peace settlement are those living in the 
region. It is critical that the administration remain focused on what 
might be acceptable over the long term to Israelis--to Palestinians and 
in fact, to all who long for a secure, lasting and just peace 
throughout the middle east.
  I urge the Speaker to retract and apologize for his remarks and to 
honor America's commitment to the peace process.

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