[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 59 (Friday, May 10, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E779]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE STATE OF ISRAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 9, 2002

  Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support 
for the State of Israel. I am wholly committed to the security and 
safety of Israel, a key strategic friend and ally. Last week I voted 
present on H. Res. 392, the DeLay Resolution entitled ``Expressing 
Solidarity With Israel In Its Fight Against Terrorism.'' In December 
2001, I voted for a similar resolution, H. Con. Res 280, also entitled 
``Expressing Solidarity With Israel In Its Fight Against Terrorism.''
  I voted ``present'' last week because I believed that this resolution 
did not promote the safety or security of Israel. I hope to see Israel 
and Palestine coexist as democratic states, each within secure and 
internationally recognized boundaries. I believe that the United States 
has an important role to play in promoting peace in the region. The 
language of this resolution was highly inflammatory, and I could not in 
conscience support a measure that might compromise our ability to seek 
peace.
  Terrible carnage has claimed too many innocent lives, both Israeli 
and Palestinian. I voted as I did because I believe the United States 
can help end that carnage.

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