[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 21 (Friday, February 17, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


           SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 16, 2006

  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, this resolution is an important first step 
to cut off direct aid to the Palestinian Authority now that Hamas will 
be in power. However, it is only one component of the dramatic overhaul 
that needs to take place as we redefine our relationship with the new 
Palestinian government.
  Responsible for attacks that have murdered hundreds and injured 
thousands, Hamas is first and foremost a terrorist organization. Its 
fund raising and training operations run through the same shadowy 
networks as Al-Qaeda and Hezbollah. Its philosophy and practice are 
grounded in the spread of extremist hatred, anti-Semitism and violence.
  The United States must set a strong example and be firm in urging the 
international community to join us in cutting off all funding and 
diplomatic contacts with the Palestinian Authority once Hamas takes 
control.
  The Palestinian election may have been conducted in a free and fair 
manner, but it does not make the Hamas victory any more legitimate. 
Until it disarms, renounces violence, and recognizes Israel's right to 
exist, the group should continue to be dealt with as a rogue entity.
  There is no room for ambiguity. Governments that wage the global war 
on terrorism should not be propping up a terrorist regime. 
International organizations that believe in the peace process should 
not be financing a Palestinian leadership bent on Israel's destruction. 
Nations that disavow anti-Semitism should not be providing assistance 
that would give an even greater pulpit for Hamas to spew its hatred.
  It is alarming that despite these realities President Putin and 
others have made overtures to Hamas leaders. There should be no 
distinction between terrorists in Chechnya who target Russian school 
children and those from the West Bank and Gaza who blow up Israeli 
pizza stores and public buses. Equivocation only emboldens their use of 
such heinous tactics.
  If there is hope of pressuring Hamas to change, the world must unite 
behind a clear message: We will not support a terrorist-state, but 
stand ready to assist when and if a Palestinian government emerges that 
is ready, willing and able to embrace a peaceful future.

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