[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 23, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E927]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 PALESTINIAN-ANTI TERRORISM ACT OF 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 22, 2006

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, as someone with a 
great interest in Israel, Middle Eastern affairs, and world peace, I 
believe that we should remain cognizant of the importance of open 
communication, peaceful dialogue, and positive debate. I have a sincere 
affection and respect for both people and I pray for a peaceful 
resolution of deep seeded differences. We are living in historic times, 
and we have an opportunity to play a significant part in the Arab-
Israeli peace process.
  This legislation rightly calls upon Hamas to renounce terrorism, and 
recognize Israel as an independent, sovereign, Jewish and democratic 
state. I too recognize the need for a secure Israel and the need for a 
peaceful resolution for the Israel and Palestinian people. For many, 
peace is a long awaited dream and I am certain that with time, they 
will eventually realize this dream. I also advocate for cessation of 
aid to a Hamas led government of Palestinian Authority since they have 
refused to renounce violence and terrorism as part of their military 
tactics. I am certain a government that refuses to curtail their 
terrorist ideals can run the gamut on outrageous and purposefully 
unrealistic demands.
  I am concerned that some of the provisions of H.R. 4681 directly 
undermine the goal of securing peace.
  I question the prudence in ostracizing Hamas from the international 
community and forbidding contact with the Palestinian Authority and the 
Palestinian Legislative Council when some of its members do not belong 
to Hamas or any foreign terrorist organization. Many of these members 
have in fact renounced terrorism, recognized Israel and negotiated the 
prior agreements. I am concerned that these tactics will only hurt 
relationships with moderate Palestinian leaders whose support and 
cooperation are vital to ensuring peace.
  I am not resigned to the notion that impoverishing a country and 
hence a people falls within the scope of our duties in ensuring a 
peaceful resolution. These people are already suffering tremendous 
poverty and unemployment increases.
  We must find a way to punish the evil doers without victimizing their 
innocent neighbors. I am certain that this legislation surpasses the 
formation of a militaristic strategy and enters the venue of instilling 
punitive economic and diplomatic sanctions against the Palestinian 
people. We cannot restrict U.S. humanitarian aid and potentially 
eliminate entire U.S. aid projects, such as vital infrastructure and 
small business development. We cannot threaten to withhold a portion of 
U.S. dues to the United Nations because it allows bodies to advocate 
for Palestinian human rights. I am concerned about the innocent people 
who will suffer the consequences in denouncing the provisions of the 
U.S. free trade agreement with the West Bank and Gaza.
  I know that refusing visas to members of the Palestinian Legislative 
Council, including those who belong to political parties that the 
United States does not classify as ``foreign terrorist organizations,'' 
will deter ensuring a peaceful resolution. I am concerned that negating 
visas to members of the PLO diplomats at the United Nations and 
threatening to close the PLO's office in Washington will close the 
channels of communication.
  Madam Speaker, I have long been an advocate for peace and I pray for 
a peaceful resolution of the Arab and Israeli people. It is in that 
spirit, and with that faith, that I will continue to work with the 
administration to ensure the United States remains firm in its 
commitment to the security of Israel and to those principles necessary 
to guarantee the success of the Arab-Israeli peace process.
  The wording of this Resolution changed to include much of the 
negative language after I signed on as a co-sponsor.

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