[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 23, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E935]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 PALESTINIAN ANTI-TERRORISM ACT OF 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 22, 2006

  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4681, 
The Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006. This legislation promotes 
the development of democratic institutions in areas under the 
administrative control of the Palestinian Authority. It comes at a time 
when the demand for responsible democratic leadership is needed more 
than ever before in the Middle East. I am proud that I was one of 295 
members to co-sponsor this legislation, which would restrict aid to the 
Hamas-controlled Palestinian Authority until Hamas meets a series of 
conditions, including renouncing terrorism and accepting Israel's right 
to exist as a Jewish state.
  This legislation explicitly states that it shall be U.S. policy that 
no U.S. Government officer or employee shall negotiate or have 
substantive contacts with members or official representatives of Hamas, 
Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of 
Palestine, al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, or any other Palestinian terrorist 
organization, until such organization recognizes Israel's right to 
exist, and renounces the use of terrorism. Additionally, any 
Palestinian government must recognize and accept all previous Israel-
PLO agreements and understandings.
  Having taken over the government of the Palestinian Authority, PA, 
Hamas has reiterated its commitment to violence and the destruction of 
Israel by endorsing suicide attacks on Israelis and appointing a man 
connected to the murder of Americans in Gaza as the new PA Interior 
Minister. Hamas' continued dedication to terrorism has already prompted 
the United States and its allies to end nearly all aid to the PA, with 
exceptions for humanitarian assistance. However, this bill permits 
certain assistance to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in 
recognition of his commitment to a non-violent resolution of the 
Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  The internationally backed Roadmap for Peace requires that the 
Palestinian Authority launch ``sustained, targeted, and effective 
operations aimed at confronting all those engaged in terror.'' The 
Palestinian Authority cannot call for the destruction of Israel if it 
is ever to be a serious partner for peace.
  Finally, the members of the Palestinian Authority must assure us that 
they are focused on a better future for the Palestinian people and in 
order to do so, they must take steps to recognize Israel and its right 
to exist. The Palestinian Authority must be pressured to realize, that 
a government that fails to condemn terrorism, or, states its commitment 
to eliminate a fellow member of the community of nations is a 
government that cannot be considered a serious partner for peace.
  I strongly encourage my colleagues, to vote in support of H.R. 4681, 
The Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006.

                          ____________________