[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 70 (Tuesday, June 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1017-E1018]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 PALESTINIAN ANTI-TERRORISM ACT OF 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 22, 2006

  Mr. RUSH. Madam Speaker, I rise here today to extend my remarks on 
H.R. 4681, the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act that was passed here on 
the House Floor on May 23, 2006. Madam Speaker, the Palestinian Anti-
Terrorism Act was a bill that I and I am sure many of my colleagues as 
well, struggled with and deliberated on a great deal. While America's 
support for Israel is unwavering, Congress does not want to send the 
wrong message to the Palestinian people that we have given up on them 
or the path to peace in that region.
  Madam Speaker, the intent of H.R. 4681 was not to alienate the 
Palestinian people, but rather to demonstrate America's resolve against 
terrorism in all its forms, including the leadership of Hamas and the 
Hamas-controlled Palestinian Authority. This bill was passed to send a 
strong message to Hamas'

[[Page E1018]]

leaders that they cannot continue to sponsor terrorism and call for the 
destruction of Israel and expect to receive American financial and 
diplomatic support. America will stand firm with Israel against any 
enemy who seeks to terrorize its people or disrupt the lives of its 
citizens.
  With that being said, it is also important for the Palestinian people 
to know that America is not an enemy, but that we seek to help 
establish a two-state system, with Israel and Palestine coexisting side 
by side in peace. America strongly believes in the peace process and we 
hope to facilitate that process so the entire region will be better for 
it. When Congress passed H.R. 4681 it was not a vote against the 
Palestinian people, but a vote against terrorists of those who have 
called for the destruction of Israel and who have sponsored terrorism 
in the past and continue to do so.
  Congress understands that we must be resolute against terrorist 
leaders, but also show humanity and compassion towards the poor and 
innocent children and destitute people of the Palestinian territories. 
That is the only way we can achieve peace and stability in the region. 
Madam Speaker, I will continue to support the peace process between 
Israel and the Palestinian people along with my colleagues here in 
Congress, and America will continue to provide humanitarian aid and 
assistance for those people who need it most. We will not let the 
election of Hamas hijack the road to peace that we have all sought for 
so long.

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