[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 100 (Wednesday, July 26, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CONDEMNING THE RECENT ATTACKS AGAINST THE STATE OF ISRAEL

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                               speech of

                        HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 19, 2006

  Mr. CAPUANO. Madam Speaker, I voted in favor of H. Res. 921. The 
recent attacks against the State of Israel should be condemned and 
terrorists and their state sponsors should be held accountable. I 
supported this resolution because I believe that Israel, as a sovereign 
democratic state, has the right to defend herself against aggression. 
Furthermore, the attacks on Israel came from Hamas in Gaza and 
Hezbollah in Lebanon, lands from which Israel had withdrawn in the 
interests of peace.
  However, I do have deep concerns about the scale of the Israeli 
response. I mourn the loss of life among all the suffering peoples of 
the region. We must actively work towards a peaceful solution to this 
crisis.
  I do not believe that my vote in favor of this resolution provides 
President Bush with the authority to take direct military action 
against Lebanon, Syria, Iran or any other nation involved and my vote 
should not be interpreted as a vote in favor of such action. I insist 
that the President seek congressional approval if at any point he 
intends to take military action.

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