[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 53 (Monday, March 30, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H4105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          INCIDENT IN THE WEST BANK INVOLVING TRISTAN ANDERSON

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I rise to express my 
sympathies, first of all, for one of my constituents, Tristan Anderson 
of Oakland, California who lies gravely injured in a Tel Aviv hospital, 
and to express my concern regarding the incident that put him there.
  On Friday, March 13, Mr. Tristan Anderson, an American citizen and 
resident of the 9th Congressional District of California, was 
critically injured when he was hit in the head by a tear gas canister 
fired by Israeli troops during a rally protesting the extension of 
Israel's separation barrier in the West bank village of Ni'ilin. Media 
accounts indicate that Israeli troops may have intentionally fired tear 
gas canisters at the protesters like the one that struck Mr. Anderson, 
who was apparently engaging in nonviolent, peaceful protest and was an 
innocent victim.
  Clearly, something went horribly wrong in the village of Ni'ilin, and 
I am determined to get to the bottom of it. To this end, I have asked 
the State Department to report back to me on the status of any 
investigations into this tragic incident, and to advise me as to when 
the investigation will be completed, and also, that the report be made 
public.
  The report should also document the actions that were taken to 
determine culpability, if any, and to take appropriate corrective 
actions against those responsible for Mr. Anderson's injuries. Those 
responsible for this tragedy, whether through negligence or intentional 
misconduct, must be held accountable.
  Lastly, I have asked the State Department to advise me of the 
actions, if any, which it has taken to ensure that Mr. Anderson is 
provided relief for the injuries that he has sustained.
  But most of all, Madam Speaker, I wish Tristan Anderson a speedy and 
full recovery, and for his family and loved ones to know that he is in 
the thoughts and prayers of the people of the 9th Congressional 
District of California.

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