[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 54 (Tuesday, March 31, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E820]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF EGYPT-ISRAEL PEACE TREATY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. RON PAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 30, 2009

  Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in reluctant opposition to this 
resolution. I do so not because I oppose our recognizing peace as 
preferable to, and more productive than, war. On the contrary, too 
seldom do we celebrate and encourage the end of violence and warfare on 
this Floor so I welcome any such endorsement of peace in international 
relations. However, I cannot agree with the final ``resolved'' clause 
of this resolution, which states that:

       . . . the House of Representatives calls for recognition of 
     the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel as a model 
     mechanism upon which partner nations may build to overcome 
     longstanding barriers to peace and effective mutual 
     cooperation.

  What the resolution fails to mention, and the reason we should not 
endorse the treaty as a model, is that at the time the peace was being 
negotiated at Camp David the United States committed itself to an 
enormous financial aid package to both Egypt and Israel in exchange for 
their accession to the treaty. Over the past thirty years, the United 
States taxpayer has transferred to--some might say ``bribed''--Israel 
and Egypt more well over $100 billion as a payoff for their leaders' 
signature on the treaty. Particularly in this time of economic 
hardship, where so many Americans are out of work and facing great 
financial challenges, I hardly believe we should be celebrating that 
which increases the strain on taxpayers. I believe we should cease all 
foreign aid to all countries, as it is a counterproductive and 
unconstitutional transfer of wealth from U.S. taxpayers to governments 
overseas.
  I do believe we should, where possible and without meddling, 
encourage nations and regions at war or in conflict to work toward 
peace. But I also believe we should lead by example: that we should 
demonstrate by our actions the benefits of friendly relations and trade 
with all nations which seek the same. I strongly oppose the idea that 
we should bribe the rest of the world to do what we demand. Therefore, 
while I celebrate the achievement of peace between Egypt and Israel, I 
do not believe this ``model'' to be productive or in the best interests 
of the United States. I urge my colleagues to reject this resolution.

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