Palestinia Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006

PALESTINIAN ANTI-TERRORISM ACT OF 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.

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