Time for a Paradigm Shift in America's Foregn Policy

Floor Speech

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Mr. WEBER of Texas. I thank my friend, the gentleman from Florida.

Madam Speaker, I will tell you what the gentleman from Florida is describing is American and Israeli blood on the hands of terrorists who now have American cash in their back pockets. It is unbelievable.

The history is that, since 2003, the Palestinian Authority has provided government salaries to Palestinians imprisoned in Israeli jails--let me again say--with Israeli blood on their hands. These are prisoners who have actively participated in terrorist activities. According to the Palestinians' language of their own law, ``Anyone imprisoned in the occupation's, or Israel's, prisons as a result of his participation in the struggle against the occupation'' is eligible for a monthly salary.

Let me be clear.

Prisoners may qualify for a government salary if--and only if--they have killed an Israeli and/or participated in terrorist activities. As an extra, dare I call it, ``bonus,'' if their crimes are so extensive as to warrant imprisonment for 5 years or more, the government salaries will continue until 3 years following their release from jail. Salaries are also given to the families of suicide bombers or to those who die ``while participating in the struggle.''

Originally, these salaries were set at a minimum of $250 per month, American dollars. The payments were increased by 300 percent in January of 2011. At present, the PA is paying up to $15 million in government salaries to those convicted of crimes each month. It seems like a pretty good deal to me. Commit a terrorist attack and get yourself caught and imprisoned by the Israelis, and you can win free food, shelter, education, medical care, and a salary that is significantly higher than what you can collect on your own in the outside world.

How are we to believe the sincerity of a government that incentivizes violent acts of terror against the very nation with which they are supposedly negotiating a treaty for peace?

In a meeting with the Palestinian chief negotiator, Saeb Erekat, while in Ramallah, I told him that actions speak louder than words--that they need to stop glorifying terrorists and, instead, glorify peace and renounce terrorism, that they need to admit that Israel has the right to exist as a Jewish state. He was not a happy camper.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority doled out $100 million in salaries to 4,762 prisoners last year. An additional $46 million has already been allocated this year, and we are only 4 months into the year. Let me tell you that that averages out to $2,400 per prisoner per month--all for participating in terrorism. What is worse is that we are helping the Palestinian Government in their efforts. Did I mention they have got Israeli and American blood on their hands and American cash in their back pockets? Approximately 85 percent of all international aid money sent to the West Bank and Gaza goes to government salaries.

In spite of multiple congressional freezes on government aid, President Obama has continued to use his waiver authority to release millions in American taxpayer dollars to that same Palestinian Authority. In fact, since 2008, we have averaged $500 million a year in bilateral assistance. How does that protect our Nation or our very best ally, Israel? Where is the sense in that?

In the words of the Texas revolutionary, Lieutenant William Barret Travis:

I call on you, members, in the name of liberty, patriotism and everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid. We have got to stop this foolishness.

We require foreign contractors, vendors, and employees to be properly vetted prior to receiving government grant funds to ensure that we are not unintentionally contributing to terror around the world. Why are we allowing it to happen here, for heaven's sake?

You are right, Congressman Yoho, at a time when our constituents are pulling out their receipts, drafting their tax returns, planning their annual budgets, we should be ever more diligent on spending their tax dollars.

The Appropriations Committee must ensure that the language they craft and the authority they give safeguards against us ever contributing to the financial well-being of those who seek the destruction of our allies or our great Nation.

Foreign aid is not a right; it is a gift from the American people. Terrorists with blood on their hands, we don't want to support terrorists with American and Israeli blood on their hands and with American cash in their back pockets. We must not let that happen.

I am Randy Weber, and you know I am right.

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