Maxwell Frost: “I will vote against the conference report, marking the first time in 21 years that I have opposed a foreign aid…”

“I will vote against the conference report, marking the first time in 21 years that I have opposed a foreign aid appropriations bill. I am taking this action for one very good reason. The Republican leadership of Congress has refused to include money requested by the administration to fund the Wye River Accords between Israel and the Palestinians. This is one of the most irresponsible acts taken by the Congress in a very long time. In August, two delegations of Members of the House traveled to Israel and met with Prime Minister Barak and Palestinian Leader Arafat. I headed the Democratic delegation and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Davis) headed the Republican delegation. Both delegations told Prime Minister Barak and Yassir Arafat that we would support funding for the Wye River Accords. The Democrats intend to honor our word. Apparently the Republican leadership does not intend to allow those Republican Members to keep theirs. This is indeed a sad day. The Wye River Accords and the subsequent agreement entered into by Israel and the Palestinians earlier this month to implement Wye mark a dramatic turning point in the history of the Middle East. President Clinton has said he will veto this bill if it is passed by the Congress. I urge a no vote today and a vote to sustain the President's veto when the bill is returned to the House.”