On the recordJuly 23, 2019
I want to thank the chairman for allotting me this time, and commend my colleagues, Mr. Gottheimer and Mr. Mast, for bringing this bill. I rise in support of H.R. 1850 and applaud the House for taking action to combat terrorist activity in the Middle East. This bill sanctions individuals and foreign governments that knowingly and materially assist Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad or an affiliate or successor entity. These groups have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the Department of State since 1997. There is no disputing that they have and continue to sow instability and terror, including by indiscriminately launching countless rockets and mortars at Israel, attacks from subterranean tunnels, and even the use of human shields. To achieve two states for two peoples living side by side in peace and security, we cannot let extremist voices control the narrative and we must always confront these terrorist activities. But let me be clear: This bill does not target the vast majority of Palestinian people who long for peace. Rather, it solely goes after Hamas and PIJ and those who assist their terrorist activities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
