Benjamin Gilman: “I rise in support of the Saxton amendment and wish to thank the gentleman from New Jersey for his steadfast support and…”

“I rise in support of the Saxton amendment and wish to thank the gentleman from New Jersey for his steadfast support and commitment for true peace in the Middle East. Mr. Saxton's amendment comes on a tragic, but ironically, auspicious day, when as we have seen, the lack of PLO security cooperation with Israel has cost the lives and limbs of many innocent Israelis. The amendment expresses the sense of the Congress that the PLO/PA would have to take action on the covenant, truly fight against terrorism, truly confiscate weapons, and follow through on commitments to transfer prisoners to Israel, according to the Oslo Accords. The sense of the Congress language also insists that Arafat and the PA cease incitement toward violence, and improve the abysmal human rights situation in the areas under Palestinian control. According to Mr. Saxton's amendment, assistance would be available only for the period beginning 3 months after enactment and for 6 months thereafter only if the President certifies the PLO on critical issues of concern to all Americans.”