Benjamin Gilman: “sadly and regrettably I rise this morning to inform my colleagues of two devastating explosions that rocked the city of…”

“sadly and regrettably I rise this morning to inform my colleagues of two devastating explosions that rocked the city of Jerusalem today in which 18 people were killed and 150 wounded. This busy marketplace in Jerusalem known as the Mahaneh Yehudah was infiltrated, apparently by two suicide bombers, who set off explosions within seconds of each other. More fatalities are expected. Although PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat called Prime Minister Netanyahu to express his condolences, the latest violence indicated once again that Mr. Arafat and the Palestinian authority are not doing enough to root out terrorism. It is not enough to express mere condolences. Apparently, that may be why the State Department has not issued a PLO Compliance Report in advance of any presidential certification for more money for the PLO. We now know what the State Department failed to acknowledge, that the PLO is not in compliance with its commitments and must do much more. Legislation regarding this devastating loss is being prepared by the gentleman from California [Mr. Lantos] and myself.”