On the recordJanuary 28, 1994
this amendment will allow the President to continue to waive legislative restrictions against the PLO. Under the terms of the amendment, the President's authority to waive such restrictions can be renewed indefinitely for 6 month periods. The net effect of the amendment is to facilitate the Middle East peace process by allowing the PLO to open an office in Washington, and by enabling the provision of assistance to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. The amendment builds upon legislation introduced by Senator Helms and myself last year, which was passed by the Congress and signed into law. This amendment is the product of a great deal of bipartisan cooperation, and it has the full support of the State Department. I would note for the record that the amendment preserves the prerogatives of the Congress on this issue. Like the legislation passed last year, the amendment does not erase any restrictions against the PLO; it only gives the President authority to waive. The amendment also contains strict requirements for the President to consult and notify Congress about any use or renewal of the waiver authority.
