Earl Blumenauer: “I rise in support of S. 2370, the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act. This Senate-passed bill is light-years better than the…”

“I rise in support of S. 2370, the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act. This Senate-passed bill is light-years better than the version passed by the House, which I opposed. It focuses on the Hamas-led government and reinforces the goal of a two-state solution, with a secure Israel living side-by-side with an independent Palestinian state in peace. While I don't believe this legislation is necessary, as there is already a prohibition on U.S. assistance to foreign terrorist organizations, I recognize the progress made in this legislation toward prioritizing on the basis of our strategic interests and maintaining flexibility in our efforts to promote a peace process between Israel and the Palestinians. I have two hesitations: One, I hope this is not read as a signal in the region--by either side--that the United States is more interested in didactics than negotiations. Two, I hope that Section 9, related to diplomatic contacts, will be interpreted as narrowly as possible, so as to allow for contact with a Hamas-led government if it is determined that such contacts could promote Israel's security and a peaceful two-state solution. However, I greatly appreciate the changes made to this legislation and the flexibility shown by its sponsors in considering the concerns of many Members of Congress, the Bush administration, and outside experts. Because of this progress, I intend to support the bill.”