Military

DATE=10/25/00

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CONGRESS-MIDEAST (L-Only)

NUMBER=2-268438

BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The U-S House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved (355 - 30, with 11 members abstaining) a resolution on the Middle East that stresses support for Israel and calls on the Palestinians to refrain from violence. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports opponents of the measure fear it will do far more harm than good.

TEXT: The resolution merely states the opinion of the House of Representatives. It does not have the force of law, and is not a statement of U-S policy.

It is a brief measure. The resolution emphasizes U-S solidarity with the people of Israel, and accuses the Palestinian leadership of inciting violence.

New York Republican Benjamin Gilman, the chairman of the House International Relations Committee, is the author of the legislation.

/// GILMAN ACT ///

We have observed in the past few weeks shocking violence in the Middle East. Shall we not take a stand with regard to that violence?

/// END ACT ///

New Jersey Democrat Steven Rothman says the United States can not turn its back on Israel - its strongest ally in the Middle East.

/// ROTHMAN ACT ///

The people of the United States need to stand with their friend, the only democracy in the region; America's strategic partner!

/// END ACT ///

But the longest-serving member of the House, Michigan Democrat John Dingell, says America cannot single out one side for blame, and must remain an honest broker (an objective mediator) in the peace process.

/// DINGELL ACT ///

Ask yourself, if someone were to put out a resolution like this when you had a border difficulty with your neighbor, if that would encourage you to accept them as an impartial mediator of the differences between you and that neighbor.

/// END ACT ///

Other opponents of the measure worry that it could inflame an already difficult situation. West Virginia Democrat Nick Rahall says congress has a responsibility to refrain from provocative action. In his words: "We are not secretaries of state."

/// RAHALL ACT ///

Today, we see our armed forces in parts of the Middle East on the highest state of security alert that we have seen in several years. And now, for us to come through with an action of this nature could very well be misinterpreted by some in the region who do not understand that this is merely a resolution and does not carry the force of law.

/// END ACT ///

The Clinton administration opposes the resolution. Since it is simply what is called "a sense of the House" (opinion) measure, it will not go to the president for his consideration. There are no plans to take up a similar resolution in the Senate before Congress adjourns for the year. (signed)

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