In a remarkable bipartisan show of support for Israel and condemnation of the purveyors of hate within the Gaza and West Bank areas, the U.S. Congress just passed Resolution 268, by a whopping majority of 407 votes “For”, and only 6 “Against.” Another 13 voted “Present” thus taking no stand one way or the other, tantamount to a vote “Against.”
The resolution calls for the suspension of Foreign Aid to Gaza/West Bank Palestinians until they agree to acknowledge Israel and to finally agree to sit at the negotiating table to begin genuine peace talks.
Yes, the U.S. gives foreign aid to Gaza/West Bank Palestinians. It’s not even a country. Depending on what source you subscribe to, and what year (2009 or 2010), they generally rank 7th on the list, behind Afghanistan, Israel, Iraq, Pakistan, Egypt and Sudan. In 2009, that amounted to almost $1 billion of American tax dollars. Meanwhile, we can all access the internet and watch their mobs in the street scream “Death To America!”
True, the money is designated for humanitarian assistance, but we all know how that actually works. Rarely, does foreign aid in any of these countries end up where it is meant for.
This vote not only shores up support for Israel as an ally and partner in world peace, it sends a powerful message to our president that we, the people of the United States, are not prepared to make unreasonable and disastrous demands upon Israel until the Palestinians show good will in recognizing Israel’s right to exist. President Obama’s recent announcement demanding Israel’s return to the 1967 borders has blown up in his face.
There were a total of 19 congressman who did not vote for the resolution. In other words, these 19 congressmen and women, in my view, basically sided with Hamas. Here are their names:
Voting against:
Dennis Kucinic, D – Oh
Nick Rahall, D – WV
Ron Paul – R – Tx
Walter Jones, D – NC
Eral Blumenauer, D – Or
Justin Amash, R – Mi
Voting Present: (all Democrats)
Lynn Woolsey
Barbara Lee
Fortney Stark
Maxine Waters
Andre Carson
Chellie Pingree
Donna Edwards
Keith Ellison
Betty McCollum
Eddie Johnson
James Moran
James McDermott
Gwen Moore
Five were unable to vote, i.e. Gabreille Giffords, etc.
For more information, access these links:
Click here: GovTrack: House Vote On Passage: H. Res. 268:
Click here: United States foreign aid – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Click here: U.S. House passes resolution threatening to suspend aid to Palestinians
