Both bodies of the U.S. Congress passed a resolution yesterday urging President Bush to “suspend all relations with Yasser Arafat and the PA if they fail to take actions” against terrorism. The House of Representatives, where the effort was led by Congressmen Tom Lantos (D-CA) and Henry Hyde (R-IL), passed the resolution in an overwhelming 384-11 vote. Senators Joe Biden (D-DE) and Jesse Helms (R-NC) led the Senate effort, and the resolution was passed unanimously. “This resolution clearly shows the exasperation of Congress with Arafat’s continued indulgence in terror, even as he professes a desire for peace,” said AIPAC President Tim Wuliger. “Congress is telling him he must either act to end Palestinian terror, or forfeit his relationship with America... Arafat is on the verge of losing his relationship with the United States.”
One Congressman was very clear about his support for Israel at this time. Speaking at a private gathering in Indianapolis last night, Indiana\'s Michael Pence said that despite President Bush\'s recent statement in favor of a Palestinian state, \"The heart of the President is committed to Israel.\" A devout Christian, Pence stressed that the overwhelming majority of American Christians have a deep emotional attachment to the land of Israel and recognize the Jewish nation\'s Biblical and historical connection to the land. He recently co-sponsored legislation protesting the Moslem Waqf\'s illegal construction on the Temple Mount. \"Millions of Christians would be deeply offended if their tax dollars were used to desecrate the Temple Mount,\" Rep. Pence said last night.
One Congressman was very clear about his support for Israel at this time. Speaking at a private gathering in Indianapolis last night, Indiana\'s Michael Pence said that despite President Bush\'s recent statement in favor of a Palestinian state, \"The heart of the President is committed to Israel.\" A devout Christian, Pence stressed that the overwhelming majority of American Christians have a deep emotional attachment to the land of Israel and recognize the Jewish nation\'s Biblical and historical connection to the land. He recently co-sponsored legislation protesting the Moslem Waqf\'s illegal construction on the Temple Mount. \"Millions of Christians would be deeply offended if their tax dollars were used to desecrate the Temple Mount,\" Rep. Pence said last night.