Nebraska’s Senator Cosponsors Bill that Seeks to Withhold U.S. Support of Palestinian Authority Until Hamas Takes Diplomatic Actions

The United States should withhold financial support for the Palestinian Authority until the terrorist organization Hamas disarms, renounces violence and terrorism, and recognizes Israel’s right to exist, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson said today.

Nelson has cosponsored the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006, legislation that would stop financial support for the Palestinian Authority unless Hamas disarms and recognizes Israel. Hamas candidates won a surprise majority in the Palestinian government earlier this year. The bill is authored by Senators Mitch McConnell of Tennessee and Joe Biden of Delaware.

“The recent elections swept a terrorist organization to power and unless Hamas disarms, renounces violence and terrorism, and recognizes Israel, the United States should rethink its financial support for the Palestinian Authority,” said Senator Nelson. “Stability in that region is a national security priority for the United States and ending the violence between Israel and Palestine is imperative to the long term security interests in that region.”

Last November, Nelson and several colleagues sent a letter to President George W, Bush which raised concerns about terrorist groups like Hamas participating in the January 2006 elections. The letter asked the President to use his influence with the Palestinian leadership to bar any group that would seek to participate in the political process unless they have completely disarmed. The letter warned that Congress would have to reevaluate our relationship with the Palestinian Authority if Hamas wins significant influence.

The Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act bars Hamas from controlling any ministry or agency of the Palestinian Authority unless it certifies it has disarmed, renounced violence and terrorism and recognized Israel. Additionally, the Palestinian Authority must honor previous commitments and understandings in the peace process, including the two-state solution known as the “Roadmap.” The bill also gives the President the authority to waive the certification if the Palestinian Authority can demonstrate that it has severed its ties with terrorist organizations or has dismantled all terrorist groups.

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