In addition to recognizing Israel’s “right to act in self-defense to protect its citizens against Hamas’s unceasing aggression,” House Resolution 34 (for full text, click here) also called for:
• Hamas to end rocket attacks against Israel, and recognize Israel’s right to exist;
• the U.S. government to work actively to support “a sustainable cease-fire in Gaza, as soon as possible”;
• confirmation of a strong belief “that the lives of innocent civilians must be protected to the maximum extent possible” and that “humanitarian needs in Gaza be addressed promptly and responsibly”;
• all nations to condemn Hamas for deliberately using Palestinian civilians as human shields, while simultaneously targeting Israeli civilians and to lay blame both for “the breaking of the ‘calm’ and for subsequent civilian casualties” in Gaza on Hamas;
• encouragement of efforts “to diminish the appeal and influence of extremists in the Palestinian territories, and strengthen moderate Palestinians who are committed to a secure and lasting peace with Israel”;
• Egypt to intensify its efforts to halt smuggling between Gaza and Egypt;
• the immediate release of the kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who has been held in Gaza since June 2006;
• reiterateration of “strong support for a just and sustainable resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict achieved through negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority,” in order to ensure two democratic states “living side by side in peace.”
The resolution passed Jan. 9 by a vote of 390 in favor; 5 against; 22 present and 16 not voting.
The other four representatives who voted against the resolution were: Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), Ron Paul (R-Texas), Nick Rahall (D-W.V.) and Maxine Waters (D-Calif.)
Moore’s district includes all of the city of Milwaukee, and the suburbs of Cudahy, St. Francis, South Milwaukee, West Milwaukee, and a portion of West Allis.
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