McHenry County Blog

A press release from Congressman Joe Walsh:

Rep. Walsh: Bring Accountability to the Middle East

“The United States must hold the Palestinians accountable for their actions.”

Joe Walsh

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Joe Walsh (IL-08) renewed his call for Washington to bring accountability to the Middle East and make U.S. aid to the Palestinians and Egypt contingent on peace and reform.

Repeated barrages of rocket and mortar fire from the Gaza Strip have so far killed three Israeli civilians and wounded several others, including children.

“I applaud Secretary Clinton for reiterating the United State’s support for Israel’s right to self defense,” said Walsh.

“But this is hardly enough. More than 220 rockets have been fired at Israeli civilians from militants in Gaza. The United States must hold the Palestinians accountable for these unprovoked, heinous acts. It must also hold Egypt, Qatar, and Iran accountable for their support of Palestinian militants and the terrorist group Hamas.”

Walsh has authored several pieces of legislation aimed at bringing accountability to the Middle East peace process. The Palestinian Accountability Act, H.R. 2457, would make any aid to the Palestinian Authority contingent upon much-needed reforms, including an end to corruption and the vilification of Israel. In July, Walsh led a letter with 35 other Members of Congress to House Leadership urging them to withhold aid to the new Egyptian government until it reaffirms its treaties with Israel.

“I am disappointed that Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi has used this unprovoked attack on Israel to reveal both his sympathy for the terrorist group, Hamas, and his opposition to Middle East peace. Why are we providing Egypt with $2 billion in foreign aid every year to vilify our allies and oppose American interests? It’s time to hold Egypt accountable as well. I urge the President to withhold foreign aid to Egypt until it publicly reaffirms its treaties with Israel.”

A press release from Congressman Don Manzullo:

Manzullo Statement on Attacks in Libya and Egypt

Don Manzullo

[WASHINGTON] – U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and member of the Subcommittee on Middle East, issued the following statement in response to the attacks against the United States in Libya and Egypt:

“Yesterday’s brutal murder of four American diplomats, including the United States Ambassador to Libya, and the attack against the United States Embassy in Egypt, are stark reminders that the U.S. remains a significant target throughout the world. We must honor the memory and service of Ambassador Christopher Stevens and his colleagues by making it absolutely clear that our nation will not tolerate violence against our people. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families.

“The United States must not apologize or otherwise seek to appease those who desperately want to do us harm. When America does not speak clearly about its values and intentions, then the rest of the world is left to wonder whether we have the resolve to defend what is valuable to us. America stands on the principles of democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights. There is no excuse, no justification for what happened in Libya and Egypt.”

A press release from Congressman Joe Walsh:

Rep. Walsh Sends Message to New Egyptian Government

Rep. Walsh Urges Leadership to Condition Aid to Egypt on Reaffirming Treaties with Israel

WASHINGTON- Today, Rep. Walsh sent a clear message to the new Egyptian government that the United States will not continue to provide $2 billion a year in foreign aid if President Mohamed Mursi and the new Egyptian government oppose American interests in the Middle East.

Walsh, along with 35 other members of the House of Representatives, sent a letter to House Leadership that urges them to withhold aid to the new Egyptian government until it reaffirms its treaties with Israel and recognizes Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state.

Since Egypt signed the Camp David Accords in 1979, the U.S. has provided roughly $2 billion a year in aid to Egypt in return for it maintaining peace with Israel.

Joe Walsh visited Israel during his first year in office.

“At a time when our nation is racking up record deficits and American families are struggling under higher taxes and shrinking budgets, the United States needs to start prioritizing foreign aid programs.

“Every tax dollar that goes to propping up a government directly opposed to American interests is a tax dollar wasted. That money should instead be put towards paying down our national debt or providing tax relief to struggling American families.”

Many members of the Muslim Brotherhood have a history of supporting terrorism, and current party leaders have made no conscious move to abandon that legacy.

President Mursi has spoken noxiously about American policy in the Middle East, referred to Israelis as “tyrants,” and expressed doubts that the 9/11 attacks were carried out by terrorists.

The President has also been quoted as stating that he favors normalizing relations with Iran, including expanding areas of political and economic cooperation in order to create a balance of pressure in the region.

Of greatest concern are reports that President Mursi revealed that the Camp David Peace Accords with Israel “will be reviewed.”

“Israel is a critical strategic partner for the U.S. in the Middle East.

“Only a strong, secure Israel will bring lasting peace to the Middle East.

“We would like to continue an open, working relationship with the new Egyptian government.

“But it must choose to work with the United States to continue to promote peace and stability in the region. Any future foreign aid packages must be contingent on these actions.”