Kucinich Speaks Out Against Congress' Blind Support of Israel

Editor's Note: The following is a press release from the office of Rep. Dennis Kucinich

Congressman Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, today spoke out against a resolution affirming U.S. support for Israel's military action in Gaza. While a firm supporter of the people of Israel and a critic of rocket attacks by Hamas militants, Kucinich led opposition against the incomplete resolution.

HR 34, "Supporting Israel in Its Battle with Terrorist Hamas," is incomplete because it does not address the humanitarian crisis of Palestinians in Gaza, fails to insist on an immediate cease-fire and neglects Israel's potential violation of the Arms Export and Control Act, which governs U.S. arms exports to foreign countries.

The AECA requires that each nation that receives a shipment of arms from the United State must certify that the weapons are used for internal security and legitimate self-defense and that their use does not lead to an escalation of conflict. Kucinich informed the administration of Israel's possible violation of AECA through Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Jan. 6, 2009. Kucinich has yet to receive a response.

The full text of Kucinich's statement: