1997 Ron Paul 71:1
Mr. PAUL.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to House Concurrent Resolution 133 expressing the sense of Congress with regard to the terrorist bombing in the Jerusalem marketplace.
1997 Ron Paul 71:2
Certainly, I can agree with the language in the resolution that this attack is a violent, vicious, and reprehensible assault upon the individual citizens in Israel. For the victims and the victims’ families I have the utmost sympathy. However, while expressing my sincerest personal condolences to these families and victims, I, at the same time, take very seriously my oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution.
1997 Ron Paul 71:3
Insofar as H. Con Res. 133 “[u]ges the President and appropriate Executive agencies to provide all appropriate assistance to the government of Israel . . . [and] . . . bring to justice the terrorist leaders . . . [and] . . . prevent such terrorist acts in the future,” I am unable to vote in favor of this Resolution. Constitutionally, it is not within the enumerated powers of the National Government to police the world. At the same time we are asked to support this resolution to urge intervention by the United States Government to “prevent such terrorist acts in the future” in Israel, would we be so receptive to allowing foreign entities to, for example, intervene to bring to justice the individual who initiated the bombing in Atlanta, GA, during the recent Olympic games.
1997 Ron Paul 71:4
It is not the responsibility of foreign governments to police the United States and constitutionally, it is not the responsibility of the United States to police the world. Mr. Speaker, for these reasons and with the deepest regrets for the victims and families of this act of brutality in Jerusalem, I oppose passage of H. Con. Res. 133.
Note:
1997 Ron Paul Chapter 71
The text of this chapter was inserted in CongressionalRecord as an extension of remarks, and was not spoken on the House floor.
