House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is reportedly angry over the Obama administration’s move. Aw, poor baby.
Anyone still believing in a two-state solution, wanting a semblance of strength from Palestinians that is the only way to accomplish this through a real partner, had to take sides with the Administration’s long view versus the ideologically framed short view of Ros-Lehtinen.
It’s not about oversight it’s about constituency stubbornness and the appetite for cutting off Israel’s hopes to spite Palestinians needs.
Secy. Clinton exercised her power by moving ahead with $147 million in aid, because Clinton’s job is diplomacy, which is what the aid package is about.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is allowing U.S. funds to flow to the West Bank and Gaza despite a hold by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., a rare display of executive-branch authority that angered the key lawmaker concerned about protecting her congressional oversight role.
A State Department official said that a letter was delivered on Tuesday to key members of Congress informing them of Clinton’s decision to move forward with the $147 million package of the fiscal year 2011 economic support funds for the Palestinian people, despite Ros-Lehtinen’s hold. Administrations generally do not disburse funding over the objections of lawmakers on relevant committees.
The funds deliver “critical support to the Palestinian people and those leaders seeking to combat extremism within their society and build a more stable future. Without funding, our programs risk cancellation,” the official, who was not authorized to speak about the issue, said in an e-mail. “Such an occurrence would undermine the progress that has been made in recent years in building Palestinian institutions and improving stability, security, and economic prospects, which benefits Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
What say you, Solo? Can you spin this one in a negative light? Get that thing outta your mouth and let us hear from you.
Plus Hillary looks fabulous in this photo as she does what is right for America, Israel, and Palestine and sticks it to Republicans. Patriot.
Thanks goodness there is an unapologetic adult in this administration.