[Peace-discuss] Rep. Peter DeFazio joins non-participation in #BibiBluster

[Robert Naiman]

This is not yet reflected in The Hill's whip list of people not attending
the speech, which of course bears no relationship whatsoever to any actions
organized by the Irish Land League against the agent of an absentee
landlord in Ireland in 1880.

http://thehill.com/homenews/house/232160-whip-list-dems-skipping-netanyahu-speech

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Congressman Peter DeFazio" <or04ima at mail.house.gov>
Date: Feb 13, 2015 1:33 PM
Subject: Reply from Congressman Peter DeFazio

 Dear Rabbi Harris:

    Thank you for contacting me with your concerns regarding Israeli Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's invitation to address Congress at a joint
session. We are in complete agreement on this issue. I will not be
attending this address to Congress on March 3rd and I also signed a letter
led by my colleague Rep. Keith Ellison requesting that Speaker Boehner
postpone this invitation.

    Unfortunately, this speech to Congress by Mr. Netanyahu could not come
at a more critical time in the Middle East. It appears that Mr. Netanyahu
will use this opportunity to forestall President Obama's efforts to
conclude very difficult negotiations with Iran that would impose strict
limits in developing their nuclear weapons capability. I have been very
supportive of the President's leadership in pursuing a diplomatic solution
to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capability.

    Mr. Netanyahu will no doubt urge Congress to pass legislation that
imposes more restrictive sanctions on Iran and override a Presidential
veto. I do not think it is appropriate at this time for Congress to
consider implementing tighter sanctions in the midst of U.S. led
negotiations with Iran. Almost all sanctions on Iran remain in place and if
they violate the terms of the interim agreement at any time the President
and Congress can rescind the modest sanctions relief put in place during
the talks. The Obama administration should utilize all available tools of
diplomacy to resolve the crisis over Iran's nuclear program and to prevent
another costly war in the Middle East.

    Lastly, Mr. Netanyahu's appearance before Congress was not coordinated
at all with the White House (a break from diplomatic protocol) and comes
two weeks before an election in Israel in which he is a candidate. His
address could appear as if the U.S. Congress is offering him symbolic
political support in his reelection thereby exerting influence on a foreign
country's democratic elections. The U.S.-Israel relationship is far too
important for this type of blunder which is why I joined the Ellison letter
requesting that Speaker Boehner postpone this invitation until after the
Israeli elections and the conclusion of the U.S. negotiations with Iran.

    Thanks again for contacting me. You can be sure that I will continue to
support sensible foreign policy that does not move the U.S. closer to a
military confrontation with Iran.

Sincerely,

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE PETER DeFAZIO
Fourth Congressional District, Oregon
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