US Congress bans France, Germany, Russia, Syria from rebuilding Iraq

Agence France-Presse | April 4, 2003

[HAL9000]

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The House of Representatives late Thursday passed a supplementary budget amendment excluding France, Germany, Russia and Syria from taking part in US-funded reconstruction bids in Iraq, because they opposed the US-led war in Iraq.

Proposed by Minnesota congressman Mark Kennedy, a Republican unrelated to the famous Kennedy clan, and passed by show of hands, the measure would even bar access by the four countries to information on reconstruction bids in Iraq.

The Kennedy amendment stipulated "that none of the funds made available in the bill for reconstruction efforts in Iraq may be used to procure goods or services from any entity that includes information on a response to a Request for Proposal (RFP) that indicates that such entity is organized under the laws of France, Germany, the Russian Federation, or Syria."

A similar amendment from Washington state congressman George Nethercutt, also Republican, that included China, was voted down.

"This amendment sends a signal to our allies that we appreciate those who support us in our time of need and remember those that have sought to thwart coalition efforts to defeat Saddam Hussein's regime," Nethercutt said of his measure.

"The coalition of the unwilling should not participate in reconstruction with US tax dollars," he added.

The Kennedy amendmend was included in a supplemental budget amendment authorizing 77.9 billion dollars in funding to cover the costs of war in Iraq and the start of reconstruction in Iraq passed by the House by a 414-12 vote.

The Senate late Thursday also passed its own version of the supplemental budget amendment totaling 78.7 billion dollars.

The two versions will then have to be reconciled and approved again by each body before being sent to the White House to be signed by US President George W. Bush.

[bart99]

I think China was just going to abstain..... they didn't have much business dealings with Iraq to protect like the others.

[bart99]

God.... why am I up at 4:25 AM reading this stuff when I could be sleeping or watching the stuff on TV? *L*

Must be the comraderie (sp?)

[struwwelpeter]

Sorry, it was a nekkid lady eating soup... one of those late night boo-boos. Had to hurry up and rename.

[maestro]

The New 'EU' and the 'Soviet' voto form the new 'nation' of old socialism.

The U.N. has become a EUropean,....'U.N.'

Therefore, even a 5/1 Security Council is for all 'practical' purposes,....'GONE'.

(The U.N. 'is' out of control.)

The 'EU' has a new toy'.

Bottom Line:
France, Germany, Russia, Syria,....should NOT build 'anything' while the U.N. still stands!

(Just my opinion.)

[fly_so_free]

Good for the House. These countries put our troops in danger. THIS BETTER PASS IN THE SENATE.....

[JoJo Gunn]

[mercy]

You're kidding!? This is an April fool's joke right? It can't be true. Does the Senate have to ratify it? God, I hope not.

[Memother]

If true, justice!!!!!!

[laz17]

THIS BETTER PASS IN THE SENATE.....

D@sshole will be saddened and deeply concerned if it does.

[Jason Kauppinen]

Where's the link to the story????

[ppaul]

"As soon as Saddam Hussein's regime falls, the work to build a new,
free and united Iraq will begin. A peaceful, prosperous Iraq which will
be run by and for the Iraqi people, not by America, not by Britain,
not by the U.N."
-- Tony Blair

[nicmarlo]

Coalition of the WILLING bump!

[libertylover]

"The coalition of the unwilling should not participate in reconstruction with US tax dollars,"

Hear, hear!

[WaterDragon]

Wonderful! And it isn't merely a matter of revenge. Those nations will surely do all they can to sabotage our efforts to help the Iraqis build a democratic government because those nations make more money off corrupt dictatorships, they think.

[a_Turk]

How can you bar Chinese involvement when everything you yourselves use from nails to flags are made in China?

Barring China would effectively bar US reconstruction of Irak...

[kanawa]

American manufacturers of nails: http://www.constructionsupplieshq.com/keyword_Nails.html

[Grampa Dave]

There will be no soup for our other enemies. However, GW has a roll for each one of the loser countries!

[jonatron]

I love our GOP House!

...A similar amendment from Washington state congressman George Nethercutt, also Republican, that included China, was voted down.