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.

[Rockitz]

Let's hope Powell and State don't muck it up!

[Grampa Dave]

I don't know, probably Marx or Clintoon?

[nicmarlo]

: )

[jimfree]

Thanks Adam. I've been using the Little Red Hen analogy for a couple weeks.

[maestro]

BTTT,........................BUMP!!

I like your handle,...'YepYep'.

:-)

[Kudsman]

Should not the 12 Representatives that voted "no" be ostracized just as France, Germany, Russia and Syria. For goodness sakes, they're right in our country feigning that they our friends/allies.

I would like to see who exactly the 12 are. I would also be interested in seeing who voted down including China. That is the type of vote I would remember come November.

[Kudsman]

The other half are probably from mine. The Empire State. You know that riles the commies. Bet you Hinchey, Nadler, Velasquez, and Conyers are there.

[Stavka2]

Or...enough US companies have themselves chained to China, that to pass this would mean the loss of future donations to various Congressional funds.

[Kudsman]

Thanks. Guess I should read all posts before commenting. I am pleasantly surprised not to see the USUAL SUSPECTS. Are any up for re-election this year?

[nicmarlo]

Are any up for re-election this year?

I'll try and get back with you on that....maybe later today if not tomorrow.

[CyberAnt]

And ... only one solution for the senate - we MUST HAVE 61 votes - and that doesn't include those useful idiots who call themselves repubs.

[maestro]

BTTT,........................BUMP!!

I like your handle,...'YepYep'.

:-)

[RusIvan]

But not China?

So China is friend but Russia, France, Germany are not. I don't understand that logic.

[Centurion2000]

SWEET !!!!

[Grampa Dave]

We have two great states re our representation in Congress.

[maestro]

BTTT,........................BUMP!!

I like your handle,...'YepYep'.

:-)

[Democratshavenobrains]

Like their hero Daschle, DUh is saddened by this news.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/duforum/DCForumID61/22270.html

[Mortimer Snavely]

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

Good heavens, man, you've broken the secret code! You're not supposed to be able to figure things like that out, you know.

[maestro]

To: YepYep

BTTT,........................BUMP!!

I like your handle,...'YepYep'.

:-)

[knighthawk]

Great news!