HOUSE COMMITTEE VOTES TO WITHOLD FUNDS FOR DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH LIBYA

On June 9, I wrote to you with my views on the opening of diplomatic relations with Libya. While the country has given up its weapons of mass destruction, it has not yet fulfilled its obligations to the families of the victims of the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing, for which Libya has admitted responsibility. I believe that the U.S. should not accept the credentials of Libyan diplomats until their government fulfills its promises to these families (see full story).

I am happy to report that the House Appropriations Committee has adopted an amendment that withholds all funding for any activity related to restoring diplomatic relations with Libya until they fulfill their commitments to the families of the victims of Pan Am Flight 103.  Earlier this month, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution calling on the President to deny credentials for Libyan diplomats until Libya resolves this issue.  A similar resolution is pending the House.

I will continue to demand that Libya fulfill its commitments for its past atrocities.  Only then can the U.S. restore diplomatic relations with this country. 

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