Long Island Reps. Carolyn McCarthy and Gary Ackerman both saw their international resolutions pass the House yesterday, ensuring that Congress expressed its support for the Good Friday peace agreement in Northern Ireland and its desire to see the release of three Israeli soldiers captured last summer.
McCarthy (D-Mineola) offered Irish-themed legislation that everyone could get behind, commending the efforts of the British and Irish prime ministers and Northern Irish political parties in the run-up to the formation of a new assembly for the province.
"Congress seized an opportunity to make a difference in Ireland by helping to galvanize the momentum with today's vote," McCarthy said in a statement.
The resolution passed 419 to 1. Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) voted "nay." Paul, a libertarian and Republican presidential contender, is known for voting against bills he thinks go beyond the role of the government.
Ackerman (D-Jamaica Estates) demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Gilad Shalit, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, whose capture last summer by Hamas and Hezbollah sparked a 34-day war.
"We cannot compel such parties to release Gilad, Ehud and Eldad any more than we can force them to understand the difference between right and wrong. You can not disgrace someone incapable of shame," Ackerman said in the debate on the resolution.
"But we can, and we must stand by our ally, the State of Israel. America has had painfully similar experiences at the hands of the same culprits. Out of our own bitter experience, we can express our sympathy, and our concern for the captives, and for their families."
The resolution was approved unanimously by a voice vote.
Louise Radnofsky