The House voted Tuesday to further choke off the flow of U.S. aid to the Hamas-controlled Palestinian Authority, drawing the displeasure of the Bush administration and dividing the pro-Israel lobbying community.

The measure, approved 361-37, would cut off aid to non-governmental groups working in the West Bank and Gaza except for health programs and would deny visas to members of the Palestinian Authority. It also would ban contacts with Hamas because of its classification as a terrorist organization and limit the president’s authority to waive the aid bans.

The White House, which has already cut off funds for the Hamas-led government until it recognizes Israel’s right to exist and renounces acts of terrorism, criticized the bill as unneeded and overreaching in its restrictions.

“The issue is not Hamas,” said Rep. David Price, D-North Carolina, a critic of the bill. “The issue is rather the bill’s ban on aid to all non-governmental groups, private groups and organizations, many of whom are diametrically opposed to Hamas’s philosophy.”

http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/05/23/news/hamas.php

I can’t believe this bill was even considered, much less passed by such a resounding majority in the house. To cut off all money to private groups trying to make a difference is completely illogical. It is impossible for me to follow their reasoning. They disagree with Hamas, ignore the fact that they were put into power primarily because of their humanitarian work, and decide the best way to provoke change is to try and make their lives worse.

Where are the christian groups protesting this bill? Oh, I know. They are busy claiming that “they” are going to make Mother’s and Father’s day cards disappear (Richard Land).