John Sununu and Israel: A Singular Voting Record
Listed in: Israel, NJDC News, Press Releases
Washington, DC: The overwhelming majority of American Jews share widespread support for many central issues, such as supporting reproductive rights, strengthening environmental safeguards, and maintaining America's strong support for Israel. In New Hampshire, a wide chasm separates the positions of Republican candidate John Sununu and Democratic candidate Jeanne Shaheen on these issues. But when it comes to his voting record on Israel, John Sununu has truly distinguished himself as one of a very special few.
"With only a week to go before election day, it is crucial that American Jews understand the truth about what's at stake in various elections around the country. And the truth is that time and time again, on bill after bill, John Sununu cast unfortunate votes that placed him in a tiny minority when Congress turned its attention to Israel, America's close strategic partner in the Middle East," National Jewish Democratic Council Executive Director Ira N. Forman said today.
"Every member of Congress would like to have the visibility of being 'one in a hundred,'" Mr. Forman continued. "But precious few would want Mr. Sununu's 'one in a hundred' profile on Israel. Out of 435 members of the U.S. House, Mr. Sununu was one of only five House members who voted not to criticize the UN for passing a virulently anti-Israel resolution [H. Con. Res. 117, 1999]. Mr. Sununu was also one of only five House members who voted against a resolution urging the State Department to demand information from Lebanon, Syria, and the Palestinian Authority about three Israeli MIA's [HR 1175, 1999]. And yet again, he was one of only five representatives to send a February 16, 2000 letter to President Clinton condemning 'Israel's targeting of Lebanese civilians.'
"Similarly, Mr. Sununu was one of only 17 representatives to oppose a resolution affirming Jerusalem as Israel's undivided capital [H. Con. Res. 60, 1997]; he was one of only 24 members who voted against a resolution opposing a unilateral Palestinian declaration of statehood [H. Con. Res. 24, 1999]; and again he was one of only 27 members who opposed a bill stating that it is 'U.S. policy to oppose the unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state' [HR 5272, 2000].
"When it comes to Israel, Mr. Sununu's record truly stands out - in a most unflattering way," Mr. Forman added.
