[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 7] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 9175-9176] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN GAZA MUST BE IMPROVED ______ HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH of ohio in the house of representatives Wednesday, May 14, 2008 Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, since late January 2008, the 1.5 million people in Gaza have been enduring an Israeli-imposed blockade. The blockade effectively restricts the entry of food, clean water, fuel, and medical supplies. The lack of basic goods has severely deteriorated Gaza's health, social fabric, and economy. The World Bank reports that since Hamas ousted Fatah from Gaza last June, 90 percent of businesses have shut down, costing workers more than 100,000 jobs. Due to the closure of Gaza's borders and its inability to import raw materials, farmers and businesses are unable to produce and export their goods leaving nearly half a million people without an income. I encourage the Bush Administration to do everything it possibly can to improve the economic livelihood of Gaza's population so that they do not become the tragic victims of Israel's national security policies. In particular, the Bush Administration should consider: Expanding the list of food items permissible for import into Gaza. Presently only twelve basic food items are allowed entry into Gaza and this does not include salt or cattle; Allowing entry of seed, seedlings, fertilizers, and chemicals necessary for farmers to continue growing basic goods for humanitarian needs and consumption; Permitting the entry of raw materials intended for use by private sector Gaza-based factories. More than 800 factories have been shut down in Gaza since the blockade, exacerbating its unemployment conditions; Extending, on an urgent basis, the reach of recently launched West Bank initiatives of the small loans and mortgage funding in order to [[Page 9176]] provide micro-lending to small businesses and to stimulate peaceful economic activities; Encouraging, and allowing entry of, European and other foreign technical staff to enter Gaza and engage in assisting the private sector as well as non-governmental organizations in Gaza; and Permitting entry of construction materials into Gaza necessary for the completion of $300 million dollars worth of projects which have been suspended due to material shortages. These projects fall under the umbrella of international organizations including the United Nations Relief Works Agency, the United Nations Development Program, and the World Bank. The necessary materials can be earmarked for specific projects and their implementation can be supervised by these international organizations thereby avoiding improper usage. I urge the U.S. Administration to help end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ensure the health, safety, and security for Palestinians and Israelis. ____________________