[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 7] [House] [Pages 9433-9436] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]CONGRATULATING ISRAEL ON OECD MEMBERSHIP Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1391) congratulating Israel for its accession to membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the resolution. The text of the resolution is as follows: H. Res. 1391 Whereas Israel first sent an observer delegation to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 1994, and first began actively seeking to join the OECD in 2000, when it met the OECD's membership requirements relating to industrial and per-capita product criteria; Whereas in May 2006, the OECD adopted in full the Report by the Working Party on the Implications of Future Enlargement on OECD Governance, stating that expanding membership is vital to the organization; Whereas Israel has been the most active nonmember country in the OECD, is a member, observer, or ad hoc observer in dozens of working bodies, is party to various OECD declarations, and is already in compliance with multiple OECD standards; Whereas Israel's tax burden, encompassing income and property taxes, customs duties, value-added taxes, and national insurance, is much lower than in most OECD member states; Whereas the World Bank ranks Israel among the 30 countries in which it is easiest to do business, and ranks Israel as tied for fourth in ease of getting credit and tied for fifth in protection of investors; Whereas in 2010, the World Economic Forum ranked Israel 27th out of 133 countries in its Growth Competitiveness Index, and in particular ranked Israel third in quality of scientific research institutions, fourth in utility patents, fifth in strength of investor protection, fifth in the Forum's legal rights index, seventh in life expectancy, ninth in innovation, 15th in financial market sophistication, 15th in availability of the latest technologies, and 15th in judicial independence; Whereas the World Economic Forum ranked Israel 28th out of 133 countries in its 2009-2010 Networked Readiness Index and 29th out of 121 in its 2009 Enabling Trade Index; Whereas Israel has carried out far-reaching economic reforms in recent years with respect to taxes, labor, competition, capital markets, pension funds, energy, infrastructures, communications, transport, housing, and other fields, growing its private sector and streamlining its public sector; Whereas Israel is a world leader in science and technology and is home to the most high-technology start-up companies, scientific publications, and research and development spending per capita; Whereas membership in the OECD will likely strengthen the position of Israel in the global economy and within international financial institutions, solidify Israel's transition from an emerging market to an advanced economy, and encourage increased foreign direct investment in Israel; Whereas Israel's accession to membership in the OECD will strengthen the OECD because of Israel's high living standards, free and stable markets, and commitment to democracy, human rights, and freedom; Whereas Israel's economic and technological standing will likely benefit OECD member states in innovation, in research and development, and in the science and technology, including high-technology, sectors; Whereas Israel is a strong ally and friend of the United States and supports the United States in international organizations more consistently than any other country; Whereas, on November 8, 2005, the House of Representatives unanimously adopted H. Res. 38, and on May 3, 2007, the Senate by unanimous consent adopted S. Res. 188, in support of Israel's accession to membership in the OECD; Whereas in May 2007, during the annual meeting of the OECD's ministerial council, OECD member states invited Israel to open talks for accession to membership in that organization; Whereas the Secretary-General of the OECD, Angel Gurria, has supported Israel's candidacy for accession to OECD membership and worked to ensure that Israel's candidacy was not politicized, and was judged by objective economic and democratic standards; Whereas the United States has supported Israel's candidacy for accession to OECD membership; Whereas, on May 10, 2010, the 31 OECD member states unanimously agreed to invite Israel to become a member of that organization, with the OECD noting in a statement that ``Israel's scientific and technological policies have produced outstanding outcomes on a world scale.''; Whereas, on May 10, 2010, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted regarding Israel's accession to OECD membership that ``Israel's accession to the OECD has strategic importance for the process of positioning Israel's economy as a developed and advanced economy, as well as in attracting international investments . . . There is still work to be done. We have done a great deal. We are doing a great deal; and we will do a great deal . . . so that we can be on the list of leading countries, among the 15 most advanced countries in the world. This goal is possible and it won't take us too many years to accomplish.''; Whereas Israel will be welcomed into the OECD during the annual meeting of that organization's ministerial council on May 27, 2010, and will fully accede to membership once it passes the requisite enacting legislation, a process that is likely to be completed within months; and Whereas Israel continues to pursue further opportunities to accede to membership or enhance its participation, as the case may be, in international forums: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) congratulates Israel for its accession to membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD); (2) commends the 31 nations of the OECD, as well as OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria, for recognizing Israel's economic success as well as its commitment to the principles of democratic government and market economy by unanimously electing Israel to OECD membership; (3) recognizes the importance of the strong role played by the United States in Israel's successful bid for accession to membership in the OECD; and (4) calls on responsible nations to support efforts by Israel to accede to membership or enhance its participation, as the case may be, in international forums. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros- Lehtinen) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Nevada. General Leave Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from Nevada? There was no objection. Ms. BERKLEY. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. Israel's accession to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a prestigious group of the world's most advanced economies, is a monumental achievement and is testimony to Israel's remarkable economic success and diplomatic acumen. The unanimous decision by the 31 member states of the OECD to accept Israel is a recognition of Israel's economic strength as well as of its democracy and of its ability to contribute to the organization and to the world's economy. Israel was one of the few economies in the world to have positive economic growth in the midst of last year's global economic crisis, and it is expected to grow at least 3.5 percent in 2010. As a member of the OECD, Israel will be in an even better position to advance key economic sectors of its economy, including technology, medicine and agriculture. This will prove beneficial, not only to the State of Israel but, as the record of Israeli entrepreneurial creativity attests, to the entire world. Mr. Speaker, Israel's accession to the OECD is an important achievement for the State of Israel, and it also demonstrates the importance of U.S. engagement in multilateral organizations. Without the emphatic support of the Obama administration's delegation to the OECD, Israel almost certainly would still be waiting at the organization's door, knocking to come in. I would like to congratulate and thank our OECD mission in Paris for their hard work. This strong team of diplomats worked tirelessly to support Israel's OECD candidacy, and it dutifully ensured that Israel's candidacy was not politicized and that it was judged by objective economic and democratic standards. [[Page 9434]] Mr. Speaker, the lesson from this victory is clear: U.S. engagement works. Without a strong presence at this international organization, we risk leaving our ally Israel to battle alone against its many biased critics. It is important to remember that maintaining a strong U.S. voice in international organizations isn't important just for America's interest but for Israel's interest as well. I want to thank the Obama administration for their strong support for Israel at the OECD, and I look forward to working with them to ensure that there is the same support going forward at the OECD, at the U.N., and at other multilateral organizations. The unanimous vote by OECD members to admit Israel not only highlights Israel's growing global economic importance, which it certainly does and is, but it also represents an important sign that the U.S., when properly engaged, can help to defeat the unrelenting efforts of Israel's detractors and, may I say, haters. I would like to thank my dear friend, Ranking Member Ileana Ros- Lehtinen, for introducing this important resolution and for making Israel's accession to the OECD possible. I encourage all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this resolution. I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank my good friend, the lovely lady from Nevada (Ms. Berkley), for those kind words. Mr. Speaker, we have got a good, strong partnership when it comes to promoting the ideals of freedom, democracy and the rule of law; and in that category, Israel will always stand out. I am proud, obviously, to support this resolution, which I authored and sponsored, House Resolution 1391, which congratulates Israel on being approved for membership in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The OECD brings together governments committed to democracy and a market economy in advancing freedom and in advancing prosperity. The recent unanimous support of OECD member states for Israel's membership is a well-deserved seal of approval for Israel, one that can reinforce its progress and that will benefit both Israel and the members of the OECD. Mr. Speaker, the history of Israel's pursuit of membership in the OECD speaks volumes about the nature of Israel, also, lamentably, of the Palestinian leadership and of the U.S. engagement in international organizations. Israel, the free, democratic country that it is, pursued OECD membership, not with a sense of entitlement but with patience and eagerness to demonstrate its eligibility and its competence in improving herself in the process. Israel first sent an observer delegation to the OECD in 1994. In the 16 years since that time, Israel has carried out far-reaching economic reforms with respect to taxes, labor, competition, capital markets, pension funds, energy, communications, transport, and housing. Mr. Speaker, the list goes on and on. {time} 1100 It has grown its now-booming private sector and streamlined its overgrown public sector. Its tax burden is much lower than that of most OECD member states. Israel is now a world leader in science, technology, and entrepreneurship, home to the most high technology startup companies, scientific publications, and research and development spending per capita. And it has been the most active nonmember country in the OECD, becoming a member or an observer in dozens of working bodies, a party to numerous OECD declarations, and coming into compliance with multiple OECD standards. Israel also continues to uphold the democratic values of its founding with a vibrant political system, a robust and autonomous judiciary, and a commitment to human rights. In short, Israel's democracy, its prosperity, and its freedom are a model for many nations and many people. Israel has clearly made its case for OECD membership. The Palestinian leadership, in contrast, has spent the last 16 years demonstrating time after time that it never misses an opportunity to miss an opportunity. It has rejected every offer of peace from Israel. It has refused to recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. It has failed to crack down on violent extremism and anti-Israel incitement. Indeed, it has even tolerated and encouraged such behavior. It has supported boycotts of Israeli goods, and the Palestinian Authority's prime minister, whom some consider a moderate, even participated in a mass burning of such goods. And it has consistently tried to use international organizations, from the U.N. General Assembly to the Human Rights Council, with its infamous Goldstone Report, to the International Criminal Court, to demonize and delegitimize Israel. The Palestinian Authority tried hard to block Israel's candidacy for membership in the OECD, with the same Palestinian Authority prime minister personally lobbying foreign governments to oppose Israel's membership. Is this a partner for peace, Mr. Speaker? But it gets worse. A former Palestinian Authority foreign minister and senior associate of Abu Mazen announced just last week that the Palestinian Authority was intensifying its diplomatic and economic offensive against Israel. He said the Palestinian Authority needed ``to increase our efforts in the international arena to isolate and punish Israel, prevent it from deepening its relations with the European Union, and attempt to expel it from the United Nations.'' He continues, ``We must pursue Israel in all international bodies and institutions.'' And Palestinian leaders keep threatening violence to extract concessions. Instead of focusing on building a better future for its people, the Palestinian leaders are focusing on tearing down that future for Israel and her citizens. This Congress should not reward such behavior by providing yet another $400 million bailout to the West Bank and Gaza, including another $150 million in cash directly to the Palestinian Authority. Finally, Israel's candidacy for OECD membership teaches us a lesson about when and how the U.S. should participate in international forums, and when and how it should not. The OECD is what the U.N. was intended to be, a group of free, Democratic countries cooperating to advance their values and shared interests. It has rigorous membership standards and new members must be approved by all existing members. Its Secretary General has demonstrated commitment to ensuring that Israel's candidacy and other issues are determined on the merits and are not politicized. That is why the U.S. should and does participate in the OECD, including by actively supporting Israel's candidacy for membership. In contrast, the UN's misnamed ``Human Rights Council'' has no meaningful standards for membership, other than the ability to gain the support of a mere majority of the U.N. General Assembly, which itself includes scores of countries that are not free democracies. In the most recent so-called ``elections,'' using the term loosely, to the Human Rights Council earlier this month, every single candidate, no matter how oppressive the government, ran unopposed on previously agreed upon regional slates. That is not democracy. It's what happens in the Castro brothers' Cuba. So it is no surprise that the Cuban regime is a longstanding member of the rogue's gallery that is the Human Rights Council, as are China, Saudi Arabia, and now Qaddafi's Libyan regime. None of these countries ever are condemned by the Human Rights Council for their rampant human rights violations, nor is Iran, nor is Syria. But the Council has devoted 80 percent of its resolutions and about half of its special sessions to bashing the democratic Jewish State of Israel, and it has passed numerous other anti-freedom measures. The administration's decision to join the Council, and the last year of the [[Page 9435]] U.S. membership on that Council, have not changed these grim facts, lamentably. When the deck is stacked, when the fix is in against freedom and against democracy, the answer should be not to participate and instead vote ``no.'' The answer is for the U.S. and other responsible nations to walk out and demand better. Today, however, in this legitimate and distinguished House, I will proudly vote yes on this resolution. I encourage all of my colleagues to do the same. I thank my good friend and colleague from New York, Mr. Crowley, for cosponsoring this resolution with me; I thank our wonderful chairman, Chairman Berman, for agreeing to move it so promptly for floor consideration; and I again thank my good friend from Nevada, Ms. Berkley, for also standing on the side of Israel, always standing on the side of freedom and democracy. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I think it is plain to see from the words of my esteemed colleague, it is plain to see Israel's extraordinary impact on the global economy. Its accession to the OECD will have a positive impact on our global economy at a time when our economy is suffering worldwide. It would be my hope that the Palestinians, rather than to continue to refuse to make peace with Israel, to continue its terrorist attacks on innocent Israelis, its continuance to refuse face-to-face negotiations with the Israelis for peace, to actively incite anti-Semitism and hatred towards Israel, and to continue its attempts to delegitimize Israel's very right to exist, that perhaps instead it would be more worthwhile for the Palestinian people if its leaders would work with Israel to improve its own economic situation, to raise the Palestinian people from the misery, poverty, and squalor in which they live, and in which they continue to live, not because of the Israelis' success, but because of the lack of movement on the part of the Palestinian leadership that continues to use and abuse their own people and attempt to delegitimize Israel's very right to exist. Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 1391, congratulating Israel for its accession to membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. On May 10, 2010, 31 OECD member states unanimously agreed to invite Israel to become a member of that organization. The OECD noted in a statement that ``Israel's scientific and technological policies have produced outstanding outcomes on a world scale.'' Israel's finance minister, Yuval Steinitz, described Israel joining the OECD as ``a badge of honor'' for Israel, which was one of the few economies to show growth in 2009 during the world economic crisis. It is critical to recognize the importance of Israel's involvement now and in the future in international organizations. I stand with my colleagues in commending President Obama and the administration for the integral role it played in Israel's successful bid for accession to membership in the OECD. This only furthers to strengthen the bonds between the United States and Israel. Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1391, a resolution congratulating and commending Israel for its accession to membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, OECD. On May 10th, it was announced that OECD member states had unanimously voted to extend membership to Israel. This landmark vote recognizes Israel's economic strength, and it is a clear victory over efforts to marginalize and delegitimize the country. Israel's accession to the OECD will speed its economic integration into the global community and provide increased opportunities for foreign investment. Despite living under the constant threat of terror and war, Israel has developed one of the world's most robust economies. Last year, Israel boasted one of few economies in the world to show growth during the economic crisis. OECD has predicted a 3.5 percent increase in Israel's economy in 2010. I visited Israel in early April and saw a modern, vibrant economy driven by scientific and technological advancement. While international attention remains fixed on the politics of the region, the OECD vote is a critical recognition of Israel's robust economy and ongoing innovation. Last week, I joined over 30 of my colleagues in signing a letter to President Obama, thanking him for his administration's strong support of Israel's bid, as well as a letter to OECD Secretary-General Angel Guria expressing appreciation for the OECD vote. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support Israel's accession to the OECD, and I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution. Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate our close ally and partner, Israel, for her accession to membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. I also want to thank the Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen for introducing this Resolution, of which I am honored to be an original co-sponsor. Israel first sought membership in OECD 10 years ago, and since then, Israel has been the most active nonmember country. Her aggressive pursuit of far-reaching economic reforms has led to her placement among the top business-friendly countries. Today, Israel is a world leader in providing access to credit markets, investor protections, and financial market sophistication. Her quality of life index also ranks among the top in life expectancy, judicial independence and legal rights. The two pillars of the OECD are a commitment to democratic government and a free-market based economy. Its recognition of Israel's advanced economy, however, has been too long in coming and this delay has subjected Israel to too many politicized attacks from unfriendly nations and multilateral institutions. Now, Israel's membership will strengthen the OECD's strategic economic importance in the world and benefit all members by providing access to Israel's advanced labor market and innovations in science and technology. Their membership also signifies another step forward in the cause to end religious intolerance and anti-Semitic economic and cultural policies. Israel's commitment to our shared values of democracy, human rights, and freedom make her one the most important strategic allies of the United States. We will continue to support Israel in every way possible and work with her to defend herself against the aggressions of all enemies. I call on all responsible nations to do the same and congratulate OECD and Israel for this momentous partnership. Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues in supporting H. Res. 1391, congratulating Israel for its accession to membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, OECD. On May 10, 2010, Israel became the 32nd member of the OECD by unanimous vote of the other members. This is an extraordinary achievement for a small, beleaguered nation that came into existence little more than six decades ago. Sixty-two years ago, Israelis began the difficult process of creating a country from nothing. For more than a thousand years, the territory that is now Israel had been ruled by a series of far-off empires. It had no infrastructure, no history of self-rule, no major industrial base and very few large enterprises. After Israel's establishment in 1948, Israelis created their own institutions from scratch. Israel has grown from an impoverished backwater colony to an economic powerhouse in the region. And although it has fewer natural resources than most nations of the world, it has made the most of what is has, investing in knowledge, development, innovation and medicine. Today, Israel is a center of scientific, medical and technological innovation, a leader in agriculture, water purification, alternative energy and public health. Israel is a flourishing democracy, with a strong free press, a free and independent judiciary and a strong banking system that protects the safety and soundness of its financial institutions. The World Bank ranks Israel among the 30 countries in which it is easiest to do business. It is tied for fourth in ease of getting credit and tied for fifth in protecting investors. Similarly, the World Economic Forum rated Israel fifth of 133 nations on the Forum's legal rights index and 15th in judicial independence and 15th in financial market sophistication. Israel's founders wanted to create an agricultural Garden of Eden-- and since much of its territory consists of desert, its farmers developed techniques for growing crops in arid ground, using very little water. These techniques are now being marketed and used in developing nations across the globe. As part of its acceptance into OECD, Israel has agreed to increase its aid to underdeveloped nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. As part of that promise, Israel will be sending hundreds of experts in agriculture, water, and irrigation to impoverished areas, as well as experts in alternative energy, public health, education, and internal security. By sharing its [[Page 9436]] knowledge, Israel will be helping its neighbors and improving relationships with developing countries. Even before OECD acceptance, Israel astounded the world by arriving in Haiti with a high tech field hospital that was able to perform sophisticated procedures and save lives. With oil-producing nations hostile to it, and very little oil or gas of its own, Israel learned to become energy efficient, using solar power and other alternative fuels. With little land and few natural resources, Israel positioned itself at the cutting edge of technological innovation. Many of the technological innovations we take for granted, including instant messaging, security firewalls, artificial stents, wireless computer chips, were developed in Israel. In 2010, the World Economic Forum ranked Israel 27th out of 133 countries in its Growth Competitiveness Index. Israel ranked third in quality of scientific research institutions, fourth in utility patents, seventh in life expectancy, ninth in innovation, 15th in availability of the latest technologies. Israel leads the world in the number of high-technology start-up companies, scientific publications, and research and development spending per capita. Acceptance in the OECD is a mark of member nations' respect for Israel's economic progress, and it will help Israel attract foreign investors and develop its markets. Membership will enhance Israel's status in the world and will enhance its participation in other international bodies. It is no secret that the Palestinian Authority tried hard to deny Israel membership in the OECD precisely because they were concerned that OECD membership would enhance Israel's reputation in the world and strengthen its ties with other nations around the globe. Mr. Speaker, Israel's accession to the OECD is a remarkable achievement. I am pleased to join my colleagues in saluting Israel's success and in expressing appreciation to the OECD members for their unanimous decision to accept Israel as a member. For all of the foregoing reasons, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 1391. Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1391, a resolution congratulating Israel on its accession to membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Membership in the OECD, which includes the United States and most of the nations in the European Union, will yield greater stability and security for Israel. However, like many Israelis, I believe that true long-term stability and security for Israel depends upon a peaceful relationship with its Palestinian neighbors. The OECD stated values include ``a commitment to pluralist democracy based on the rule of law and the respect of human rights.'' As such, the body has a responsibility to ensure its members uphold and comply with those values. Absent from the debate on this resolution was the revelation that the economic data submitted to the OECD for membership included Israeli citizens living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, in violation of OECD's own values and international law. The submission of this data did not thwart Israel's acceptance into the OECD; however, continued illegal settlement building in the Occupied Territories and the debilitating blockade of Gaza does thwart Israel's long-term security. The acceptance into the OECD despite this data sends a signal to members of the international community that they can violate international law and be rewarded for it. Furthermore, it threatens to undermine the fragile proximity talks facilitated by U.S. Special Envoy George Mitchell, as settlement building continues to be a main obstacle to progress. Stability is not secured solely through economic growth. Anyone truly supportive of Israel must work with the Israeli government to bring it closer to a just and peaceful resolution with its Palestinian neighbors. I support a strong Israel. I believe that Israel's position in the international community can be strengthened by a demonstrated commitment to human rights and international law. Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my congratulations to the state of Israel on its acceptance into the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. This shows a great triumph for the country of Israel, and I congratulate them on their prestigious achievement. On May 10, the 31 states in the OECD unanimously agreed to invite Israel to become a member, noting the country's ``scientific and technological policies have produced outstanding outcomes on a world scale.'' On May 27, Israel officially joined. The fact that Israel is now a member of the OECD is proof that, despite hardships and struggle, Israel has become a thriving and prosperous democracy. It has made important contributions in technology, medicine, agriculture and environmental innovation, worldwide. I am proud to see that these contributions are being acknowledged. I also want to recognize President Obama and Secretary Clinton for their strong efforts ensure this happened. This victory for Israel is equally a victory for our country. Congratulations, too, to the participating countries in the OECD for their ability to see past the possible politicization of this offer. The OECD was responsible and fair in its assessment of Israel's qualifications, focusing on what matters: economic and democratic standards. But even as we stand here to recognize the Jewish State's achievement, we must remember that Israel, one of our strongest and most consistent allies, still continues to face attacks from hostile neighbors and challenges in its dealings with the rest of the world. We must continue to be supportive allies to the Jewish State. Though Israel has made this significant advancement, threats still exist, and we must ensure that anti-Israel and anti-Semitic sentiments do not dictate Israel's viability as a strong, democratic nation. Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1391, as amended. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed. ____________________