U.S. Congress' amendment

U.S. Congress' amendment

The amendment that was passed by the United States House of
Representatives should not be interpreted too broadly in its
condemnation of Indonesia. The amendment to the Foreign Policy
Reform Act was in fact a Sense of Congress Amendment. Many of
these types of amendments are passed during each congressional
session and attempt to reflect congressional opinion rather than
a legal position.

Although the amendment was passed unanimously, it does not
mean that every member of the House actually voted for its
passage. Unanimous more often than not refers to a simple voice
vote or a bloc of amendments that were passed by voice vote.

Finally the amendment was placed onto the bill under the use
of the "open rule", meaning that any amendment could be attached
by introduction, thereby bypassing the rules committee which
would normally oversee which amendments can be added. This
seldom-used rule was apparently employed to assure swift passage
of the Reform Act in the House so that it could go on to the
Senate and then the conference committee where it would be
finalized.

This bill must still overcome many hurdles before it becomes
law. At each of these stages the amendment could be dropped or
diluted by members who support a strong relationship with
Indonesia. I have heard from several congressional analysts that
this amendment was added as a sense of congress amendment in
order to stifle Patrick Kennedy who does not necessarily enjoy
wide support or respect from other members of the House even
those within his party.

Although this amendment does express congressional concern
about alleged human rights abuses in Indonesia it should not be
interpreted too broadly. Nor does the bill necessarily reflect as
strong a consensus of opinion as the unanimous title suggests.

The Indonesian government, its private sector companies and
its citizens must remain diligent in their efforts to strive for
stronger relations with the United States. We should not be
deterred by the ignorant efforts of one Congressman, pandering to
his constituents, looking for greater personal glory while trying
to achieve higher office.

ARIAN ARDIE

Jakarta