Influence Alley

Lawmakers did manage to vote on a couple of things before leaving town last Friday, including swift passage of a House resolution that expresses "unwavering support"  for Israel's "welfare and security."

But not all members are happy about it. Lame duck Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, objected to what he called a “one-sided” resolution that was passed as bombs were being dropped on Gaza and missiles were launched toward Ashkelon.

In a statement released yesterday, Kucinich notes the bill was introduced and agreed to — without objection — in about a minute.

“There was no notice, no committee hearing, no discussion, and no debate,” he said, adding, “Innocent people on both sides deserve to live without fear. Can the House leadership spare a minute for that point to be made?”

The text of the resolution, which reiterates that Hamas is a designated terrorist organization, states that the House "recognizes and strongly supports" Israel's "right to act in self-defense" and calls upon Hamas to stop rocket and missile attacks against Israel.

The violence has escalated since Friday. As of yesterday, more than 130 Palestinians and five Israelis had been killed. And a bus bombing this morning in central Tel Aviv left at least 22 people wounded.