Congressman's Move to Enforce Libya Settlement Survives...So Far (updated)

By Andrew Cochran

Last week, I reported here on the effort by Rep. John Sweeney to enforce the settlement between Libya and the families whose loved ones died at the hands of Libyan terrorists on PanAm Flight 103 and elsewhere. Rep. Sweeney proposed to block the normalization of relations with Libya, including the removal of Libya from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, until Libya made the final settlement payment to the families. It appeared that Rep. Sweeney's surprise proposal (the Bush Administration didn't know about it until the last minute) might lead to opposition from the Administration and certain House Members, due to concern over the possible impact on the diplomatic process to normalize relations. After much backstage wrangling and public pressure, it appears more likely this morning that the Sweeney amendment, Section 626 of the Science, State, Justice, Commerce appropriations bill, will survive and be enacted by the House before consideration by the Senate. Here is a "Washington Post" article today which reports Libya's disclaimer of any official responsibility for any remaining payment, coupled with an expectation by the State Department and some family members that Libya will still make the final payment on the settlement. The Sweeney amendment still must be adopted by the Senate, and opposition to it by key Senators and commercial interests is still quite possible. UPDATE: Rep. Sweeney addressed the House on his proposal, and passage by the House is now assured with the support of other key Members.

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