Wolf is trying to shut us down!

So my day at work today has been extremely busy,  but I may be out of a job soon, thanks to Virgina congressman Frank R. Wolf.

WOLF: SUSPEND MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE FUNDING FOR MOROCCO
Recent Deportation of Americans Raises Questions

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) today said that Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) funding for Morocco should be withheld in light of the recent deportation of approximately 40 Americans, many of whom had lived in the country for years.


In a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Wolf wrote that until the government of Morocco demonstrates that it is following its own laws and abiding by principles of due process, MCC funding should be suspended.  The United States has pledged more than $697 million in MCC funding for Morocco.  Wolf sent copies of his letter to the members of the MCC board.


"At a time when the United States owes more in debts and commitments than the total combined net worth of all Americans, it is unacceptable to provide $697.5 million in taxpayer dollars to a nation which blatantly disregards the rights of American citizens residing in Morocco and forcibly expels American citizens without due process of law," Wolf wrote. 


Wolf said a decision to suspend MCC funding is not unprecedented, pointing to Nicaragua where funding was terminated following the violence and blatant thuggery exhibited by the regime of President Daniel Ortega surrounding the November 2008 elections.        
    

Last week in a speech on the floor of the House, Wolf asked if Morocco’s tolerance for religious freedom was waning.  He also announced that the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission would hold a hearing on the recent deportations on June 17 on Capitol Hill.  Two of the individuals deported are expected to testify.  






The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
2201 C St NW Ste 7276
Washington DC 20520

Dear Secretary Clinton:

I write today to express my grave concern regarding the recent deportation of approximately 40 American citizens from Morocco without due process, which I believe calls into question the continuance of Morocco’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) funding.  

In September 2008, the clock started for the official five-year period for project implementation under the MCC Compact with Morocco.  The United States has pledged $697.5 million in assistance to the Kingdom of Morocco through this Compact.  As a precondition to receiving MCC funds, the government of Morocco was evaluated on 17 key indicators of eligibility, six of which fall under the category of "ruling justly."  I submit, however, that these recent events raise valid questions regarding the Moroccan government’s willingness to abide by the principles outlined in the MCC indicators. 

In early March, the Moroccan government deported approximately 40 U.S. citizens and scores of other foreign nationals for allegedly proselytizing, which is against Moroccan law.  However, authorities presented no evidence or explanation of the proselytizing allegations.  Among the individuals who were deported or denied reentry were businessmen, educators, and humanitarian and social workers.  Many of these individuals have resided in Morocco for over a decade in full compliance with Moroccan law.   

Additionally, those deported were forced to leave the country within two hours of being questioned by authorities, leaving all their belongings behind.  The manner in which these expulsions were carried out and the Moroccan government’s refusal to grant those affected with a hearing flies in the face of the principles of due process.  Furthermore, the manner in which authorities expelled these individuals violates not only the general principles of international law but Moroccan law, as well.        

The mandate of the MCC is based on the assumption that "aid is most effective when it reinforces good governance."  Rather than making strides toward accountable and democratic governance since receiving the MCC grant, Morocco has regressed.  Freedom House’s annual Freedom in the World Report noted backsliding in Morocco "due to the increased concentration of power in the hands of political elites aligned with the monarchy" over the course of the last year.   

At a time when the United States owes more in debts and commitments than the total combined net worth of all Americans, it is unacceptable to provide $697.5 million in taxpayer dollars to a nation which blatantly disregards the rights of American citizens residing in Morocco and forcibly expels American citizens without due process of law.  

The decision to suspend a MCC Compact due to a significant deterioration in good governance is not unprecedented.  At my urging, the Board chose to suspend the MCC Compact with Nicaragua due to the violence and blatant thuggery exhibited by the regime of President Daniel Ortega surrounding the November 2008 elections.         
    
The United States must send a message to the Moroccan government that it is unacceptable to expel American citizens without due process under the law.  I ask that you withhold Morocco’s MCC funding until the government of Morocco demonstrates that it is willing to follow its own laws and  thus ensure that those expelled receive a fair trial and work toward a mutually acceptable solution to this matter.        

Thank you for your attention to this matter and I look forward to your prompt response. 

    Sincerely,

        Frank R. Wolf
        Member of Congress

http://wolf.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=34&parentid=6&sectiontree=&itemid=1603

Thanks for nothing Wolf!!