Clinton, Dole Join Forces For Magen David

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) has gained an important ally in her efforts on behalf of Israel’s Magen David Adom. Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R-N.C.), whose husband challenged Clintonís husband for president, signed onto Clintonís amendment to force the acceptance of MDA into the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Dole was formerly director of the American Red Cross. Her husband, Sen. Bob Dole, lost the 1996 presidential race to Bill Clinton.
Clinton’s amendment to the Omnibus Spending Bill, also sponsored by Illinois Republican Pete Fitzgerald, calls for withholding the American Red Cross contribution to the ICRC until Magen David is permitted to join without changing its Star of David emblem.
"I have seen firsthand the work done by Magen David Adom in disaster assistance worldwide," said Clinton. "I personally will not rest until it is allowed into the ICRC."
The Senate passed the amendment Jan. 23. A joint committee must decide whether to include the measure in the appropriations bill to be presented to President Bush.