Congress freezes $150 million to PA due to PMW report

Members of US Congress follow PMW reports very closely and use them in determining policy. In March 2008 PMW released a bulletin reporting inciting comments by PA President Mahmoud Abbas. This PMW release coincided with the administration’s request for $150 million in funding to Abbas’ PA. The Appropriations Committee responded to the PMW report by immediately announcing a freeze on PA aid. The freeze was upheld for more than a month. $100 million of the request was released only after Condoleezza Rice met with PA leader Abbas and received his explanations for his interview, which she reported to the committee. $50 million is still being held up. Commenting on the freeze, the Washington Times wrote: “The contents of that interview [with Abbas] only came to public attention because of the tireless work of Palestinian Media Watch.”