The letter was drafted in late September and organized by Rep. Barney
Frank, Rep. Bill Pascrell, Rep. Edolphus Towns and Rep. Anthony Weiner, Middle East Newsline reported. The
House Democrats asserted that clemency for Pollard would demonstrate U.S.
support and encourage Israel to take risks for peace.
In 1986, Pollard, despite reaching a plea bargain, was sentenced to life
in prison. His sentence was scheduled for review in 2015.
The letter was drafted after what was said to have been a proposal
by the Israeli government for the release of Pollard in exchange for the
extension of the suspension of Jewish construction in the West Bank and most
of Jerusalem for the next three months. The Obama administration has refused
to respond publicly to the offer.
In a statement, Frank, a Democrat from Massachussetts, said the letter
was not meant to question Pollard's life sentence. But he said the letter
pointed out that Pollard received a far harsher sentence than others
convicted of similar offenses.
The Democrats said the letter would circulate throughout the House until
mid-October. At that point, the letter would be sent to Obama.