Darrell Issa: “The good intent of my colleague from Florida cannot diminish the fact that administration after administration, State…”

“The good intent of my colleague from Florida cannot diminish the fact that administration after administration, State Department after State Department, and the Department of Defense under both this and the previous administration recognized the importance of a stable and peaceful Lebanon. They recognized that the Lebanese Armed Forces maintain a force against the taking over of their country either by Hezbollah, Palestinians, Syrians, or others. I have been to Lebanon when it was under foreign control by Syria. I have seen the Lebanese Armed Forces push them out. I have also seen the Lebanese Armed Forces train with our military personnel, who, in fact, maintain close and daily relations with the Lebanese Armed Forces. Madam Chair, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood). Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment. The longstanding U.S. military investment for the independent Lebanese Armed Forces has worked to support U.S. security interests in the Middle East for over 15 years. Discontinuing this funding now will only serve to embolden Hezbollah on Lebanon's southern border. I am proud to represent over 8,000 Lebanese-American families in my district in Peoria, Illinois. As the co-chair of the U.S.-Lebanon Friendship Congressional Caucus and a member of the House Intelligence Committee, I work closely with the brave men and women in the U.S. military and intelligence community to ensure robust and stringent oversight of U.S.…”