the lesson--unsatisfying as it might seem--is that outside actors, the U.S. among them, should deal cautiously with Lebanese affairs.

Are either one of you aware, or has it been suggested to either one of you, or have you seen any evidence of any kind that any U.S. person was involved in this scheme?

there is no politics without Hezbollah, there is no equilibrium or balance or stability without Hezbollah.

This hearing is very timely, given a number of international conferences on Lebanon and upcoming elections in Lebanon in May.

Today, Lebanon forces--faces enormous challenges. Security is first among those--these issues.

I have had the same challenge as I have dealt with some of our European friends to explain to them about the branches of government.

But, it also sits in a very rough neighborhood today, with many outside forces attempting to upset the balance among its sectarian political forces.

This Committee will always have your backs.

The only thing I would say to that, though, is, that door swings both ways.

Failure is not an option, is not a platitude here.

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Lee). Without objection, it is so ordered. All postcloture time is expired. The question is, Will the Senate advise and consent to the…

Once ISIS came into the picture in Syria, it gave us an opportunity to have a clear objective and to do something about ISIS.