Tom Lantos: “first let me say my amendment has the intent of not withdrawing one single dime of economic and technical assistance to…”

“first let me say my amendment has the intent of not withdrawing one single dime of economic and technical assistance to Lebanon. As a matter of fact, I earlier offered to cosponsor with some of the opponents a measure that would increase economic and technical assistance to Lebanon. My amendment is designed to stop the aid to Hezbollah-controlled communities. It is absurd that American taxpayer funds are used to support Hezbollah activities, which is, in fact, what is taking place as of today. If American taxpayers would know that their funds are used to enhance Hezbollah goals, they would be in revolt against that. Every dime currently appropriated for economic and technical assistance to Lebanon, I support; and I am ready to increase that amount. But I want to be sure that those funds go to communities, organizations and institutions that are not under the control of Hezbollah.”