Chris Sununu: “I offered an amendment to H.R. 3057 yesterday, which was accepted as part of a managers' package to increase economic…”

“I offered an amendment to H.R. 3057 yesterday, which was accepted as part of a managers' package to increase economic support fund monies for Lebanon from $35 million to $40 million, and to increase the support of the American educational institutions in Lebanon out of those monies from $4 million to $6 million. I very much appreciate the assistance of Senator McConnell and Senator Leahy in that regard. The Cedar Revolution, in which the people of Lebanon have expressed their frustration with outside interference in their internal affairs and with a sectarian brand of politics that has produced corruption, undemocratic practices, and a faltering economy, has inspired hope for major political transformation not only in Lebanon, but in other countries of the Middle East as well. It is important to express our support for the people of Lebanon, both symbolically and in concrete terms that will assist them in reviving their economy and in carrying forward a process of reform that still requires much effort and determination. Fortunately, the Agency for International development has for some years run a small but effective assistance program in the country, relying largely on American nongovernmental organizations and education institutions which operate in Lebanon. USAID therefore has the experience and the partners to efficiently put additional assistance to good use.…”