Eliot Engel: “Let me be clear, this resolution in no way seeks to legitimize the brutal Assad regime in Syria.”

The citizens of the Western Balkans want a better future for their children, stronger and transparent democracy, accountable governments, and greater economic prosperity and security.

This legislation, passed into law last December, mandates the most sweeping sanctions on Assad's enablers.

I particularly want to thank Chairman Engel for his leadership, as well as the whole committee, for making the Caesar Act a reality.

I introduced the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act several years ago as a response to what we saw in this room.