Joe Crowley: “I rise in firm support of the amendment introduced by the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos). One year ago, the…”

“I rise in firm support of the amendment introduced by the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos). One year ago, the Israeli government put its own security at risk in the name of cooperation and reconciliation. Israel unilaterally withdrew its armed forces from the security zone on the Lebanese-Israeli border. The hope for a reciprocal response from Beirut never occurred. In conjunction with the Israeli withdrawal, the Lebanese Army was responsible for filling the vacuum left by the Israeli troops. In a location where law and order was meant to prevail under the watchful eye of the Lebanese Army, now exists chaos, disorder and lawlessness. The northern border zone is now occupied by Hezbollah troops, who filled the void when the Lebanese refused to take the action required by U.N. Security Council Resolution 425. Two weeks ago, I stood alongside families of three Israeli soldiers abducted by Hezbollah along the Lebanese-Israeli border. It is the Lebanese inaction that allowed that to take place. The State of Israel will continue to be at risk until Lebanon fulfills its obligation to the international community. I believe that this amendment is a proportional response to the current stance taken by the Lebanese government. It is an honor to train with American troops. That privilege should continue to be extended to those who play by the rules. That is a message this amendment will convey, and I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting it.”