Political Quotes

“I thank the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger), the ranking member, for yielding. I rise today in support of my amendment to enhance conditions on our aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces, LAF. Mr. Speaker, Lebanon has historically been an appreciated partner of the United States in the Middle East and a wonderful example of pluralism and democracy. Having witnessed decades of occupation by the brutal Assad regime in Syria, father and son, Lebanon saw the withdrawal of Syrian troops in 2005 after the Lebanese people rose up in the March 15 Cedar Revolution to demand their sovereignty and freedom. Unfortunately, however, the gains made by the Cedar Revolution have been lost in recent years. The Lebanese people continue to protest in the streets for their rights to a democratic, nonsectarian, noncorrupt government. However, disturbingly, the LAF have worked to put down the protests, arresting protesters and committing human rights violations. The LAF has also done nothing as Hezbollah builds precision-guided missiles and cross-border tunnel infrastructure to attack Israel in defiance of U.S. resolutions; yet, U.S. taxpayers continue to fund the LAF with over $100 million each year. This aid was surely warranted in previous years during previous Lebanese Governments, but with the new government, the situation has changed, and U.S. policies should change accordingly. It is time to stand with the people of Lebanon and Syria and ensure that U.S.…”