No Assistance for Assad Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4681 the No Assistance for Assad Act.

This legislation limits U.S. assistance for regions of Syria controlled by Bashar al-Assad and Russian forces. H.R. 4681 states that we will not provide early recovery, reconstruction, stabilization or aid in parts of Syria controlled by Bashar Assad or associated forces.

The conflict in Syria is intensely complicated and the Syrian people are suffering. However, we cannot keep providing support for a regime that is poisoning its own people and ravaging the region with irreparable wounds. The U.S. has provided over $7 billion in aid and plays an essential role in clearing unexploded ordnance in Syria--a service that all sides on the conflict depend upon. H.R. 4681 will put critical pressure on Assad's forces and his allies by limiting this service to regions controlled by U.S. allies and forces fighting for freedom from Assad's tyranny. Concrete and powerful steps must be taken to move towards a resolution and H.R. 4681 is a good step in restoring order in the region.

Providing aid worldwide is a critical element ofthe United States position as an international voice for Democracy and peace. However, we cannot assist a regime that attacks its own people with chemical weapons, and we cannot support Assad by cleaning up his mess. H.R. 4681 will force Assad to face the consequences of his actions and I support this legislation.

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