Letter to the Hon. Mike Pompeo, United States Secretary of State and the Hon. Mike Green, Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development - Dingell sends letter to Secretary of State urging U.S. assistance to combat fires in Lebanon

Letter

Dear Secretary Pompeo and Administrator Green:

This letter is in regards to an issue of urgent concern in Lebanon with the spreading of forest fires in the country which is endangering their national security and natural resources. The wildfires started in Lebanon's western mountains and have reached regions south of Beirut. The destruction is causing irreparable damage to Lebanon's nature and assets, as well threatening the well-being of its residents, including American citizens who reside in Lebanon. Lebanon is famous for its natural attractions and the damage caused by the wildfires will have an impact for years to come. The first human casualty was a volunteer firefighter in Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve. Many residents are being forced to flee their homes, while others are unable to flee.

The people of Lebanon and the people of the United States share strong bonds and, their security relationship with the United States is critical. These bonds are strong because we share the same values -- an emphasis on peace, tolerance, and building a better future for our children.

As a Member of Congress with a large Lebanese-American constituency, this letter is to request you take urgent action to address this situation and that any assistance, resources and aid available be provided to the fullest extent possible. I would ask that you keep me appraised of actions the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development is taking to address this serious situation. Your attention to these concerns are critical and I standby ready to assist you in any way.

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