Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2025

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. ISSA. Madam Chair, the good intent of my colleague from Florida cannot diminish the fact that administration after administration, State Department after State Department, and the Department of Defense under both this and the previous administration recognized the importance of a stable and peaceful Lebanon. They recognized that the Lebanese Armed Forces maintain a force against the taking over of their country either by Hezbollah, Palestinians, Syrians, or others.

I have been to Lebanon when it was under foreign control by Syria. I have seen the Lebanese Armed Forces push them out. I have also seen the Lebanese Armed Forces train with our military personnel, who, in fact, maintain close and daily relations with the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Madam Chair, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood).
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. ISSA. Madam Chair, in closing, as a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee for over 20 years, I have traveled the entire region and met with our leaders, including our leaders in Israel. I met with the Mossad chief. I met with many, and what they have all told me is that a stable Lebanon is important and that a civil war in Lebanon would lead to the chaos that caused Israel to have to invade Lebanon many years ago at a great loss of life.

The fact is we have troops in Syria because Syria is effectively in a civil war. We have support for the LAF because the LAF stands as the only force that keeps Hezbollah from taking over that country as a proxy for Iran.

I continue to stand with Israel. I continue to stand against Iran. To do so, I continue to stand with support for the LAF and the stability that it brings to Lebanon.

Only a few weeks ago, General Aoun, the commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, was invited here, where he met with our Secretary of State and our Secretary of Defense and where, in fact, the coordination between our two countries has never been stronger.

Madam Chair, for that reason, I must oppose this amendment and hope that it will not be brought again because it is not in the best interests of America or its key ally in the region, Israel.

Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. ISSA. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source