Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the Government of Syria's continued interference in the internal affairs of Lebanon.

Madam. Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 42: Passage of H. Res. 475. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

January 22, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 43: Table the appeal of the ruling of the Chair for H. Res. 476. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 44: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H. Res. No. 52. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 45: Motion to suspend the rules and Agreed to H.R. 390. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 46: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H. Res. 29. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

February 8, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 87: Agreeing to the Amendment of H.R. 547, and amendment to include language which encourages the Assistant Administrator to utilize Land Grant Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions and other minority serving institutions among other resources to undertake research for programs covered by the bill. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district. I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 88: Agreeing to the Amendment of H.R. 547, an amendment to add a new paragraph to section 3, Biofuel Infrastructure and Additives Research and Development, to include issues with respect to where in the fuel supply chain additives optimally should be added to fuels. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 89: Agreeing to the Amendment of H.R. 547, an amendment to add a new paragraph to section 3 which includes issues with respect to certification by a nationally recognized testing laboratory of components for fuel dispensing devices that specifically reference compatibility with alcohol blended and biofuels that contain greater than 15 percent alcohol. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 90: Agreeing to the Amendment of H.R. 547, an amendment to add a new section 7 entitled Additional Funding. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 91:

the Motion to Recommit with Instructions of H.R. 547. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 92: Passage of H.R. 547. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

February 28, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 111: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree on H. Con. Res. 52. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

March 12, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 136: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended on H.R. 85. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 137: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree on H. Res. 136. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 138: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree on H. Res. 89. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 187: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as amended on H.R. 802. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 188: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended on H.R. 137. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 189: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended on H.R. 580. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

May 14, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 342: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass on H.R. 1124. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 343: Motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 223. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 344: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree (H. Res. 385). Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

May 16, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 358: Call in Committee Quorum. Had I been present, I would have voted ``present.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 359: Motion that the Committee Rise (H.R. 1585). Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

June 11, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district. I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 448: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass on H.R. 2356. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 449: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree on S. 676. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district. I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 450: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree on H. Res. 418. Had I been present I would have voted ``yes.''

July 23, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 687: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 404, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 688: Motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 553. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 689: Motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 519. Had I been present I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 690: On ordering the previous question on H. Res. 558. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

August 1, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 781: Motion to adjourn. Had I been present. I would have voted ``no.''

september 4, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 847: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 694, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 848: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 3020, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 849: Motion to Instruct Conferees on H.R. 2669. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

september 17, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 867: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 3246, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 868: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 1657, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 869: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 3527. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

october 1, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 924: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree on H. Res. 185. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 925: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 2276. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 926: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 3325. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

october 15, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 961: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree on H. Res. 738. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 962: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 2089. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 963: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 20, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

October 17, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 980: Passage of H.R. 2095. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

october 29, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1010: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 3224, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1011: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree on H. Res. 573, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1012: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree on H. Res. 747. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

November 5, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1034: Closing Portions of the Conference on H.R. 3222. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1035: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 513, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1036: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree on H. Res. 744. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

november 7, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1058: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree on H. Con. Res. 236, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

november 13, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1082: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 3315. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1083: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 1593, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1084: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 3403, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1085: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 3461, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

november 14, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1095: Motion to Adjourn. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

december 6, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1141: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 2085. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 738) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the Government of Syria's continued interference in the internal affairs of Lebanon.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, when the House last discussed Lebanon on September 25, I said that Lebanon was being bullied. That statement, though true, is insufficient. Lebanon is not being harassed by invisible unworldly forces. Lebanon is not a victim of fate or destiny or bad luck. Lebanese politicians and public figures, beginning with Rafiq Hariri and continuing to this day, are not being assassinated and blown away by falling meteors or volcanic eruptions. Arms do not appear in Lebanon by magic. Hezbollah's billions do not fall from the sky like rain. Palestinian terrorist groups don't find rifles falling out of trees or by the side of the road. The Fatah al-Islam and its war against the Lebanese state were not the product of spontaneous auto-genesis. Like maggots, their origin can escape the casual observer, but their birth was no accident or mystery.

Madam Speaker, Syria and Iran are responsible for these crimes. Syria and Iran are responsible for the chaos. Syria and Iran are to blame for the shadow of civil war that hangs over Lebanon. Lebanese politics are complex, and the interaction within and among confessions is daunting for the outside observer to contemplate. Where interest and principle merge and depart is hard to judge. But we know some things about Lebanon for certain, and they are spelled out clearly in the resolution at hand.

Despite Lebanon's Constitution, Syria demanded the extension of President Emile Lahoud's term in 2004, and Damascus got its way. The principal opponent of this grotesque intrusion into Lebanon's affairs was Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. There is credible evidence uncovered by U.N. investigators showing that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad first threatened and then ordered the assassination of Rafiq Hariri for his defiance of Syrian diktat.

Madam Speaker, in response to the murder of Hariri, and, let us remember, 22 other civilians, the Lebanese rose up against their Syrian overlords and demanded, with the full support of the international community, the expulsion of Syria's occupational forces. A new government was formed through a free and fair election led by Lebanese not in the service of Syria and not in the debt of Iran.

This development, both surprising and hopeful, of a Lebanon free to chart its own course, was one that Syria and Iran couldn't tolerate. In their minds, Lebanon is a fiefdom, a toy. Lebanon is a playground for their ambitions and a canvas on which to splash their rage and hatred for the United States and Israel in the modern world.

Madam Speaker, Lebanon, in the minds of Syria's overlords and Iran's ayatollahs, is not for the Lebanese. This intolerance, this greedy self-interest, this bitter contempt for the rights of others is why we are speaking of Lebanon in the U.S. House of Representatives again today.

Lebanon is in grave peril. Lebanon's independence and sovereignty are under attack by Syria and Iran and their bootlicking Lebanese proxies, Hezbollah, Amal and the Aounist bloc. Extralegally demanding control of the presidency, and threatening civil war, this coalition of the wicked and the selfish have again brought chaos, violence and terror to Lebanon. It need not be so. It should not be so.

Syria and Lebanon are responsible for the crisis in Lebanon. Syria and Iran are responsible for the crisis in Lebanon. They have trampled on Lebanon's sovereignty and clearly violated U.N. Security Council resolutions protective of Lebanon. They are the puppet masters pulling on the strings of Hezbollah, Amal and Aoun. The assassinations of Lebanese members of Parliament are their work. The bombings are their work. The threats to establish an extra-legal second government are their work.

Madam Speaker, there is no mystery here. There is evil, there is greed, there is indecency, and, were I Lebanese, I might say treason as well. But there is no mystery. Syria and Iran are attacking Lebanon's sovereignty no less than if they sent a fleet of bombers, or a wave of tanks, or a swarm of infantry. That this aggression, this naked aggression is being done by proxies, and by terrorists, by car bombs, by telephone threats does not make it any less aggression, or any less a crime.

Many vital interests of the United States are at stake. If we want every nation to be secure in its own borders, we cannot tolerate cross- border aggression. If we want to see the Middle East at peace, we cannot tolerate the resumption of Syrian and Iranian control of Lebanon. If we want to encourage self-governance around the world, we cannot tolerate Lebanon's democracy being subverted by thugs and fanatics. If we want to see people rising up against tyranny, as they are today in Burma, we cannot tolerate the reversal of Lebanon's glorious Cedar Revolution. If we want to see the United Nations become a true guardian of peace, we cannot tolerate the will of the international community being scorned by rogue states.

Madam Speaker, America must lead. Even today, even with Iraq, there is still no other state that can mobilize the international community as can the United States, and the hour is desperate. Only if they are convinced that the world will not tolerate their aggression against Lebanon, will Syria and Iran back down. This outcome is not impossible.

The stakes are exceedingly high. It is my hope that the Lebanese Government and the Bush administration will see this debate in the House as proof that Congress is watching closely and that we stand ready to help secure Lebanon's future as an independent and sovereign state. If we want to end the bloodshed in Lebanon and foreclose the prospect of still greater violence, we must act now and in concert with the community of nations.

There is wide support for Lebanon both in Europe and the Arab and Muslim world, just waiting for a catalyst to give it expression. America must be that catalyst. We are here today to sound the wake-up call. A brighter future for Lebanon, for the Middle East, and for ourselves awaits our clarion call.

Madam Speaker, I urge our colleagues to support the resolution.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley).

Madam Speaker, I just want to add to the comments by our good friend Mr. LaHood. He will surely be missed in this great Chamber. He has added much to the dignity, fairness, objectiveness and to the thoughtfulness of this body. And I hope when decency, security and peace does return to Lebanon, he will be in this Chamber with us to share in that moment.

Madam Speaker, I too want to thank Speaker Pelosi for her leadership, for taking her time during her trip to the Middle East to visit Lebanon, and also to try to talk sense to the people in Syria as well.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I support this resolution, which condemns both Syria and Iran for their continuing campaign of murder and intimidation aimed at anti-Syrian politicians and public figures of Lebanon. It warns them against interfering either directly or through their many representatives in the Lebanese presidential elections scheduled for later this month.

Over 2 years after the Cedar Revolution, and despite the withdrawal of Syrian troops, Lebanon's fragile government continues to be targeted for destruction by internal and external threats. Hezbollah has continued to carry out its strategy of assassinating anti-Syrian Lebanese politicians. The aim is to gain a parliamentary majority that would allow both Syria and Iran to impose their choice for a president on the Lebanese people.

Furthermore, the inclusion of pro-Syrian, Iranian and terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah in the Lebanese political process only empowers the Syrian and Iranian regimes and holds Lebanon hostage to their whims. Allowing a terrorist entity to use the political process and legitimize itself without first demanding a renouncement of violence has only served to perpetuate and enhance the threat.

We support the underlying intent of this resolution, which is to advocate for the sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon. The Lebanese people deserve the right to be free of interference and intimidation by any outside country or terrorist group. However, despite supporting the resolution, we are concerned about language in this resolution referring to the entire Lebanese Parliament as ``democratically elected,'' because it sets a dangerous precedent by both legitimizing and providing congressional approval for the role of a foreign terrorist organization in the political process in Lebanon. Sadly, it legitimizes current election law which was constructed by the Syrians and imposed on the Lebanese people.

Finally, it undermines the very essence of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559, aimed at truly removing Syria from the Lebanese political process. Elections conducted under a Syrian- controlled electoral process where foreign terrorist organizations are allowed to participate without first requiring them to lay down their weapons should not be considered ``democratic'' by this Chamber.

Madam Speaker, the United States and other responsible nations must encourage the Government of Lebanon and leading Lebanese policymakers not to compromise on their commitment to reform the political process by purging from it the influence of Syria, Iran and Hezbollah. Our support for the Lebanese people and the pro-democracy forces in Lebanon is vital to counterbalance the pressures surrounding Lebanon.

The brave people of Lebanon continue to stand against the tyrannical regime in Damascus, and they deserve nothing less than our support. It is for this reason that, despite reservations about the implications of some of the clauses in this resolution, I will vote for this resolution, and ask my colleagues to do the same.

I especially remember Congressman LaHood being prophetic. Last year I attended a White House meeting with the President of members of both parties giving reports on their recent trips to Iraq. Congressman LaHood pointed out progress in Iraq, but he also stated the public needed reassurance of the capture or killing of the al Qaeda leader in Iraq, Zawahiri. Just as he concluded, National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley, sitting next to me, received an important cell call which he took and then several hours later could announce: the butchering beheader Zawahiri had been killed by a successful American airstrike.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood), an esteemed member of the Committee on Appropriations and a distinguished American of Lebanese heritage.

Madam Speaker, prior to yielding, I want to note that Mr. LaHood has announced he will not be running for reelection next year. I want all of us to acknowledge that he will truly be missed. When I was elected 6 years ago, one the first persons I found out who has the respect of the Members here is indeed Ray LaHood. He has made such a great difference for the people of the United States.

(Mr. LaHOOD asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Madam Speaker, I have no more speakers, I urge support for the resolution promoting the Cedar Revolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman very much for his kind remarks.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 738, a resolution that strongly condemns the ongoing campaign of violence and assassination directed towards the people of Lebanon and their democratically elected government.

We have all seen the horrific news reports of the assassinations and attempted assassinations of anti-Syrian lawmakers in Lebanon. The brave men and women who are struggling to move Lebanon forward have become targets in their own country. Hezbollah and the pro-Syrian factions in Lebanon know they are in the minority, and have begun a desperation campaign to kill as many of their opponents as possible. Members of the parliament have had to go into hiding outside of Lebanon, and lay their lives on the line when they return to conduct government business.

Others in Lebanon have embarked on a campaign to delay and obstruct the presidential election process, now delayed since September, late September into October. Rather than face the fact that those who wish for Lebanon to be independent and free will be successful, they choose instead to upend the entire political process rather than see democracy succeed. This was clearly evident in 2004 when the current president of Lebanon had his term extended with the help of Syria and other outside forces, an act that was quickly condemned by the United States and the United Nations. Unfortunately, these forces continue to try to impose their will on Lebanon today.

The Cedar Revolution in 2005 led to the withdrawal of Syrian forces that had occupied Lebanon for more than three decades. After the withdrawal, the government of Prime Minister Siniora committed to creating a strong, democratic Lebanon, free of occupation or outside influence. Lebanon is fighting many enemies of freedom, both within and outside the country.

As Lebanon prepares for presidential elections, hopefully in a few weeks, I believe it is vital that we reiterate our support for Lebanon and the people of Lebanon. This resolution reaffirms our support of the many United Nations resolutions that condemn Syria and Iran for their continued roles in arming the enemies of a free Lebanon, and expresses our appreciation to the many countries who have contributed funding and personnel to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.

Our Lebanese friends must know that we stand beside them as they continue to strengthen their government. I want to particularly compliment President Bush, Secretary Rice, and the whole Bush team for the interest they have expressed in Lebanon, for the interest they have shown in this country and their ability to have a democracy and to hold elections.

Last week, the son of Rafiq Hariri was in Washington and had an opportunity to meet with many officials of the Congress and of the Bush administration. I know he was gratified by the support he has received from Congress and from the Bush administration. As he returned to Lebanon, I know he went reassured that our country is with Lebanon, that our country is for free elections as soon as possible.

I also want to compliment Speaker Pelosi who has personally discussed this issue with me and has a great deal of interest in Lebanon, and recently took the time to travel to Lebanon on a recent trip to the Middle East. Her interest in this country is something that we should all commend. And so I urge the adoption of this resolution.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this important resolution, and I thank the gentleman from New York for his continued leadership on this important issue. We often throw around compliments on the floor of the House thanking each other, but in this case, it is truly warranted. The gentleman from New York has been a giant on these issues, and I thank him so much for that.

Lebanon is at a critical juncture in its history. On the cusp of upcoming elections, it can go the way of democracy; or it can go the way of violence, terrorism and dictatorship. We therefore must stand side-by-side with the forces of democracy in that country and protect it from those who seek to unfairly and violently influence the results of their free election.

Two years ago at the United Nations, the world called on Syria to remove its troops from Lebanon and recognize Lebanon's independence. While perhaps most of Syria's troops are out of Lebanon, its continued dangerous influence is undeniable.

Syria's proxies in Lebanon have waged a campaign of terror throughout the country against those who oppose its interference. They have bombed,

they have rioted, they have assassinated, and they have terrorized, and it is undeniable Syria's hand is behind it all.

Iran too has involved itself in Lebanon with its support of Hezbollah, a terrorist group whose military is stronger than the Lebanese Army. Iran has threatened unspecified consequences if the anti-Syrian majority has the gall to freely elect its own president. It has launched attacks against Israel to destabilize the region and the Lebanese Government. Hezbollah continues to bring arms shipments in from Iran through Syria with impunity.

Lebanon's stability could be the key to the future of the Middle East. If the Lebanese can establish a democracy in their country, then it would spread to other countries in that region, Syria's influence would be weakened and Iran's plans for regional supremacy and control would suffer a serious setback. The supporters of terrorism know this, Madam Speaker. That is why they have unleashed this campaign of terror to stop Lebanon's development and influence its upcoming election.

We too must unleash our own campaign to support the forces of democracy and freedom and stability. We must not let the forces of democracy be defeated or intimidated in Lebanon. The Middle East hangs in the balance, and we must not back away from a growing democracy that needs our help.

Madam Speaker, I urge support for this resolution.