[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 155 (Monday, October 15, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H11501-H11504]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




EXPRESSING SENSE OF THE HOUSE REGARDING SYRIA'S CONTINUED INTERFERENCE 
                       IN THE AFFAIRS OF LEBANON

  Mr. ACKERMAN. 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.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 738

       Whereas in 2004, Lebanon's current president had his term 
     extra-legally extended through the interference of Syria in 
     Lebanon's internal affairs;
       Whereas former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, the 
     leading opponent of continued Syrian domination of Lebanon 
     and the extra-legal extension of the president's term, was 
     assassinated along with 22 people by a massive car bomb on 
     February 14, 2005;
       Whereas investigators from the United Nations have 
     suggested that officials of Syria's government, at the 
     highest levels, appear to be culpable for the assassination 
     of Rafiq Hariri and the 22 other people;
       Whereas the people of Lebanon, following the murder of 
     Rafiq Hariri, engaged in a massive popular revolt known as 
     the Cedar Revolution against Syrian interference in their 
     internal affairs and suppression of their national 
     sovereignty;
       Whereas the Cedar Revolution, reinforced by international 
     pressure, culminated in the rapid withdrawal of Syrian 
     occupation forces and free elections;
       Whereas the current Lebanese government has been under 
     steady attack by domestic and foreign forces that have been 
     engaged in instigating riots and insurrection, suspending the 
     operation of Lebanon's parliament, and perpetrating horrific 
     acts of terror against the Lebanese people;
       Whereas Syria and Iran are seeking to dominate Lebanon 
     through their campaign of murder and intimidation aimed at 
     the Lebanese parliamentary majority and other anti-Syrian 
     public and political figures;
       Whereas Syria and Iran, through their Lebanese proxies, 
     have demanded the selection of another Lebanese president 
     hand-picked by the Government of Syria;
       Whereas Syria and Iran, in clear contravention of numerous 
     United Nations Security Council resolutions, notably 1559 
     (2004), 1655 (2006), 1664 (2006), 1680 (2006), 1701 (2006), 
     and 1757 (2007), have grossly violated Lebanon's sovereignty 
     by continuing to provide arms to illegitimate Lebanese 
     militias, Palestinian terrorist groups and other terrorist 
     organizations; meddling in Lebanon's internal political 
     affairs; and actively supporting efforts to prevent the 
     election of a new president in accordance with Lebanese law; 
     and
       Whereas a sovereign and independent Lebanon is in the 
     national security interest of the United States: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) condemns the campaign of murder, terror, and 
     intimidation aimed at overthrowing the democratically-elected 
     government of Lebanon and establishing a new Lebanese 
     government subservient to the will and interests of Syria and 
     Iran;
       (2) condemns Syria and Iran for their gross interference in 
     Lebanon's internal political affairs, and particularly, the 
     selection of a new president, and gross violations of United 
     Nations Security Council resolutions protective of Lebanon's 
     sovereignty and independence;
       (3) condemns Lebanese political parties and actors who have 
     allied themselves with Syria and Iran to the detriment of 
     their own country and its national interests;
       (4) condemns efforts by some Lebanese political figures to 
     obstruct, delay, and impede the legal and established 
     processes of their country for the selection of a new 
     president according to the rule of law;
       (5) affirms its continued strong support for Lebanon's 
     democratically-elected government, people and national 
     sovereignty, and its readiness to provide material support;
       (6) calls on all nations to recognize and support Lebanon's 
     sovereignty and independence; and
       (7) urges the President to use all peaceful means at the 
     disposal of the United States to help safeguard Lebanon's 
     sovereignty and independence.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Ackerman) and the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.


                             General Leave

  Mr. ACKERMAN. 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.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. 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.

[[Page H11502]]

  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.
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. 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.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as 
she may consume to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley).
  Ms. BERKLEY. 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,

[[Page H11503]]

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.
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. 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.)

                              {time}  1445

  Mr. LaHOOD. 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.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. 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.
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. 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.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. 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.
  Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, the United States has a long and deep 
history of supporting the sovereignty and independence of the Lebanese 
people. That is why we must condemn in the strongest terms possible 
continued Syrian and Iranian interference in Lebanese affairs.
  The Lebanese parliament is currently engaged in the process of 
selecting a new president, a task unfortunately complicated by the 
meddling of outsiders, most notably Syria and Iran, and their terrorist 
proxy in Lebanon, Hezbollah. Syrian and Iranian interference in Lebanon 
must be condemned by the international community in the strongest 
possible terms and it must immediately end.
  The resolution before the House chronicles the tragic toll exacted on 
Lebanon and its people by its neighbors. It is a tale of a peaceful 
people seeking a better future who again and again have seen their 
hopes dashed due to the cruel and opportunistic machinations of Iran 
and Syria.
  I recently met for the second time this year with Sheikh Saad Hariri, 
the leader of the majority in the Lebanese parliament, whose family has 
given so much for the freedom of the Lebanese people. Mr. Hariri made 
an eloquent appeal for help from the Congress of the United States and 
other parliamentary bodies to expose the interference of non-Lebanese 
groups in the selection of Lebanon's next president. I commend the 
bipartisan leadership of the House Foreign Affairs Committee for acting 
quickly so the House could go on record against these tactics before 
the next meeting of the Lebanese parliament later this month.
  The politically-motivated violence that has been so much a part of 
Lebanon's recent history has not dampened the desire of the Lebanese 
people for self-determination.
  The Cedar Revolution was an eloquent and powerful testament to that 
fact; a fact which deserves the respect of all nations. Passage of this 
resolution puts the House squarely on the side of the freedom-loving 
people of Lebanon and I urge its adoption.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Capps). The question is on the motion

[[Page H11504]]

offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Ackerman) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 738.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

                          ____________________