[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 67 (Wednesday, April 25, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E537]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      NO ASSISTANCE FOR ASSAD ACT

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                               speech of

                  HON. HENRY C. ``HANK'' JOHNSON, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 24, 2018

  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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