[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 21 (Monday, February 4, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S817]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                  S. 1

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, for the past week now, the Senate has 
been considering a package of legislation to strengthen our Nation's 
diplomatic presence in the Middle East. The Strengthening America's 
Security in the Middle East Act would renew our commitment to Israel's 
security, expand cooperation with Jordan, and impose new consequences 
on the perpetrators of Assad's brutality in Syria.
  When America's national security and vital interests are at stake, 
some circumstances require not only the use of important diplomatic 
tools but also direct involvement from the United States. That is why I 
introduced an amendment to S. 1, so the Senate can speak clearly and 
directly about the importance of our Nation's ongoing missions in 
Afghanistan and Syria.
  I know a broad consensus about American leadership in the world 
exists in this body. It is time to reaffirm our commitment to this 
vision and to the men and women fighting on the ground to uphold it. I 
was glad to see a big bipartisan majority of this body vote to advance 
my amendment on Thursday. I hope a similar majority joins me in voting 
to approve this mainstream amendment today, and I look forward to 
passing this thoroughly bipartisan legislation later this week.

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