[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 127 (Friday, July 29, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E809]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





   REMEMBERING THE 2ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE AUGUST 4, 2020 BEIRUT PORT 
                               EXPLOSION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 29, 2022

  Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, on August 4, 2020, a large amount of 
ammonium nitrate stored at the Port of Beirut in the capital city of 
Lebanon exploded, causing more than 220 deaths, 7,000 injuries, at 
least $15 billion in property damage, and leaving an estimated 300,000 
people homeless. Two years have passed and yet there is no closure for 
the families of the victims, and many are left behind to bear the 
burden of rebuilding their lives and their communities.
  The United States Congress, the Administration, the Lebanese-American 
community, and many others worldwide responded with significant food, 
and humanitarian assistance, medical equipment, and reconstruction 
supplies. Today the need has only magnified given the continued 
obstruction by corruption and political instability--preventing an open 
judicial investigation.
  The Lebanese diaspora community, the families of the victims, and the 
international donors urge the Lebanese government to enforce the calls 
from the United Nations, the International Support Group, and the 
American government, to move swiftly and effectively to complete the 
investigation and bring those guilty to justice. Lebanon needs a free, 
independent, and legitimate judicial system and government. Committing 
to conclude the investigation will serve as a major step in freeing the 
courts from the political entanglements and pressures that have for too 
long impeded justice and fairness in Lebanese society.
  As the co-chair of the U.S.-Lebanon Friendship Caucus, which allows 
members of Congress to learn and engage on important issues related to 
the U.S.-Lebanon relationship, I ask all Members to join me in 
remembering those who died in the tragic blast as well as those 
survivors who depend on the comfort and support of others to maintain 
hope for the future of Lebanon. We urge the caretaker Lebanese 
government to remove the political impediments brought by others so 
that a complete and thorough investigation can be concluded, and that 
justice will prevail.

                          ____________________