[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E639-E640]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE DAMASCUS COORDINATION CENTER IN THE ENDURING MISSION OF 
                       OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 30, 2026

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, for more than a decade, 
the people of Syria have endured conflict, terrorism, displacement, and 
immense humanitarian suffering. Today, the United States, together with 
its Coalition partners, remains committed to the enduring defeat of 
ISIS and to advancing conditions that promote regional security, 
protect civilian populations, and prevent the reemergence of terrorist 
organizations that threaten the American people, our allies, and our 
interests abroad.
  The collapse of the brutal Assad dictatorship presents new 
opportunities for advancing counterterrorism objectives working with 
the new administration in Syria and partner forces committed to 
stability and security in the region. While significant progress has 
been achieved, lasting peace and prosperity requires continued 
coordination among military, diplomatic, humanitarian, and 
reconstruction partners.
  The Damascus Coordination Center represents a new chapter in a 
cooperative effort, implementing President Trump's vision for Syria and 
the region. The Center serves as a forum for cooperation among United 
States Government agencies, Coalition members, Syrian authorities, 
private-sector, and international organizations to advance security, 
stabilization, humanitarian assistance, explosive ordnance mitigation, 
economic recovery, infrastructure restoration, and the safe and 
voluntary return of displaced persons consistent with United States law 
and policy.
  The United States recognizes that enduring stability in Syria cannot 
be achieved through military means alone. It requires effective 
governance, accountable institutions, economic opportunity, protection 
of religious and ethnic minorities, respect for human dignity, and 
sustained national, and international partnership.
  It is critical that departments and agencies of the Executive Branch 
within their respective authorities actively engage with the Damascus 
Coordination Center to further these shared objectives.
  United States allies, international organizations, humanitarian 
institutions, private-sector partners, and nations committed to the 
enduring defeat of terrorism must support coordinated efforts to foster 
peace, stability, reconstruction, and prosperity for the Syrian people.
  The United States remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring 
that ISIS and other terrorist organizations can never again use Syrian 
territory to threaten the American homeland, our allies, or the 
international community. Through unity of purpose, responsible 
leadership, and sustained partnership, we reaffirm our commitment to a 
secure, stable, and prosperous Syria.

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