FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 18, 2006

CONTACT: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider 202-226-7616

Pelosi: Bush Administration Listens to Call to Waive Fee for Americans Being Evacuated From Lebanon

Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement this evening on reports that the State Department has decided to reverse its position that Americans must pay to be evacuated from Lebanon:

“I am pleased that the Bush Administration listened to our call to waive the fee for Americans being evacuated from Lebanon and has reversed its position. 

“When Americans are in danger, their government has a duty to respond.  When Americans are in danger through no fault of their own, they can not be expected to pay for the government’s response. 

“The Administration’s revised position correctly interprets applicable law which provides sufficient latitude for the Department of State to exercise common sense.  I urge the Administration to expedite its efforts to get all Americans who wish to leave Lebanon to safety as quickly as possible.”

“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi