Lebanon has welcomed 1 million Syrian refugees – nearly 1/4 its population

Resolution voices support for Lebanese Armed Forces against ISIS and Hezbollah

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Richard Hanna (R-NY) and Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) today introduced a resolution that acknowledges the challenges Lebanon faces for long-term stability in the region due to the Syrian conflict. The resolution also reaffirms U.S. support for our Middle East ally.

House Resolution 852 recognizes the hardship Lebanon has assumed with the influx of Syrian refugees, and it expresses Congress’ continued support for Lebanon, the Lebanese Armed Forces and collaborative efforts to resolve the conflict in Syria.

As the Syrian civil war continues to devastate the region, Lebanon has absorbed more than one million refugees all the while working to keep its fragile political system in check. The U.S. remains Lebanon’s strong ally and this Congressional resolution echoes the U.S. commitment to supporting the country as it works to provide for an influx of refugees and at the same time fight ISIS and Hezbollah.

Representative Hanna said, “Lebanon has generously welcomed Syrian refugees who fled their homeland due to a violent civil war. As it struggles to accommodate more than a million people, it is vital that Congress reaffirm our longstanding commitment to the people of Lebanon, reinforce the importance of bringing the conflict in Syria to a peaceful resolution, and reiterate our assurances of continued assistance to the Lebanese government.”

Representative Kaptur said, “A peaceful and secure Lebanon is important to regional stability in the Middle East, and in the fight against ISIS and other terrorist organizations.”

U.S. Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA), Co-Chairman of the U.S.-Lebanon Friendship Caucus said, “Continued turmoil in Syria puts tremendous strain on the long-term stability of Lebanon. Violent attacks, political unrest, and the rise of ISIS have sent a massive influx of more than a million refugees into their country and put significant strains on the Lebanese government who have been without a president for more than 2 years. As one of the few democracies in the Middle East, it’s important the United States recognize these challenges and support the Lebanese government in their efforts to curb the influence of Hezbollah, ISIS and other terrorist ideologies opposed to our way of life. This resolution that highlights the enormous challenges that Lebanon faces, reaffirms America’s commitment to bringing peace to the region, and recognizes the generosity and charity that the Lebanese people have shown towards the refugees which now equal a quarter of their native population.”

U.S. Representative Gwen Graham (D-FL), Co-Chairwoman of the U.S.-Lebanon Friendship Caucus said, “"As the granddaughter of a Lebanese refugee, I have great hopes to see peace and stability restored to Lebanon and the region. The United States plays an important role in supporting moderate and democratic parties that are curbing the influence of Hezbollah and fighting the spread of ISIS. This resolution makes it clear we will continue to support the Lebanese Armed Forces as partners in the fight against terrorism."

Original cosponsors include: Rep. Ralph Abraham (R-LA), Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA), Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI), Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), Rep. Gwen Graham (D-FL), Rep. Brian Higgins (D-NY), Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA), Rep. James McGovern (D-MA), Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX).