Hoyer Statement on Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after the House passed the Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015 with strong bipartisan support:

“Today, Democrats and Republicans in the House stood together to pass overwhelmingly a bill making it harder for the terrorist group Hezbollah to obtain the financing necessary to undertake its murderous activities.  Sponsored by Iran and playing an active, destabilizing role contributing to Syria’s civil war, Hezbollah has killed more Americans than any group other than Al-Qaeda, and it continues to amass rockets aimed at Israel.  Hezbollah must be denied every opportunity to terrorize the Middle East and the world, and this legislation will help choke off its funding by imposing sanctions on foreign financial institutions that engage in business with the group or facilitate its financial transactions.  Ultimately, Hezbollah must be viewed primarily for what it is:  a proxy of Iran, which provides the group with financing, weapons, and information as part of its strategy to threaten Israel and the Gulf States.

“Iran must know that there are consequences to its actions and those of its proxies.  The nuclear agreement reached earlier this year does not prevent Congress from taking action to impose consequences, including sanctions, if Iran continues to support terrorism, launch ballistic missiles, and engage in destabilizing activities in the region.

“I’m proud to be a leader of the broad, bipartisan coalition in Congress that fights for the defense of Israel and the interests our nations share, which include respect for life, liberty, and democracy – ideals anathema to Hezbollah.  I join in thanking House and Senate leaders who worked hard to advance this bill, which is now headed to the President’s desk, particularly House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Eliot Engel, and Reps. Ted Deutch and Grace Meng.”