Lawmaker says pending resolution would embolden Hezbollah and undermine U.S. security

A lawmaker argued that a pending resolution on the floor would "embolden Hezbollah" and undermine U.S. national security, urging continued support for Israel and assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces.

The speaker said there is "the best chance for peace between Israel, Lebanon, [and] the United States" in decades and described "a framework in place" that, the speaker asserted, has been met by Israel, Lebanon and the United States. The lawmaker characterized Hezbollah as "one of the world's most capable and dangerous terrorist organizations," and added, "They have killed hundreds of Americans."

The speaker cited historical attacks attributed to the group, saying the 1983 U.S. embassy bombing in Beirut killed "63 people, 17 Americans," and that the Marine barracks bombing killed "241 U.S. service members," calling those among the deadliest attacks on the United States prior to Sept. 11. The lawmaker also referenced the TWA Flight 847 hijacking and said Hezbollah operatives "brutally tortured and murdered" a U.S. Navy diver.

On recent events, the speaker said that "since October of 2023, Hezbollah has launched thousands of rockets, missiles, drones, anti-tank missiles into Israel," and noted that Israel hosts the largest American population in the Middle East. The lawmaker asserted Hezbollah operates as a "direct arm of Iran," saying it is "directly funded by Iran" and alleging Iran directs targets and provides benefits when Hezbollah strikes them.

The lawmaker framed the resolution as favoring the aims of terrorists, asking rhetorically whether Lebanon should "belong to the Lebanese or... belong to the terrorists," and contending the resolution would "undermine our national security" by emboldening Hezbollah. The speaker urged backing for "the work that Israel is doing" and for U.S. assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces through training and intelligence resources.

No opposing speakers or formal responses appear in the transcript. The record shows a single speaker presenting arguments against the resolution and urging support for Israel and for LAF capacity-building as the next step.