Hoyer Statement on Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act

For Immediate Release:

July 22, 2014

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today in support of the Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act, sponsored by Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10):

"I congratulate Rep. Brad Schneider of Illinois for his hard work bringing the Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act to the Floor today, and I was pleased to vote for its passage.  Hezbollah remains a significant threat not only to our ally Israel but to stability throughout the Middle East.

"Sponsored by Iran and allied with Bashar al-Assad's murderous regime in Syria, Hezbollah continues to stockpile weapons and undermine the march toward greater freedom, democracy, and peace for the people of Lebanon.  Its attacks against Israelis, Americans, and even Jewish communities far outside the Middle East speak to its role as a major threat to global security and to America's national security, and Hezbollah is responsible for more American deaths than any other terrorist group, except al-Qaeda.

"The Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act will strengthen our ability to go after Hezbollah where it hurts the most: financing and recruitment.  By sanctioning banks that facilitate Hezbollah's funding and the television providers that broadcast its propaganda, this bipartisan legislation will help prevent Hezbollah from accessing funds and spreading its messages of hate.  I thank Rep. Schneider for his leadership on this important issue, and I hope the Senate will follow the House by acting swiftly to send this bill to the President's desk."