Meng Legislation to Crack Down on Hezbollah Passed by House Committee

Legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) which would require the President to shed light on countries that facilitate Hezbollah was passed today by the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The measure, which was attached to the Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act, would hold accountable those countries that refuse to cripple the terrorist group's fundraising, money laundering and global logistics networks. Specifically, the Congresswoman's measure targets countries that may publicly condemn Hezbollah's terrorist activities while privately aiding Hezbollah's political and financial activities. The legislation, which was also sponsored by Reps Ted Deutch (D-FL) and Ron DeSantis (R-FL), passed by voice vote.

The Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act aims to block Hezbollah and associated entities from gaining access to international banks and financial institutions. The bill now heads for a vote by the full House of Representatives.

The following are the remarks Meng delivered during Committee's consideration of her legislation. She is a member of the panel.

"Thank you Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the incorporation of the Desantis/Deutch/Meng amendment to the Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act. This amendment strengthens sanctions against Hezbollah by enabling the disruption of Hezbollah's global logistics networks and its fundraising and money-laundering activities. Furthermore, it requires the Obama administration to shed light on those countries that either overtly or covertly enable any sort of Hezbollah activities within their borders. This provision is particularly important in the Hezbollah context, because there are far too many countries that outwardly condemn Hezbollah's military and terrorist activities while privately fostering environments where Hezbollah can operate politically and financially. Well no more, not if you want to do business with the United States. I thank Mr. Desantis and Mr. Deutch for their leadership and partnership, the sponsors of the bill for crafting such important legislation, and committee staff for all their hard work in putting it all together."