Ros-Lehtinen Comments on Introduction of Senate Version of Syria Accountability and Liberation Act
House Foreign Affairs Committee
U.S. House of Representatives
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Ranking Republican
CONTACT: Sam Stratman, (202) 226-7875, April 24, 2008
Alex Cruz, (202) 225-8200
For IMMEDIATE Release
(WASHINGTON) - U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) today introduced a Senate companion to H.R. 2332, the Syria Accountability and Liberation Act, authored by U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. H.R. 2332 currently has more than 120 House cosponsors. Statement of Ros-Lehtinen:
Like Iran, Syria continues to threaten the United States, Israel, and our critical interests in the Middle East by sponsoring Islamist militants, facilitating the entry of anti-U.S. fanatical jihadists into Iraq, and destabilizing Lebanon and other countries.
Over the last 30 years, Syria has developed ballistic missiles; has reportedly even conducted research and development on biological weapons; and has reportedly been seeking a nuclear capability. In 2005, it was reported that the Syrian Atomic Energy Commission had procured nuclear components and expertise through front companies operating in European Union countries.
Therefore, information surfacing in the media about Syrian cooperation with North Korea on nuclear activities should come as no surprise.
As with Iran, the most effective way of countering the regime’s ambitions is to deny it the resources it needs to continue its destructive activities.
This important legislation holds Syria responsible for its actions by strengthening existing sanctions and adding new ones against that oppressive regime, and I look forward to working with Senator Cornyn, the Senate, and my House to enact this critical legislation.
I thank Senator Cornyn for introducing the Senate companion to the Syria Accountability and Liberation Act.
