West Florida News

U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) has reintroduced the Preventing Armed Groups from Engaging in Radicalism (PAGER) Act, a legislative measure aimed at curbing U.S. financial aid to Lebanon until specific conditions are met regarding Hezbollah and related organizations.

The bill seeks to withhold aid and assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces unless Lebanon's government rescinds its recognition of Hezbollah, along with its political wing, Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc, and the affiliated Amal Movement militia group. Rep. Steube emphasized the importance of vigilance against Hezbollah despite recent changes in leadership: “While the world celebrates the demise of Hassan Nasrallah, the United States must remain vigilant to the threat of Hezbollah."

The PAGER Act stipulates that federal funding will be barred until several criteria are fulfilled. These include a certification by the Secretary of State that Lebanon no longer recognizes Hezbollah or other Iran-linked organizations, bans individuals affiliated with these groups from ministerial roles, complies with UN Security Council Resolution 1559 for disarmament, terminates relationships with foreign terrorist organizations, destroys weaponry supplied by Iran, and dismisses charges against Americans persecuted for exposing Hezbollah's influence.

Additionally, U.S. support for the United Nations Development Programme will be halted due to alleged corrupt ties with Lebanese military officers. The act also mandates biannual reports on Hezbollah’s status in the region.

The bill has garnered backing from various organizations such as The American Mideast Coalition for Democracy (AMCD) and The Endowment for Middle East Truth (EMET). Tom Harb of AMCD stated that pressuring Lebanon could lead to progress toward a functioning civil society: “AMCD believes that by pressuring the Lebanese government...progress can be made toward re-establishing a functioning, pluralistic civil society in Lebanon.”

Sarah N. Stern from EMET expressed similar sentiments: “EMET applauds Congressman Greg Steube and the introduction of the PAGER Act.” She highlighted concerns about ongoing Iranian influence within Lebanon’s government structure.