W. Steube

Mr. STEUBE

Mr. STEUBE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Chairman. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Trump administration's actions in capturing Nicolas Maduro. Over the past week, Democrats have claimed that Maduro's capture was unconstitutional, illegal, and violated international norms. Democrats argue that Congress must declare war or give explicit authorization before the President can act. Article II is clear. The President is the Commander in Chief, and the Constitution has never required a declaration of war for every use of force, national security or law enforcement operation against criminal actors who threaten the United States. President Clinton acted in Kosovo. President Obama acted in Libya. President Biden even ordered strikes against terrorist leaders. In none of those cases did Democrats suddenly discover a constitutional crisis. The War Powers Resolution recognizes that the President may act first and notify Congress afterwards. There is no legal requirement that Congress be notified before the President takes action. That framework has governed American foreign policy for more than 50 years. Maduro is not a legitimate head of state. He is a criminal defendant under United States law who was charged and indicted in 2020 by the Department of Justice for drug trafficking and other related crimes. There is legal precedent directly on point. All of these arguments made by the Democrats that it is illegal should look no further than President Bush's capture of Manuel Noriega in Panama in 1989. Like the Maduro operation, the Panama invasion occurred without congressional authorization. Like Noriega, Maduro faces Federal drug trafficking charges. Like Noriega, he was captured through military operations conducted without congressional authorization. Like Noriega, he will surely argue head of state immunity and unlawful seizure. However, just like the court found in Noriega's case, he will be prosecuted for his crimes, and the actions that led to his seizure are legally sound, as they follow a 36- year-old template validated by Federal courts. Mr. Speaker, to the Americans whose communities have been devastated by drugs, to the families who have lost loved ones, and to the people of our hemisphere who have suffered under his criminal regime, this action sends a clear message: Narcoterrorist dictators are not immune from consequences, and the United States will not stand by while our citizens continue to be poisoned and murdered by the Maduro regime.

Mr. STEUBE

Mr. STEUBE. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. STEUBE. Madam Chair, it is our duty to afford the American people the assurance that their tax dollars are spent fulfilling the needs of the American people, not funneled to terrorist proxies that threaten our very existence. My amendment would ensure that not a single taxpayer dollar would be sent to the Lebanese Armed Forces, a military force riddled with Hezbollah sympathizers that acts as yet another proxy of the Iranian terror regime. To say that Hezbollah and its allies do not have any control over the Lebanese state is just categorically false. Hezbollah and other terror groups that operate freely throughout the country have launched countless attacks on our ally Israel. In the past year alone, Hezbollah has indiscriminately launched nearly 2,000 missiles into Israeli territory, attempting to replicate the horrific atrocities that occurred on October 7, yet the Lebanese military has consistently failed to take any substantive action to eliminate Hezbollah from its control over the Lebanese state. Not only do Hezbollah and its allies control dozens of seats in Lebanon's Parliament, but they literally sit at the helm of the military force that the American taxpayer has been propping up since 2006. As a matter of fact, Nabih Berri, the speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, is a Hezbollah sympathizer himself. As the head of the Amal Movement, his group joined Hezbollah in their war against Israel and launched attacks upon the IDF. Like Hezbollah, Amal is just another proxy of the Iranian terror regime. Why should we trust the Lebanese Government that our assistance to their military wouldn't be funneled to terrorism when their own speaker of parliament is a terrorist supporter himself? While the Lebanese military alleges a willingness to disband and disarm Hezbollah, their actions prove otherwise. The Lebanese military is conveniently absent in Hezbollah strongholds and is far too reluctant to take any meaningful action to eliminate Hezbollah once and for all. That is why I introduced legislation providing for an eight-point plan to condition aid to the Lebanese military, including provisions that would disband Hezbollah, eliminate all coordination with and support from the Iranian regime, and end persecution of American citizens who have advocated against Hezbollah's influence over the Government of Lebanon. This bill, the PAGER Act, offers a clear roadmap to strategically realign the Lebanese Government to no longer threaten the United States or our allies and interests in the Middle East. In fact, a significant portion of Lebanon's military expenditures don't even go toward its defense. Over 70 percent of its budget has consistently been allocated for personnel salaries and excessive benefits, including domestic servants and drivers for high-ranking officers. American taxpayers expect their hard-earned tax dollars to be spent on American interests, not armored Mercedes and other luxury goods for Lebanese generals. This really should be a bipartisan issue. Where are the Democrats complaining about Lebanon's human rights atrocities? The Democrats were silent when the Lebanese military shot protesters, silent when they forcibly repatriated Syrian refugees, and silent when the Lebanese military failed to prevent Hezbollah from indiscriminately targeting our ally Israel. Yet, they tell us to turn a blind eye and let the Lebanese military abuse the generosity of the American taxpayer. We cannot, in good conscience, continue sending U.S. taxpayer dollars to Lebanon when they are complicit in empowering a terrorist organization whose primary mission is to destroy America and Israel. Money is fungible, and every dollar funneled to Lebanon is another resource aiding Hezbollah's operations, undermining regional stability, and threatening Israel's security. Until they finally eliminate Hezbollah and stop reporting to their handlers in Tehran, any more funds to the Lebanese military are simply unjustifiable. I encourage my colleagues to recognize the pressing danger that still exists within the Lebanese military and vote for my amendment. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. STEUBE. Madam Chair, may I inquire as to the time remaining.

Mr. STEUBE. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. STEUBE. Madam Chair, this is a headline from 2 days ago: ``Israeli military attacks Hezbollah sites in eastern Lebanon.'' ``The Israeli military on Tuesday said it attacked Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. Fighter jets targeted military sites in the eastern Bekaa Valley, which the Iran-backed militia used for training purposes.'' I include in the Record this Yahoo News report. Israeli Military Attacks Hezbollah Sites in Eastern Lebanon July 15, 2025 The Israeli military on Tuesday said it attacked Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. Fighter jets targeted military sites in the eastern Bekaa Valley, which the Iran-backed militia used for training purposes, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. ``The military compounds that were struck were used by the Hezbollah terrorist organization for training and exercising terrorists to plan and carry out terrorist attacks against IDF troops and the State of Israel,'' the IDF stated. ``As part of the terrorists' exercises and training at these military sites, the terrorists carried out drills for gunfire combat and the use of various weapons,'' it added. The Israeli military said ``the storage of weapons and the activities of the Hezbollah terrorist organization at these sites constitute a blatant violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon.'' Lebanese security sources said that Israeli warplanes flew more than 10 attacks in several eastern locations early on Tuesday. According to residents, loud explosions could be heard in the region. The area is known as a Hezbollah stronghold. Israel and Hezbollah agreed on a ceasefire November 2024 after more than a year of mutual shelling. Nevertheless, the Israeli military continues to attack targets in Lebanon. Both sides accuse each other of violating the agreement.

Mr. STEUBE. Madam Chair, I also include in the Record another one from 2 days ago: ``12 said killed as Israel hits elite Hezbollah force deep inside Lebanon.'' ``Israeli jets carried out a wave of airstrikes deep inside Lebanon aimed at stopping an elite Hezbollah unit from regrouping and rebuilding . . .'' ``The military camps that were targeted are used by the Hezbollah terror organization for training and preparing terrorists for the planning and execution of terror operations against IDF forces and the State of Israel.' '' 12 Said Killed as Israel Hits Elite Hezbollah Force Deep Inside Lebanon (By Emanuel Fabian) Military says targets in northeastern Beqaa Valley include Radwan unit facilities, where military activity was taking place in `blatant violation' of November ceasefire. Israeli jets carried out a wave of airstrikes deep inside Lebanon aimed at stopping an elite Hezbollah unit from regrouping and rebuilding its strength, authorities said Tuesday. Lebanese state media reported that 12 people were killed. ``Enemy warplanes launched raids on the Wadi Fara area in the northern Beqaa Valley, one of which targeted a camp for displaced Syrians, resulting in the deaths of 12 martyrs, including seven Syrians, and eight wounded,'' the country's state-run National News Agency reported. The strikes in Lebanon's northeastern Beqaa Valley were aimed at military facilities belonging to the Hezbollah terror group's Radwan force, where operatives and weapon depots had been detected, the Israel Defense Forces said. ``The military camps that were targeted are used by the Hezbollah terror organization for training and preparing terrorists for the planning and execution of terror operations against IDF forces and the State of Israel,'' the military said in a statement. The weapons stored at the sites and Hezbollah's activity ``constitute a blatant violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon, and pose a future threat to the State of Israel,'' the statement added. Defense Minister Israel Katz called the strikes ``a clear message to the Hezbollah terror organization, which is plotting to rebuild its invasion-of-Israel capabilities through the Radwan force, and also to the Lebanese government, which is responsible for upholding the agreement.'' ``We will strike every terrorist and thwart any threat to the residents of the north and to the State of Israel, and we will respond with maximum force against any attempt [by Hezbollah] to rebuild,'' he added. Israel has carried out dozens of strikes in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah operatives and arms since reaching a ceasefire with the group in November following several weeks of intense fighting, while attacks deeper inside Lebanon are less common. There was no immediate comment from the Lebanese government about Tuesday's strikes, though the official National News Agency reported that ``enemy warplanes launched a raid'' southeast of Baalbek, the main city in the region. The rugged Beqaa Valley is seen as a stronghold for Hezbollah, and had been considered a key conduit for smuggling weapons into Lebanon via Syria before Hezbollah ally Bashar al-Assad was ousted from the leadership of Syria late last year. On Sunday, the IDF said Israeli troops had raided military facilities of the deposed Syrian regime last week, seizing some three tons of weapons. It indicated that the arms had been intended to be smuggled into Lebanon. According to Israel, the Radwan force had in recent years planned to carry out a large-scale invasion of northern Israel, but was forced to shelve the scheme after Hamas attacked southern Israel from Gaza on October 7, 2023, plunging the region into war. A day after the attack, Hezbollah began firing rockets, drones, and anti-tank missiles at northern Israeli communities, carrying out attacks on a near-daily basis in solidarity with Hamas. The rocket fire displaced some 60,000 residents of northern Israel. In a bid to ensure their safe return, Israel stepped up operations in Lebanon in September, leading to two months of open warfare with Hezbollah in which the terror group's leadership and arsenal were decimated. A ceasefire in November largely stopped the fighting, but Israeli strikes against Hezbollah operatives have continued on a regular basis. The agreement allows Israel to strike imminent threats, though Jerusalem is required to bring less urgent concerns to an international committee. Hezbollah is currently under pressure from Lebanon's Western-backed government to disarm as part of an arrangement that could reportedly see Israel halt attacks and pull its troops south of the border.

Mr. STEUBE. We should put America first, not Lebanon first and America last. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. STEUBE. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. STEUBE

Mr. STEUBE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Wyatt Dickinson. Wyatt is a member of Boy Scout Troop 776 and has exemplified extraordinary leadership, innovative problem- solving, and a demonstrated commitment to making a lasting, positive impact, by earning the most prestigious rank in Scouting--the Eagle Scout. Eagle Scouts are recognized as trailblazers who are willing to tackle the most pressing challenges facing their communities and the world with measurable, sustainable, and far-reaching results. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Scout must identify and investigate an issue they care about, devise a plan, and then lead a team of experts and community members to implement a project that produces lasting change. Eagle Scouts demonstrate significant initiative, commitment, and leadership, distinguishing them from their peers. Through their resourcefulness and perseverance, they embody the Scout's Oath to `help other people at all times.' Wyatt's project, ``Blessing Bags'', was an excellent endeavor to address homelessness in our community. Wyatt acted by collecting snacks, stuffing bags, and distributing them to the homeless and less fortunate teens. His compassion and dedication will have a positive impact on our community for years to come. On behalf of the 17th Congressional District of Florida, I congratulate Wyatt Dickinson for achieving the highest distinction in Scouting, the rank of Eagle Scout. We thank Wyatt for his leadership and making such a positive, lasting change in our community.

Mr. STEUBE

Mr. STEUBE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Hannah Dickinson. Hannah is a member of Sandy Beaches Service Unit within Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida, and has exemplified extraordinary leadership, innovative problem-solving, and a demonstrated commitment to making a lasting, positive impact, by earning the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award. Gold Award Girl Scouts are recognized as trailblazers who are willing to tackle the most pressing challenges facing their communities and the world with measurable, sustainable, and far-reaching results. To earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, high school-age Girl Scouts must identify and investigate an issue they care about, devise a plan, and then lead a team of experts and community members to implement a project that produces lasting change. Over the course of 1-2 years, Gold Award Girl Scouts demonstrate significant initiative, commitment, and leadership, distinguishing them from their peers. Through their resourcefulness and perseverance, they embody the Girl Scout Law to truly make the world a better place. Hannah's project, Kindness Counts, in partnership with Port Charlotte High School and the National Honor Society and Key Club, was an excellent endeavor to address mental health and bullying in our community. Hannah took action by coordinating with school administrators, educating community members about the harmful effects of bullying, and creating a motivational mural to be displayed at her school, which will have a positive impact on our community for years to come. On behalf of the 17th Congressional District of Florida, congratulations to Hannah for achieving the highest distinction in Girl Scouts, the Gold Award. We thank Hannah for her leadership and making such a positive, lasting change in our community.

Mr. STEUBE

Mr. STEUBE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Hannah Dickinson. Hannah is a member of Sandy Beaches Service Unit within Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida, and has exemplified extraordinary leadership, innovative problem-solving, and a demonstrated commitment to making a lasting, positive impact, by earning the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award. Gold Award Girl Scouts are recognized as trailblazers who are willing to tackle the most pressing challenges facing their communities and the world with measurable, sustainable, and far-reaching results. To earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, high school-age Girl Scouts must identify and investigate an issue they care about, devise a plan, and then lead a team of experts and community members to implement a project that produces lasting change. Over the course of 1-2 years, Gold Award Girl Scouts demonstrate significant initiative, commitment, and leadership, distinguishing them from their peers. Through their resourcefulness and perseverance, they embody the Girl Scout Law to truly make the world a better place. Hannah's project, Kindness Counts, in partnership with Port Charlotte High School and the National Honor Society and Key Club, was an excellent endeavor to address mental health and bullying in our community. Hannah took action by coordinating with school administrators, educating community members about the harmful effects of bullying, and creating a motivational mural to be displayed at her school, which will have a positive impact on our community for years to come. On behalf of the 17th Congressional District of Florida, congratulations to Hannah for achieving the highest distinction in Girl Scouts, the Gold Award. We thank Hannah for her leadership and making such a positive, lasting change in our community.

Mr. STEUBE

Mr. STEUBE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dakota Partelow. Dakota is a member of Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida, Troop 608, and has exemplified extraordinary leadership, innovative problem-solving, and a demonstrated commitment to making a lasting, positive impact, by earning the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award. Gold Award Girl Scouts are recognized as trailblazers who are willing to tackle the most pressing challenges facing their communities and the world with measurable, sustainable, and far-reaching results. To earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, high school-age Girl Scouts must identify and investigate an issue they care about, devise a plan, and then lead a team of experts and community members to implement a project that produces lasting change. Over the course of 1-2 years, Gold Award Girl Scouts demonstrate significant initiative, commitment, and leadership, distinguishing them from their peers. Through their resourcefulness and perseverance, they embody the Girl Scout Law to truly make the world a better place. Dakota's project in partnership with Valerie House was an excellent endeavor to address youth mental health and grief in our community. Dakota took action by researching youth mental health and grief, then redesigning the children's waiting room at Valerie House to create a more welcoming space. She repainted the room and assembled a resource box filled with toys and activities to support the well-being of grieving children. Her efforts will have a lasting positive impact on the community. On behalf of the 17th Congressional District of Florida, congratulations to Dakota for achieving the highest distinction in Girl Scouts, the Gold Award. We thank Dakota for her leadership and making such a positive, lasting change in our community.

Mr. STEUBE

Mr. STEUBE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Reagan Graham. Reagan is a member of Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida, Troop 441 and has exemplified extraordinary leadership, innovative problem-solving, and a demonstrated commitment to making a lasting, positive impact, by earning the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award. Gold Award Girl Scouts are recognized as trailblazers who are willing to tackle the most pressing challenges facing their communities and the world with measurable, sustainable, and far-reaching results. To earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, high school-age Girl Scouts must identify and investigate an issue they care about, devise a plan, and then lead a team of experts and community members to implement a project that produces lasting change. Over the course of 1-2 years, Gold Award Girl Scouts demonstrate significant initiative, commitment, and leadership, distinguishing them from their peers. Through their resourcefulness and perseverance, they embody the Girl Scout Law to truly make the world a better place. Reagan's project, ``Heart & Sole,'' in partnership with Angel's Attic, The Out-of-Door Academy, and Woodland Community Church, was an excellent endeavor to address clothing access for homeless individuals in our community. Reagan took action by educating and training over a dozen volunteers on clothing insecurity among homeless individuals. She guided them in organizing a clothing drive, collecting over 2,000 pairs of socks, and establishing a permanent sock closet. Her efforts will have a lasting positive impact on the community. On behalf of the 17th Congressional District of Florida, congratulations to Reagan Graham for achieving the highest distinction in Girl Scouts, the Gold Award. We thank Reagan for her leadership and making such a positive, lasting change in our community.

Mr. STEUBE

Mr. STEUBE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Harley Cross. Harley is a member of Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida, Troop 5005, and has exemplified extraordinary leadership, innovative problem-solving, and a demonstrated commitment to making a lasting, positive impact, by earning the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award. Gold Award Girl Scouts are recognized as trailblazers who are willing to tackle the most pressing challenges facing their communities and the world with measurable, sustainable, and far-reaching results. To earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, high school-age Girl Scouts must identify and investigate an issue they care about, devise a plan, and then lead a team of experts and community members to implement a project that produces lasting change. Over the course of 1-2 years, Gold Award Girl Scouts demonstrate significant initiative, commitment, and leadership, distinguishing them from their peers. Through their resourcefulness and perseverance, they embody the Girl Scout Law to truly make the world a better place. Harley's project, Community Food Pantry, in partnership with the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office, Stamp Our Hunger, DeSoto Cares, All Faiths Food Bank, and local Girl Scout troops, was an excellent endeavor to address hunger in our community. Harley took action by collecting food donations, educating community members about food insecurity, and building a brand new food pantry to serve her community, which will have a positive impact on our community for years to come. On behalf of the 17th Congressional District of Florida, congratulations to Harley Cross for achieving the highest distinction in Girl Scouts, the Gold Award. We thank Harley for her leadership and making such a positive, lasting change in our community.

Mr. STEUBE

Mr. STEUBE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Victoria Morton. Victoria is a member of Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida, Troop 135, and has exemplified extraordinary leadership, innovative problem-solving, and a demonstrated commitment to making a lasting, positive impact, by earning the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award. Gold Award Girl Scouts are recognized as trailblazers who are willing to tackle the most pressing challenges facing their communities and the world with measurable, sustainable, and far-reaching results. To earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, high school-age Girl Scouts must identify and investigate an issue they care about, devise a plan, and then lead a team of experts and community members to implement a project that produces lasting change. Over the course of 1-2 years, Gold Award Girl Scouts demonstrate significant initiative, commitment, and leadership, distinguishing them from their peers. Through their resourcefulness and perseverance, they embody the Girl Scout Law to truly make the world a better place. Victoria's project, ``Pet Resource Central,'' in partnership with the Community Resource Center of Punta Gorda, the Harry Chapin Food Bank, the Animal Welfare League, the Suncoast Humane Society, and peers at Port Charlotte High School, was an excellent endeavor to address food insecurity and animal welfare in our community by creating a pantry for low-income pet owners. She collected donations to stock the pantry and hosted free workshops on affordable pet care. Additionally, Victoria provided free grooming services, including ear and teeth cleaning, nail trimming, and created a resource booklet with spay and neuter information. Victoria dedicated 136 hours to her project, which will have a lasting and positive impact on the community for years to come. On behalf of the 17th Congressional District of Florida, congratulations to Victoria Morton for achieving the highest distinction in Girl Scouts, the Gold Award. We thank Victoria for her leadership and making such a positive, lasting change in our community.

Mr. STEUBE

Mr. STEUBE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Krysta Fowler. Krysta is an individually registered member of Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida and has exemplified extraordinary leadership, innovative problem-solving, and a demonstrated commitment to making a lasting, positive impact, by earning the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award. Gold Award Girl Scouts are recognized as trailblazers who are willing to tackle the most pressing challenges facing their communities and the world with measurable, sustainable, and far-reaching results. To earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, high school-age Girl Scouts must identify and investigate an issue they care about, devise a plan, and then lead a team of experts and community members to implement a project that produces lasting change. Over the course of 1-2 years, Gold Award Girl Scouts demonstrate significant initiative, commitment, and leadership, distinguishing them from their peers. Through their resourcefulness and perseverance, they embody the Girl Scout Law to truly make the world a better place. Krysta's project, ``BAT-vocate: Appreciation and Awareness for Bats,'' in partnership with The City of North Port, North Port School District, The Environmental Conservancy of North Port, Peace River Wildlife Center, Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida, was an excellent endeavor to address the issue of bat endangerment, conservancy, and awareness in our community. Krysta took action by constructing 26 sustainable bat habitats across Bradenton, North Port, and Ft. Myers to support endangered bat populations. She led educational workshops for Girl Scouts and community members on bat conservation and successfully petitioned the City of North Port to establish a Bat Awareness Day. Additionally, she collaborated with the council to develop a Girl Scout badge curriculum, ensuring ongoing education on bat conservation. Her efforts will have a lasting positive impact on the community. It is an honor to represent brave individuals like Tigran Gambaryan in Congress, and I celebrate his return home to his wife Yuki and their two young children. God bless their family. On behalf of the 17th Congressional District of Florida, congratulations to Krysta Fowler for achieving the highest distinction in Girl Scouts, the Gold Award. We thank Krysta for her leadership and making such a positive, lasting change in our community.

Mr. STEUBE

Mr. STEUBE. Mr. Speaker, Scripture reminds us that, at the beginning of time, God created mankind as males and females, and He blessed them. All throughout humanity, we have recognized as a species that there are women and there are men, as God created, who are obviously biologically different and, dare I say, scientifically different. Even science agrees with this premise. Yet, our culture and civilization continue to be subjected to the perverse lie that there are more than two genders or that men can be women or women can be men. The distinction between men and women is clear and evident, and the erasure of this division has been promulgated by those in the radical left who seek to dismantle the core foundation of our society. We must never let our country and the American way of life surrender to this immoral ideology. What a shame it is that, over the last several years, the radical left has tried to corrupt the minds of many Americans with the ideology that gender is just a spectrum, that it is fluid, or that you can be whatever you want, whenever you want, depending on how you feel. To them, it is just a social construct. The radical left has taken gender identity so far that many on the left can't even define what a woman is for fear of retribution or cancelation by transgender activists. They have adopted completely made-up terms, such as nonbinary, trans male, and trans female. Some even say there are 74 genders, everything from agender to omnigender. There is even an astral gender, which is having a gender identity where you feel related to outer space. How can the radical left be able to identify that gender, yet they can't even define what a woman is? Not too long ago, progressives would say all that is ridiculous, but today, it is their religion. If you question their lies and fictitious terms, you are labeled a transphobic bigot and canceled. In giving homage to the trans movement, radical leftists have given way to the corruption of the minds of our Nation's youth by dismantling the very protections that Congress created to ensure fairness in education and athletics. In 1972, Congress created Title IX to protect women's sports and to give women their own playing field in athletics. In worship of their trans idols, radical leftists want to kill Title IX, abandoning women across the country. Parents don't want biological men in locker rooms with their daughters, nor do they believe it is fair that a male could compete with women in female athletics. This is why Title IX protections were implemented in the first place. Radical leftists want you to believe that this is never happening or that it is so rare that we shouldn't be concerned. The other side just made a comment that so few of these people are involved in college athletics. The truth of the matter proves otherwise. In my very own district, my constituent Emma Weyant, an incredibly talented swimmer and Olympic medalist, lost the 2022 NCAA women's swimming championship title for the 500-meter freestyle by less than 2 seconds. The man who beat her formerly competed for years on the men's swimming team and took home that title after identifying as a woman. It is a sad day in our country when radical leftists are willing to erase the rights that women have fought decades to obtain, all to elevate biological males to the top of women's platforms. An overwhelming majority of Americans believe that men don't belong in women's sports and that we must allow common sense to prevail. This bill would deliver upon the mandate the American people gave Congress to restore the integrity of women's sports, just as Title IX intended. Now is our time to act. If my liberal colleagues truly believe in supporting women's rights, as they often tout, they will vote in favor of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand for women's free and fair opportunities in athletics and to stand for truth, not lies.

Mr. STEUBE

Mr. STEUBE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Ms. Tenney's Anti-BDS Labeling Act. The United States is Israel's single largest trade partner. This bill would codify a Trump administration notice that required products made in certain areas of Judea and Samaria be labeled as originating from Israel. In April, I led a letter to the Biden-Harris administration slamming them for considering reversing the labeling policy. It is common sense for goods produced in certain areas of Judea and Samaria, also known as the West Bank, to be labeled as made in Israel because Israel exercises relevant authorities in these areas. President Trump was absolutely right to issue the product of Israel policy because Israel is exactly where these products originated. Current law already requires accurate labeling. This should not be a bill that we need to pass. This should be settled law, but the Biden- Harris administration refuses to accept reality so they can, once again, pander to certain radical terrorist sympathizers in their political base. If the Biden-Harris administration goes through with reversing trade policy decision, it will legitimize anti-Semitic efforts to weaken and isolate our closest ally in the Middle East. In a time of global uncertainty, the last thing we should be doing is abandoning our strongest ally in the Middle East. Mr. Speaker, I am thankful that the House of Representatives is taking up this important bill, and I urge all my colleagues to vote for this important piece of legislation.

Mr. STEUBE

Mr. STEUBE. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. STEUBE. Madam Chair, Americans deserve the assurance that their hard-earned taxpayer dollars are going to fulfill the needs of the American people and not be funneled to terrorists who threaten our very existence. I stood here just 9 months ago offering the same amendment to ensure that no taxpayer funds would be made available to the Lebanese Armed Forces, a military force that emboldens Hezbollah and their Iranian handlers to spread terror and destruction upon our ally, Israel, and the entire Middle East. Guess what happened just 9 days later on October 7? To say that Hezbollah and the Lebanese Government are two separate entities is just plain false. They are merely two sides of the same coin. Not only do Hezbollah and its allies control dozens of seats in Lebanon's parliament, but they literally sit at the helm of the military force that our tax dollars have been propping up since 2006. Its grip extends across its military, through its government, and over a majority of its politicians. Even advocates of aid to the Lebanese military recognize Hezbollah's influence over its Defense Ministry is rampant. We may as well be sending these checks directly to Hezbollah headquarters. Money is fungible. Why should the generosity of the American people be used to fund a terror haven unwilling and unable to counter Hezbollah? As we stand here today, Israel is in a state of war with Hamas. An all-out war with Hezbollah to the north seems to be imminent. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has repeatedly threatened war with Israel while suggesting his force far exceeds 100,000 fighters. We are fighting an army that emboldens Hezbollah to spill the blood of our allies. This really should be a bipartisan issue, but where are the Democrats complaining about Lebanon's human rights atrocities? The Lebanese Armed Forces shoot protesters and forcibly repatriate Syrian refugees. Yet, on this issue, Democrats tell us to turn a blind eye and fund Hezbollah's allies in the Lebanese Armed Forces. In fact, the majority of Lebanon's military expenditures don't even go toward its defense. Over 70 percent of its budget is allocated for personnel salaries and excessive benefits, which even include domestic servants and drivers for high-ranking officers. This didn't stop the United States last year from partnering with the U.N. to implement the Livelihood Support Program, which disbursed more than $55 million to 70,000 LAF personnel and helps fulfill their generals' lavish lifestyles. American taxpayers expect their hard- earned dollars to be spent on American interests, not armed Mercedes and other luxurious goods for Lebanese generals. Given the rampant terror financing and money laundering activities that Hezbollah uses to extend its reign across nearly every facet of life in Lebanon, we must acknowledge that foreign aid dollars sent to the Lebanese Armed Forces will ultimately be used by Hezbollah to further expand its terrorist actions against our ally, Israel. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. STEUBE. Madam Chair, by safeguarding the actions of Hezbollah terrorists and their allies, the Lebanese Armed Forces fundamentally empower Iran in their mission to kill American troops and wipe Israel off the map. Now more than ever, following October 7, giving them any taxpayer funds from America is just simply unjustifiable. I encourage my colleagues to stand with our ally, Israel, and recognize the dangers of funding the Lebanese Armed Forces by voting for my amendment. Madam Chair, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. STEUBE. Madam Chair, Hezbollah's influence on the Lebanese Armed Forces is rampant. They have members in their parliament. The influence is overreaching, and Americans are sick and tired of sending our tax dollars to countries and to people who absolutely hate our values and hate America and hate our ally, Israel. Why would we continue to fund money for Lebanon? Why would we continue to fund humanitarian aid to Gaza when we know that all that money is going to Hamas? The American people are sick and tired of it. The American people want this body and this House to put America first, and I think it starts with focusing on the challenges that face America and not giving money that is ultimately going to end up in the hands of terrorist organizations. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. STEUBE. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. STEUBE. Mr. Chair, Americans entrust us with ensuring that their hard-earned tax dollars go toward measures that advance our interests, not undermine them. Over the past quarter of a century, not only have Americans provided billions of dollars to Iraq, but thousands have lost their lives in that country. Essentially, Americans have been generous enough to give Iraq a blank check payable not only in cash but with American lives. Yet, in 2024, we see a country that is becoming increasingly anti- American, essentially becoming one of Iran's strongest proxies. I served in Iraq, and protecting American interests should continue to be our number one priority in the region. We cannot justify funding a foreign government unable to safeguard our dollars from exploitation by Iran, ISIS, and other terror groups. Yet, the money we send to Iraq has been funding Iranian militias that target and attack our troops. Iran's influence over the Iraqi Government is rampant. Over 2 years ago, the Pentagon's inspector general disclosed that Iraqi security forces are overrun by Iranian- backed militants and IRGC terrorists. These are the same terrorists who attacked the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad in 2018 and continue to threaten our troops to this day. Yet, every year, we continue to provide millions of taxpayer dollars to Iraqi security forces and expect a different outcome. It is the definition of insanity. These militias are part of Iraq's own government. They are officially part of the Popular Mobilization Forces, which fall under Iraq's Ministry of Interior. These militias are funded by the Government of Iraq and then attack our troops with the financial backing of our own taxpayers. Let that sink in. It is apparent that our funding for the Iraqi Government is not countering terrorism. In fact, it seems to be emboldening the terrorists. It is time for us to stop the endless cycle of trading blank checks for false promises with the Iraqi Government, especially when they use it to put Iranian-backed terrorists on their payroll. This does not give us leverage, nor does it safeguard American interests. It is unwise, unacceptable, and, quite frankly, inexcusable to send American taxpayer dollars to Iraq when we know that these funds end up in the hands of terrorists. The underlying bill should support our diplomats and servicemembers overseas, not threaten them. Mr. Chair, I encourage my colleagues to stand up for the American taxpayer and support my amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.