Congressional sources said Ms. Ros-Lehtinen was expressing increasing
concern by House and Senate leaders over the new government of Lebanese
Prime Minister Najib Mikati. Congress has approved $100 million in U.S.
military aid for Lebanon in 2011, Middle East Newsline reported.
The administration has approved the export of military and security
training as well as combat vehicles to Lebanon. Officials said Obama was
pressured by Congress to block planned U.S. defense exports, such as main
battle tanks and unmanned aerial vehicles, to the Lebanese Army.
"Hizbullah and its cohorts will control the Lebanese government and
likely benefit from the years of U.S. assistance, including to the Lebanese
military," Ms. Ros-Lehtinen said. "We cannot undo past mistakes, but we can
learn from them and safeguard taxpayer dollars going forward."
In a statement on June 13, the House chairwoman also called on the
administration to stop U.S. assistance to the Palestinian Authority. Ms.
Ros-Lehtinen cited the agreement by Fatah and Hamas for a national unity
government. Hamas has also been cited as terrorist organization by the State
Department.
"The U.S. should likewise stop funding the Palestinian Authority, where
Hamas appears to be following in Hizbullah's footsteps," Ms. Ros-Lehtinen
said. "It is time for U.S. assistance to truly advance our interests, rather
than benefit the likes of Hizbullah, Hamas, and their partners."