WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement after passage of S.1, Strengthening America’s Security in the Middle East Act of 2019.

“The U.S. has had a central role in the Middle East for decades. While one of the most volatile regions in the world, it plays an important role in our national and economic security, and is host to tens of thousands of American troops. Congress, as a coequal branch of government, has an important role in increasing security for American citizens, supporting our partners in the Middle East and bringing much-needed stability to the region, which is why I supported the Strengthening America’s Security in the Middle East Act.

“Core to this legislation is America’s bedrock support for Israel –an important democratic ally in the fight against terrorism, as well as energy, agriculture, education, water security, the environment and more. We also support our partners in Jordan in their efforts to counter-ISIS and extremist groups and ensure broad-based economic growth and development for its population. The bill additionally ensures the continued provision of support to the people of Syria, who continue to suffer from the disastrous effects of civil war in their country, while strengthening sanctions against the Assad regime for their crimes.

“The world is looking for consistent U.S. leadership in the Middle East and elsewhere. Congress will continue to provide the support and resources to make that happen, where our national security and that of our allies is affected.”