; Whereas United States support for American institutions in Lebanon through programs such as ASHA, MEPI, and ESF assistance are vital for fostering democratic ideals and principles throughout Lebanon; Whereas Lebanon hosts an estimated 1,500,000 refugees, a population equal to almost one-third of its native population and the highest refugee-per-capita ratio in the world, despite challenges within its own social and economic sectors; Whereas Hezbollah alongside corrupt elites have taken advantage of the Lebanese economy, government, and its citizens; Whereas Iran seeks to eliminate Lebanon’s sovereignty and its history as a strong United States ally and democratic actor in the Middle East; Whereas Hezbollah continues to harm the Lebanese people by violating United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006), perpetuating undue foreign influence from Iran, harming the distinct demographic and social equilibrium of Lebanon, stoking sectarian violence, weakening the Lebanese economy, and supporting corruption and violence within Lebanon; Whereas corruption in the Lebanese public sector remains unchecked, despite calls for efforts to combat corruption in all government and social society sectors; Whereas the harmful politicization of the independent judiciary in Lebanon is untenable and is being met with strong disagreement by the Lebanese people and international actors; and Whereas respect for the rule of law and democratic principles of an independent and free press, long supported in Lebanon, must persist at the highest levels: Now, therefore, be it