The "Preventing Armed Groups from Engaging in Radicalism" or **PAGER Act** proposes to halt federal funding for the **Armed Forces of Lebanon** 60 days after its enactment. This prohibition would persist until the Secretary of State certifies that the Lebanese government no longer recognizes Hezbollah, Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc, or Amal as legitimate political parties, and prohibits their members from cabinet roles. The certification further requires that the Lebanese Armed Forces and internal security forces have eliminated Hezbollah's presence in Lebanon by implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559, including expelling Hezbollah from strongholds and preventing its resurgence. It also mandates that the Lebanese Armed Forces maintain no coordination with Hezbollah or other U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organizations, and that any Iranian military aid is destroyed. Crucially, the bill demands the dismissal of charges against American citizens who have opposed Hezbollah's influence. Beyond these conditions, the legislation prohibits U.S. funds to the United Nations Development Programme from supporting livelihood programs for Lebanese security forces, designates Suhil Bahij Gharab as a **specially designated global terrorist**, and mandates regular reports on the influence of Hezbollah and Iran within the Lebanese government.
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
International Affairs
PAGER Act
USA119th CongressHR-1844| House
| Updated: 3/5/2025
The "Preventing Armed Groups from Engaging in Radicalism" or **PAGER Act** proposes to halt federal funding for the **Armed Forces of Lebanon** 60 days after its enactment. This prohibition would persist until the Secretary of State certifies that the Lebanese government no longer recognizes Hezbollah, Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc, or Amal as legitimate political parties, and prohibits their members from cabinet roles. The certification further requires that the Lebanese Armed Forces and internal security forces have eliminated Hezbollah's presence in Lebanon by implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559, including expelling Hezbollah from strongholds and preventing its resurgence. It also mandates that the Lebanese Armed Forces maintain no coordination with Hezbollah or other U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organizations, and that any Iranian military aid is destroyed. Crucially, the bill demands the dismissal of charges against American citizens who have opposed Hezbollah's influence. Beyond these conditions, the legislation prohibits U.S. funds to the United Nations Development Programme from supporting livelihood programs for Lebanese security forces, designates Suhil Bahij Gharab as a **specially designated global terrorist**, and mandates regular reports on the influence of Hezbollah and Iran within the Lebanese government.