BEIRUT — U.S. Representative Greg Steube reintroduced the "PAGER Act" on Wednesday, a bill that seeks to suspend U.S. aid to the Lebanese Army until Lebanon’s government revokes its recognition of Hezbollah, its political wing and the Amal Movement. The representative announced the move in a press release.

The act was first introduced on Sept. 18, 2024, but it did not receive a vote and was not enacted. On Sept. 17 and 18, 2024, thousands of communication devices, including pagers, belonging to Hezbollah exploded in public places across Lebanese territory, killing at least 40 people, including a child, and injuring more than 2,900.

The "Preventing Armed Groups from Engaging in Radicalism" (PAGER) Act stipulates that funding is prohibited until the Secretary of State certifies to Congress several conditions. These include that the Lebanese government no longer recognizes Hezbollah and other organizations linked to Iran. Additionally, the act seeks to prevent individuals affiliated with Hezbollah or other Iranian-linked organizations from holding ministerial positions. Lebanon must also comply with "U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559 to remove Hezbollah and other militia groups from their territory." The Lebanese Army "terminates its relationship with Hezbollah, Iran and all foreign terrorist organizations." Furthermore, Lebanon must destroy all weapons supplied by Iran and its affiliates. Finally, Lebanese courts must agree to "dismiss all charges against Americans unjustly persecuted for shedding light on Hezbollah's influence."

This bill would also block U.S. funding and support for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in light of its "corrupt financial ties to top Lebanese military officers," according to the press release.

It would also "provide Congress with biannual reports on Hezbollah's status in the region," however, it does not clarify how or by whom those reports would be submitted.

The bill was supported by several organizations, including the American Mideast Coalition for Democracy and The Endowment for Middle East Truth.

In his February visit to the U.S., Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gifted President Donald Trump a gold pager as a souvenir.

The cease-fire agreement concluded at the end of November 2024 between Lebanon and Israel, under U.S. auspices, ended a 13-month war between Hezbollah and Israel. More than 4,000 people were killed in Lebanon during this war, which significantly worsened last September.