Recent reports that the regime in Damascus has been developing its nuclear facilities with the assistance of North Korea are only the latest manifestations of Syria’s increasing belligerent stance. Despite attempts to “embrace” the regime in Damascus by some in Congress, under the misguided notion that Syria will moderate its behavior in return, that regime remains actively engaged in dangerous and destructive policies that threaten America, our allies, and our interests in the region. Make no mistake. Syria poses a growing threat that must be confronted.

Damascus remains a stalwart supporter for terrorist organizations and activities throughout the region, from Beirut to Baghdad and Jerusalem, and the fact that Syria remains a hub for Hezbollah and Hamas and a gateway for jihadists to infiltrate Iraq. For example, during last summer’s war in Lebanon, Hezbollah reportedly received Russian-made anti-tank missiles from Syria and used them to disable several Israeli tanks.

Additionally, Syria has relentlessly pursued a destabilizing conventional and unconventional military buildup, contributing to regional instability. It has reportedly purchased numerous and varied missiles, and seeks short and long-range ballistic missiles as well. As a means to bolster these efforts, in 2005 Iran and Syria declared that they had formed a mutual self-defense pact to confront the “threats” now facing them. In May of this year, it was reported that Syria was providing Iran with 50 short-range gun and missile air defense systems that it purchased from Russia earlier this year. However, this level of cooperation is by no means confined to conventional military assistance.

A year ago, in July, it was reported that Iranian “observers” were present at North Korea’s missile launches, raising further troubling questions regarding the continued proliferation of missile expertise from North Korea to other rogue regimes.

Reports of cooperation with North Korea on nuclear capabilities development should come as no surprise. Syria has reportedly attempted to build a second nuclear facility, and refuses to sign an international protocol allowing inspections of its nuclear facilities on short notice. In 2005, it was reported that the Syrian Atomic Energy Commission had procured components and expertise from European Union members through front companies that could be used for the production of nuclear weapons.

Additionally, over the last 30 years, Syria has developed ballistic missiles and has reportedly even conducted research and development on biological weapons. Syria has one of the largest ballistic missile inventories in the Middle East, comprised of several hundred short-range ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. Syria also reportedly has several thousand tactical munitions, including rockets and artillery shells which could carry deadly unconventional agents. Reports also indicate that Syria has built thirty large underground bunkers that would enable it to launch numerous Scud missiles — possibly tipped with chemical warheads — against Israel with impunity. Given its past history, possible unconventional Syrian weapons transfers to Islamist terrorists are an ever-present danger. America cannot vacillate in the face of Syria’s ominous behavior. She and its allies must act promptly and effectively to neutralize the Syrian menace and target Syria’s wherewithal to continue such destructive polices. Syria’s economy, which remains controlled by the state and reliant on its petroleum resources, is particularly vulnerable to actions aimed at targeting its ability to threaten America, our allies and interests. Domestic oil production represents half of Syria’s income and most of its exports. Despite minimal economic reforms, the public sector employs most Syrians, subsidies for domestic goods are rampant, and corruption is endemic.

As a means to address the Syrian threat and capitalize on its vulnerabilities, I have introduced the Syria Accountability and Liberation Act. This legislation requires the immediate imposition of all possible American sanctions and requires that they remain in place until Syria ceases its support for terrorism, unconventional weapons development, and other destructive policies. It mandates a number of additional sanctions to curtail Syria’s proliferation efforts and imposes new sanctions on entities that invest or conduct business in Syria’s energy sector. Without foreign capital and development, Syria will be deprived of the energy profits it desperately needs to buy weapons and sponsor terrorist activities.

In short, it seeks to ensure Syria will finally face its day of reckoning. We missed a golden opportunity a decade ago to prevent an escalation of the Iranian threat. Let us heed this lesson and take the necessary steps now to increase the pressure on Damascus to compel Syria to cease its policies and activities that threaten America and global security.

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida serves as the Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.