Foreign Affairs
Foreign Affairs issues impact all of us and are important to my work in Congress.
Foreign affairs are critical to our security. The United States of America is the only remaining global superpower and must lead by example. My time in the military gives me a unique perspective on how we must show that leadership. As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and House Armed Services Committee, I am positioned to ensure our leadership is free of waste and abuse, maintains strong relationships with close allies like Israel, and is appropriate and effective.
Foreign Aid Reform
Foreign assistance allows the United States to leverage its diplomatic interests around the world, while providing aid to civilians living in underdeveloped countries and areas of conflict. However, at a time when our nation is $17 trillion in debt, I agree that Congress must carefully evaluate all spending to ensure that it is reasonable and in the best interest of the United States.
I have consistently voted in support of smart spending reforms for foreign assistance programs. Most recently, I voted in support of H.R. 3547, a bill to set spending levels for fiscal year 2014 (FY14). This bill reduced spending levels for foreign assistance and foreign operations by nearly 9% over FY13 levels, saving $4.9 billion this year (P.L. 113-76). However, we must ensure that any cuts to foreign assistance are prudent and do not undermine the long term security needs of the United States.
In addition, I voted for an amendment offered by Representative Paul Gosar (AZ-4) to H.R. 4870, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2015, to prohibit funds from being obligated or expended to Syria, Iran, the Palestinian Authority, Hamas, or the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. This amendment passed with my support, and was included in the final version of H.R. 4870 on June 20, 2014.
Israel
I am concerned about the ever-increasing instability throughout the Middle East. During this time, the U.S. must remain committed to supporting our greatest ally in the region. I believe that U.S. assistance to Israel is vital to her security, and will do all I can to ensure that Israel maintains her qualitative military advantage.
The Administration must reject any Palestinian government that fails to renounce violence or refuses to recognize Israel’s right to exist. President Obama’s speech on May, 19, 2011 endorsed a key Palestinian demand that the borders of any future Palestinian state be based on the 1967 lines. I was extremely disappointed with President Obama’s statement. The mere suggestion that a two state solution be based on borders prior to the Six-Day War significantly undermines Israel’s ability to negotiate a practical and workable peace settlement. Additionally, retreating to the borders of 1967 would create an Israeli state only 8-10 miles wide, significantly inhibiting Israel’s ability to defend itself. I will continue to take a strong stance against any action that undermines this critical alliance.
I believe that U.S. assistance to Israel is vital to her security, and am working to ensure that Israel maintains her qualitative military advantage. I will continue to take a strong stance against any action that undermines this critical alliance. I joined the House GOP Israel Caucus to stay informed and take an active role in understanding the issues Israel faces amidst the ever-changing dynamic in the Middle East.
During consideration of the 2014 Department of Defense Appropriations bill, I offered an amendment to allocate $15 million in additional funds to be spent on developing increased capabilities for the Iron Dome missile defense system by creating a US-based production line. That additional production line will provide increased production capacity for Iron Dome interceptors and components as well as ensure that our Israeli allies have the defensive capabilities they need to defend against a sustained rocket attack. That amendment was included in the final House-passed bill.
Iran
As a strong supporter of Israel, I believe that we must work to prevent Iran from acquiring the technology to develop nuclear weapons. I am a co-sponsor of H.R. 850 which further strengthens sanctions against Iran by closing loopholes in the energy and financial sanctions. It denies visas to individuals who engage in Iran's energy sector and increases the number of sanctions the Administration is required to impose. Additionally, it targets capital markets and activities by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps and its affiliates significantly involved in the development, extraction, production, transportation, or sale of petroleum, oil, or liquefied natural gas in Iran.
This bill serves as a strong reminder to rogue states, such as Iran, that the U.S. will not stand idly by as they threaten the safety and security of our country, as well as the rest of the world. Please be assured that I will continue to support legislation that protects our national security and keeps countries such as Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Benghazi
We must ensure our foreign affairs policy is appropriate and effective. One area where we were not effective was in our handling of the situation in Benghazi. As a result of the destabilization following Muammar al-Gaddafi's ouster, concerns were raised by the American diplomatic corps that our facilities lacked adaquate security. Despite repeated requests, additional security was not deployed to American facilities in Benghazi. An American facility came under attack by a well-organized force and despite the best efforts of American security personnel, our safehouse was overrun and four Americans, including our Ambassador Christopher Stevens, were killed. I immediately voiced my concern to the Administration about its ignoring the requests for security and its lack of a speedy response to the attacks. Additionally, in the days after the attacks, members of the Administration misled the American people regarding what may have caused the attacks. The House Intelligence Committee has investigated this issue and we will continue our vigilance on matters related to America's diplomatic presence around the world.
For more information concerning my work and views on Foreign Affairs issues, please contact my Washington, DC office.