International Leadership & Foreign Affairs

I support a comprehensive national security approach, fully integrating and resourcing our diplomatic, development, and defense capabilities.  We must execute a national security strategy that counters violent religious extremism and anti-American sentiment, builds partnerships around the world, work closely with friends and allies, and advances programs to create a more just, peaceful, and stable world.  This means policies that understand and respect other nations and encourages self-determination, democracy, human rights, gender equality, economic development, and much greater access to education, health care, and jobs. This also means an increased focus on promoting the American values of democracy and an economy that also respects people and cultures.

As Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have unique insights into today’s foremost national security issues throughout the Middle East, including the war in Afghanistan, as well as our larger efforts to stop the spread of violent extremist groups and their ideology around the globe. Understanding the need for a holistic approach to national security, I recognize the importance of poverty reduction, access to education, sustainable global markets, diplomatic engagement, and good governance to enable our pursuit of stable international partners. 

Diplomacy

• Preventing Iran from acquiring or developing nuclear weapons: Supported the multilaterally negotiated Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran, has condemned the Iranian regime’s objectionable behavior, and taken note of the constructive voices in Iran that seek global integration.
• Enhancing Peace and Stability in Somalia: Co-led a letter requesting $87.7 million in Economic Support Funds to support the formation of legitimate, durable institutions in Somalia and has continued to work closely with the Treasury Department and community members to find ways to permit the legal transfer of remittances.
• Supporting Refugees:  In addition to vocally speaking out against hateful rhetoric towards refugees, I have asked the President to increase the number of refugees who can come to the United States.  I have also requested additional funding to help resettle refugees.

Development

• Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC):  Led a letter asking for funding the DRC’s Economic Support Fund to preserve and extend the stability and economic progress achieved in recent years. The letter recognizes the DRC government’s commitment toward security sector reform, pursuit of critical governance and rule of law reforms, and support for strengthening civil society organizations.
• Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC): Led a letter asking for $1 billion in funding for the MCC which has an effective model of reducing poverty and building sustained economic growth.
• I have requested funding and have advocated for programs which support International Family Planning, Maternal & Child Health, the Global Vaccine Initiative (GAVI), and Nutrition, Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Vaccines for HIV and Malaria, Tuberculosis Funding, United Nations Population Fund, Polio Eradication.

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