Reps. Carnahan, CAO Launch Bipartisan Congressional Caucus Dedicated To Greater International Engagement

Press Release

With the humanitarian crisis in Haiti underscoring the importance of multilateral cooperation to address global challenges, Congressmen Russ Carnahan (D-MO) and Anh "Joseph" Cao (R-LA) today announced the formation of the American Engagement Caucus. The bipartisan panel will dedicate itself to demonstrating how American leadership and a willingness to partner with other countries and institutions are strategies that clearly serve our nation's best interests.

"We live in a world that is increasingly interconnected. America's security, economic and moral interests are directly tied to our relationships around the globe," said Congressman Carnahan, the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight. "With so many challenges facing us - terrorism, an international economic recession , climate change, humanitarian crises - we must find creative approaches for working together to create a safer, more peaceful and prosperous world."

"It is an honor to co-chair this caucus with Rep. Carnahan. With bi-partisan support, we will tackle the issues of human trafficking, airport security, and rescue efforts for victims of natural disasters," said Congressman Cao, a member of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission.

"Caucus members will cooperate with other nations to present new ideas, and real solutions to some of the most challenging issues facing our world."

The American Engagement Caucus will provide a forum where Members can explore promising new approaches that highlight success stories of countries partnering together to address transnational problems. Members will discuss the benefits and challenges of working multilaterally with other nations and international bodies like the United Nations, European Union, African Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and will work to promote engagement as a fundamental component of American foreign policy.

The American Engagement Caucus will be guided by the following principles:

Smart Power: To achieve its security objectives, America must project smart power-a blend of military strength and creative diplomacy. America always reserves the right to act in service of its national interests, but prefers and prioritizes international cooperation to address common concerns and shared objectives.

Don't Go It Alone: In today's interconnected world, America can't go it alone. International cooperation is a better way of addressing some of the world's key problems, whether they are economic problems, environmental problems, or problems of peace and war.

Cooperation and global partnerships are essential for security: Given threats from terrorist groups and unstable foreign regimes with nuclear capabilities, working with other countries around the world is essential to our security. Other nations can help shoulder the burden of counterterrorism efforts, especially in regions where the U.S. may lack access and leverage. And America must balance our military might with diplomacy in order to successfully address global security challenges like nuclear proliferation and terrorism.

International engagement expands trade opportunities: By creating new international markets, we can capitalize on the power of American innovation to spur economic development and job growth here at home.

A strong relationship between the U.S. and the United Nations is key to rebuilding alliances and keeping us safe: Our standing in the world is in large ways shaped by and representative of our engagement with the United Nations. It is in America's economic, environmental and security interest to work with the UN to solve global challenges.

America's economic and environmental interests are irrefutably connected: Addressing climate change through new, clean energy strategies will reduce our dependence on oil, revitalize the American heartland and give developing countries a chance to meet their own energy needs and alleviate poverty.

Carnahan and Cao will serve as bipartisan co-chairs of the caucus, which also includes Representatives Bill Delahunt (MA-10), Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30), Dave Loebsack (IA-02), Brad Miller (NC-13), Laura Richardson (CA-37) and Joe Sestak (PA-07).

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