Issue Position: Foreign Affairs

Issue Position

Today's foreign affairs landscape is constantly evolving, but the lessons of history remain essential for prudent decision-making. America is an exceptional country because our Founders fought a revolution establishing a nation with institutions and principles that valued freedom, rule of law, private property, and personal human generosity.

We must remember that Americans have always cherished freedom and encouraged other peoples in their struggle for liberty, but we have not been involved in every struggle for independence. Today, our $15 trillion debt strains our ability to remain an economic superpower, and we must reduce our spending to ensure our foreign assistance reaps a return that supports our security interests. At the same time, we must continue to stand for American founding principles of human dignity, the right to life, and the freedoms of religion, speech, and assembly. I am honored to sit on the Executive Committee of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission to address these issues.

As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I am proud to have introduced a resolution to Include Western Hemisphere in National Strategy for Counterterrorism (H.Res.429), and the Iran in the Western Hemisphere Act of 2012, H.R. 3783. These pieces of legislation draw attention to counterterrorism threats from Iran's growing influence in the Western Hemisphere. I also introduced several amendments to the Foreign Relations Authorization Act. Most notably, one of my amendments would cut all funding to countries that do not support the United States within the United Nations at least 50% of the time. I believe that continuing to financially support countries that hate us is bad policy, and I am confident that we cannot "buy" their support.

Israel: The United States was the first country to recognize the State of Israel in 1948. Since then, we have had a close relationship based on shared democratic principles, human rights, work ethic, security and economic interests. Throughout Israel's vulnerable existence, the United States has continuously come to the assistance of Israel. Today, the United States is recognized as Israel's strongest ally and a trusted partner in working for peace in the region. Few nations consistently stand up for Israel as does the United States. Throughout my time in Congress, I have supported Israel both with my voice and my votes, and will continue to do so because I believe it is in the best interest for our nation to continue a strong alliance with Israel. In over just six decades, Israel has revealed to the world that its country possesses incredible determination in the face of unrelenting adversity. With few natural resources, Israel produces innovations in scientific and technological advancements, which have improved the lives of millions of people worldwide. In a region replete with human rights concerns, Israel embraces the democratic ideals that Americans cherish. I am passionate that our aid and friendship with Israel must continue.

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