Foreign Policy

Today, Congressman James P. McGovern (MA-02) and Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-03)  sent a letter to Speaker John Boehner urging him to take action on President Obama’s Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) request released on February 11, 2015 to authorize military operations against the Islamic State (ISIL). Earlier this week, Speaker Boehner said in a… Read more »

I have long supported removing Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism List. I welcome President Obama’s decision to remove Cuba from this list and strongly support him in his efforts to normalize relations. Read more »

Today, we witnessed what months of determined diplomacy can accomplish – the announcement of a framework for drafting a final agreement on stopping the progress by the Government of Iran to develop nuclear weapons. Read more »

I congratulate the Colombian government and the FARC negotiating teams for reaching this historic agreement to begin the removal of anti-personnel landmines throughout Colombia. After Afghanistan, Colombia is the most mine-affected country in conflict in the world, and it will take many years to fully remove all landmines from Colombia. This concrete agreement also contributes to even greater confidence that the negotiations are serious, are moving forward and that a final peace accord will be achieved. Read more »

Today, Congressman Jim McGovern released a bipartisan letter signed by 67 Members of Congress to King Salman, the new King of Saudi Arabia, encouraging him to advocate for human rights and democratic reforms in his country. Read more »

After giving this issue a great deal of thought, I have decided not to attend the Prime Minister’s speech. Read more »

I’m pleased that we are finally discussing a new authorization for military force in the Middle East, something that should have happened a long time ago. Congress has been negligent, ignoring its constitutional duties on matters of war and peace. I hope that when a resolution comes to the floor, the House will be given the opportunity for a full and fair debate. Read more »

The recent news out of Nigeria is appalling, with Boko Haram murdering thousands of innocent civilians. The government of Nigeria and its regional neighbors must increase and coordinate their efforts to stop the violence against defenseless villages. The international community, including the United States, should do all it can to protect and provide humanitarian assistance to the Nigerian people – especially those who have fled or escaped Boko Haram. The U.S., in particular, should help northeastern Nigeria establish early warning systems and other proven methods that help local communities avoid violent attacks. And even though other events may dominate the news, I call on every person of conscience to keep the people of Nigeria in their thoughts. Read more »

Today is a historic, long-overdue day. At long last, the Cold War policies of the past five decades are almost over. I look forward to working with the President to consolidate and advance the measures announced today, and I commend him and his Administration for choosing to create a better future for the people of the United States and the people of Cuba. Read more »

The Senate Intelligence Committee’s report is deeply disturbing. The United States should never use torture. Period. It’s morally wrong, it’s ineffective and it puts our own troops at risk. We should do whatever it takes to make sure this sad chapter in American history is never repeated. Read more »