United States Senator Dianne Feinstein, CaliforniaUnited States Senator Dianne Feinstein, California
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Home: In the Senate: Key Issues: Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs


The United States today faces a number of complex challenges in many parts of the world – Iraq, the Middle East, the emerging global role of China. It is my view that how U.S. foreign policy responds to these challenges has a tremendous impact not only on our nation’s future, but on the future of the world.

It is my aim to see the United States reclaim the respect and admiration of the world and once again be seen as a champion and a leader of democracy, justice, and human rights. I believe the best way to do this is by example, by listening, and by understanding that America's great strength is not our military prowess but our sense of justice, freedom, and liberty.



Priorities

  • Iraq: U.S. forces were sent to Iraq as liberators. But conditions have changed. Today, our forces are caught in the crossfire of bloody sectarian violence. The time has come to declare that our time has come - and gone - in Iraq. That is why I believe that we should put an expiration date (December 31, 2007) on the authorization of the President's use of force in Iraq, redefine the mission in Iraq, and require the President to return to Congress if he wishes to renew the resolution. 
  • The Middle East: Solving the Israeli-Palestinian crisis should be one of our top priorities in the Middle East. This can only be accomplished, in my view, by a vigorous and high-profile diplomatic engagement on behalf of the Administration.
  • U.S.-China Relations: I believe that there is no more important long-term bilateral relation for the United States than China. The entry of China into the World Trade Organization (WTO), which I strongly supported, continues to expand opportunities for companies from California to export a wide variety of products to the growing Chinese market. I will continue to strongly advocate for improved Sino-American ties and better understanding between our two nations in the areas of trade and security.
  • Tibet Policy: Protecting the rich cultural, religious, linguistic, and ethnic identity of the Tibetan people is critical. I have long sponsored legislation to encourage U.S. support for the Tibetan people, and to encourage dialogue between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government.
  • Darfur: The United States and the international community must take decisive action to end the genocide in Darfur. I am determined to continue to work hard to encourage the deployment of UN peacekeepers to the region, assist victims of the genocide, and pressure the Sudanese government to end the atrocities.
  • Full funding of the International Affairs Budget: Today, more than ever, it is critical that we continue to fund our U.S. International Affairs Budget. U.S. foreign assistance programs offer relief to the millions of victims of poverty, starvation, and illiteracy found throughout the developing world. By giving these communities in need the tools to target these root causes of terrorism, we not only help promote basic humanitarian values, we also help establish greater stability and security abroad, and encourage greater economic prosperity here at home.

Accomplishments

  • Burma Sanctions – Helped to establish U.S. sanctions policy toward Burma, requiring the President to ban new investment by U.S. firms in Burma if it is determined that the Government of Burma has physically harmed, rearrested or exiled human rights activist Aung San Suu Kyi or committed large-scale repression or violence against the Democratic opposition.
  • Tibet Policy Act – For the first time, laid out U.S. policy toward Tibet and authorized $2.75 million for humanitarian assistance for the Tibetan people; also codified the position of Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues at the State Department; protected Tibetan culture and heritage; and encouraged dialogue between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government.
  • Medication to Combat AIDS in Africa - Helped to make low-cost medicine available to battle the raging AIDS/HIV epidemic in Africa -- where over 34 million have been infected and over 11 million killed -- by permitting compulsory licensing and parallel important of low-cost generic AIDS drugs for nations that have been ravaged by the disease.


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