Foreign Affairs Committee

For us, that yields both opportunities and challenges, starting with the fact that too many people still live in lands full of chaos and despair.  As a prosecutor for 20 years before coming to Congress, I learned that criminals -- including terrorists and drug traffickers -- can operate freely and recruit easily in such environments.

That's why, as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee , I've stressed that promoting democracy and human rights abroad does not simply reflect our values.  It literally enhances our own security, by draining the swamps of misery and instability in which terrorism breeds.  Only when others are free of hopelessness, and the seething resentment it can cause, can we be free of  the hatred that visited our shores on September 11.

I've tried to bring this perspective to bear in all of my efforts on the Foreign Affairs Committee.  On the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, I've worked to enhance US cooperation with our regional neighbors.  To accelerate the peace process in Colombia, end the ban on US travel to Cuba, strengthen democracy in Haiti , and distribute fairly the benefits of a Free Trade Area of the Americas . 

As Chairman of the International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight Subcommittee, I have sought to promote transparency in our own government’s operations.  Specifically, I have asked for clarity as to why the US allowed Saddam Hussein to earn billions during the United Nations Sanctions on Iraq; how and why a foreign terrorist was permitted to enter the US ; and how the US planned to deal with refugees fleeing a massacre committed by one of our allies in Central Asia.
 
Just as important are overseas commercial and educational opportunities for southeastern Massachusetts residents.  I've helped a Martha's Vineyard charity supply a Haitian convent school, explored business contacts for the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, and facilitated a Quincy school's e-mail campaign against child labor in Pakistan.  These make as significant a contribution to global peace as conventional diplomacy.

A special personal passion  -- and legislative priority -- of mine is to make it easier for Americans to adopt children from overseas .  By opening our hearts and homes to needy kids, we enhance America's diversity  --  and export the generous spirit that characterizes our nation. 

It's only through such direct personal relationships that cultures can genuinely learn to appreciate each other -- and how we can showcase why America is so very special.  In the wake of September 11, that's more important than ever.