Foreign Affairs
In an increasingly interconnected world, an active, realistic, and effective foreign policy is more important than ever. I firmly believe that our prosperity increasingly depends on the United States being a leader in the world as we work with our friends and allies to solve complex problems and take advantage of new opportunities. Our nation cannot afford to pull back from the international community on economic, diplomatic, or security matters.
I am working to create a new trade policy for the United States that will shape globalization and help ensure that its benefits are more broadly shared, both here at home and around the world. But broadly shared prosperity also requires us to assist our neighbors in the international community as they work to build strong, democratic societies.
An Exit Plan for Afghanistan
The United States has been engaged in the war in Afghanistan for ten years. During that time, our troops have largely defeated the al Qaeda threat that planned the 9/11 attacks on the United States. With the death of Osama bin Laden, we are now in a position to complete this mission and hand over responsibility to the Afghan people for their own security and government.
During the debate on the annual Defense policy bill [H.R. 1540] in the House of Representatives, I joined more than 200 House lawmakers voted for an amendment by Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts to direct the President to provide Congress with a plan and a timetable for the accelerated transition of military operations in Afghanistan from U.S. to Afghan authorities. The amendment was narrowly defeated on a vote of 204-215, but it nevertheless sent a clear message that, with the death of Osama bin Laden, a growing number of House members want a plan to turn over security responsibilities in Afghanistan to Afghan forces and bring U.S. combat troops home.
Promoting Peace and Security in the Middle East
There are fundamental changes underway in the Middle East, and these are critical times for millions of people in countries throughout the region, as well as for us as Americans, and for our ally, Israel. As we witness a momentous call for democracy in the region, we must work to ensure U.S. foreign policy interests are protected. I support the Obama Administration’s efforts to promote democracy, ensure more open and transparent societies, and create lasting security in the region.
One of the most significant threats to our national security and security in the region is the development of Iran’s nuclear program. A nuclear Iran would rattle an already unstable Middle East and pose direct danger to the safety of Israel, our most important ally in the region.
To address this threat, I worked closely with Rep. Howard Berman, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, during the 111th Congress to target any financial backing to Iran’s energy sector. The Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act [H.R. 2194], imposed sanctions on any person or business who assists Iran’s efforts to acquire refined petroleum. Such actions include financial investments, shipping petroleum, or providing machinery to undertake enrichment efforts. This bill was signed into law. I also support efforts to help state and local governments divest from Iran’s energy sector.
The Obama Administration’s recent decision to impose further sanctions on businesses assisting Iran’s efforts is a welcome development. Effectively enforced sanctions are the best way to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, and I look forward to other countries following President Obama’s example.
Development and Humanitarian Assistance
Helping other countries build stronger economies and reduce poverty is important to our own prosperity and security. Humanitarian and economic development assistance reinforce America’s role as a world leader, promote stability, and create new markets for our goods and services. From the Marshall Plan after World War II to the Millennium Challenge Corporation today, Americans have long understood that when we help our neighbors, we create a stronger and safer international community.
In 2010, a devastating earthquake shattered Haiti’s economy, leaving the already least developed country in the Western Hemisphere vulnerable. Once the earthquake hit, it became clear that something needed to be done to help Haiti.
Along with Reps. Rangel and Camp, I co-introduced The Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Act, aimed to help speed Haiti’s economic recovery by expanding duty-free access to the U.S. market for additional Haitian textile and apparel exports and extending existing trade preference programs for Haiti through 2020. The President signed this legislation into law. A summary of the HELP Act is available here.
The need for sustained U.S. foreign assistance is further underscored by the ongoing and humanitarian relief effort in Japan. On March 11th, an 8.9-magnitude earthquake off the northeast coast of Japan set off a devastating tsunami that has killed thousands. The aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami has resulted in more than 14,000 deaths and left approximately 15,000 people missing, as reported by the Government of Japan. The natural disasters have also damaged or destroyed more than 139,000 buildings and 2,000 roads. To learn more about U.S. humanitarian efforts in Japan, click here.
Global Health and HIV/AIDS
I strongly support our nation’s efforts to fight the spread of deadly infectious diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Globally, AIDS has been the leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 59 since 2002. An estimated 33 million people are currently living with HIV/AIDS. Approximately 1.5 million people die of tuberculosis each year. Every 30 seconds, a child dies from malaria, making it the largest killer of children in Africa.
We must stop the epidemics of HIV, TB, and malaria. Our long-term prosperity and security are inextricably linked to our commitment to help build stronger economies and reduce poverty around the world. Promoting public health is a critical component of this effort. Disease cripples not only individuals, but economies as well, preventing parents from supporting their families and leaving children orphaned with no financial security, limited opportunities for education, and narrow prospects for the future. As a member of the bi-partisan global Health Caucus, I am working with my colleagues to fight the challenges these diseases present.
(Updated June 13, 2011)