Foreign Affairs and Defense
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The issues of Defense and National Security are important to our district and to my work in Congress.
As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee I am working to ensure that America’s foreign policy is guided by and rooted in the values and democratic principles that make America a truly exceptional place. I take my oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic very seriously. We are living in an increasingly dangerous world and any threat against the United States needs to be met with firm resolve. I will always defend our national security and economic interests, and will work to defeat any efforts that undermine those interests.
As Vice-Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, I am working to promote sound trade and security-related policies that affect U.S. interests in the region, including the enforcement of trade rules with China and other Asian countries, the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, arms control and non-proliferation efforts on the Korean Peninsula, and other policies to advance greater stability and security throughout the region.
I believe that the Asia-Pacific region plays a role in America’s economic recovery and overall security. The region represents over 50 percent of world trade, and I am working to make sure that American companies and manufacturers can compete in that market fairly and openly. With greater access, we can increase exports, create jobs, and continue to build strategic partnerships throughout the region.
As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, I am especially interested in closely monitoring the way that government spends your money overseas. I will carefully track our foreign aid to other countries and our payments to groups such as the United Nations to make sure that we are getting a good return for our investment and that we are not inadvertently funding causes that are hostile to the United States and our interests.
Bills I am supporting:
H.R. 440: To provide for the establishment of the Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia.
H. Res. 139: Expressing condolences to the people of New Zealand for the terrible loss of life and property suffered as a result of the deadly earthquake that struck on February 22, 2011.
H.Res. 164: Expressing the condolences of the House of Representatives to the people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan upon the assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti, Minister for Minorities, who courageously advocated for religious freedom and tolerance in Pakistan and calling on the United States to renew its efforts with international partners in the Human Rights Council and the United Nations. General Assembly to promote religious freedom and tolerance in accordance with international human rights standards.
For more information concerning my work and views on the issues of Defense and National Security, please contact my Washington, DC office.
I look forward to your feedback.