Foreign Affairs
America continues to stand as a shining example for freedom and democracy in the world.
United Nations
The United Nations was formed in an effort to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations and promote social progress, better living standards and advocate for human rights. While Congressman Garrett supports these goals, he believes that the UN is not equipped to achieve these lofty goals and is need of reform. Additionally, he believe that some of the efforts funded by the UN are contradictory to the goals and interests of the United States despite the United States contributing approximately a quarter of the operating budget.
To that end, Congressman Garrett is an original cosponsor of the United Nations Transparency, Accountability, and Reform Act of 2011, legislation which would make the United States contributions to the UN contingent upon reform of the world body.
Additionally it would allow the U.S. to fund only UN agencies and programs that advance U.S. interests and values.
Taiwan
I am a long standing member of the Taiwan Caucus, and is a staunch advocate for Taiwan to have full and meaningful representation in international bodies such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization. To that end, in the 112th Congress I introduced a resolution urging the admission of Taiwan to the UN. Taiwan also needs the ability to defend itself from hostile neighbors, with that in mind I believe the United States should approve the pending sale of F-16 C/D’s to Taiwan.
Israel
Congressman Garrett supports the right of Israel to exist as a sovereign, democratic nation and defend itself against attacks from neighboring territories. While Congressman Garrett supports efforts to have peace between Israel and Palestine, he does not believe Israel should jeopardize its security by creating borders that could potentially leave it vulnerable to attack by neighbors.
Palestinian Statehood
Congressman Garrett does not believe the Palestinian Authority should unilaterally declare statehood through the United Nations. Peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians will not be settled through a resolution at the United Nations. Congressman Garrett believes lasting peace will only be achieved through direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
The Palestinian Authority’s unilateral declaration of statehood directly contradicts UN Resolution 242, which states that the Israel and the Palestinian Authority must work together to achieve peace in the region so that both reside in a state that is secure.
When Resolution 242 was passed, President Johnson stated, “It is clear… that a return to the situation of June 4, 1967 will not bring peace. There must be secure and there must be recognized borders. Some such lines must be agreed to by the neighbors involved.”
Now is the time for the UN and the Palestinian Authority to heed that advice. The borders should not be dictated to the Israelis; rather, an agreement should be based on direct negotiations between the two parties. Recognition in any way by the UN or any other international body will only embolden the belligerent Palestinians to avoid the negotiating table and circumvent direct negotiations with Israel.
Similarly, Congressman Garrett fervently supports the current US policy that requires we withhold contributions to any United Nations committee that recognizes the Palestinian Authority, and has urged the State Department to enforce this policy and not exempt the committees that recognize the Palestinian Authority as a member state.
Israeli Aid
Congressman Garrett acknowledges that the security of Israel is dependent on a strong military as uncertainty continues throughout the Middle East. As Congress analyzes where to reduce spending, it must determine where the interests of America are best advanced. A safe and secure Israel brings peace to a region in turmoil.
Further, the aid delivered to Israel for security fuels economic growth in the United States. Approximately 75% of the aid delivered to Israel, returns to the United States in the form of weapon and supply purchases that meet their need