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Foreign Policy Legislation
The United States is presently the most powerful nation in the world. The best way for this country to continue effective leadership on the world stage is through bold engagement. I understand America must lead to protect our security not only on Iraq, but also on the rise of state-less terrorist organizations around the world, Iran and North Korea’s emerging nuclear capabilities, a resurgent Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan, genocide, the HIV/AIDS crisis that is decimating whole continents and creating failed states, and the growing threat of global warming. In Congress, I will support and work to push legislation that will address these concerns. Of particular importance is our need to strengthen our alliances. I will work with my fellow Representatives to achieve bipartisan legislation seeking to restore our alliances, rebuild international institutions to better fight the war against terrorism, and enhance America’s security while upholding our common values. Congress has tremendous power, and we should use it! I have never supported the war in Iraq, however we are there and we must find a solution. Though I am opposed to the troop surge strategy, I do feel it can achieve one goal - it is only one leg of a table. As your Representative, I will advocate a surge of diplomacy in the region, not simply a surge of more troops. The ultimate goal is to GET OUT! Throwing troops at the problem achieves nothing long term and does nothing to get us out - it digs us further in. Today this is where we are. I understand that ending the war in Iraq makes America safer and that is why I support a withdrawal, and I will urge all of my fellow Representatives in Congress to support this goal. We must stand up to this misguided Iraq policy. I oppose and will push Congress to prevent the establishment of a permanent military presence in Iraq. We must strive to set firm and enforceable benchmarks for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq - it is the right thing to do - for our troops, for our security, and our standing in the world. I believe Congress should work with military leadership to draft legislation that would begin safely redeploying U.S. combat troops out of Iraq. Iraq must assume the responsibility of policing and governing itself. There isn't an Army big enough or treasury deep enough to accomplish this if Iraqis aren't willing to stand up fight for their own future. Based on the input of military leadership, this legislative goal will provide all the funding necessary for a safe redeployment of our troops. During this legislative attempt, I would insist on three narrowly targeted exceptions - the protection of U.S. personnel and infrastructure, specific counterterrorism operations, and assistance with the training and equipping of Iraqi forces. I understand that prolonging this war will not make us more secure - ending it will. However I recognize and appreciate the challenges of the military, which is why I feel their direct participation in this legislation is required. By ending our military's participation in Iraq's civil war, we can begin focusing our attention on fighting al Qaeda in Afghanistan and elsewhere - boldly engaging friends and foes alike in robust diplomacy, dedicating more resources and manpower to homeland security and leading the world on energy independence. Hope alone will not wipe away the damage to America's moral authority these last 6 years. Hope alone will not bring our allies back to our side. And hope alone will not restore America's leadership. We must also hold our Allies accountable. In Congress, I will press our leaders to engage key strategic countries, nations like Saudi Arabia and Russia. Not only will I advocate engagement, I will work with bipartisan Congressional leadership to call on them to support freedom and democracy in their own countries and to eliminate the conditions that export terrorism and allow our enemies to thrive. Furthermore we must enhance and export energy technology to free America and the world from reliance on oil. I believe we need to invest in renewable energy technology that will allow America to achieve energy independence. In Congress, I would support legislation that would share that technology with our allies to end their alliances of necessity with dictators from oil-producing nations like Venezuela and Iran. I understand that making America more secure starts with ending the Iraq war responsibly. It's made us less secure, more vulnerable and more isolated. Our country's men and women in uniform have performed heroically - but political leadership has failed them on all sides. This is a key priority regarding foreign policy legislation as your Representative. |
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