Issue Position: Foreign Affairs

Issue Position

Murphy has voted to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and supported economic sanctions to pressure the Iranian government to halt uranium enrichment. Knowing that a nuclear Iran would pose a grave threat to America's and Israel's security, Congressman Murphy has voted for sanctions that limit investment in Iran's energy sector, and has twice supported strengthening those sanctions. In response to Iran's refusal to curb their nuclear program, their leaders' threats against American and our allies, and the funneling of money and weapons to terrorist groups, Murphy co-sponsored legislation condemning these actions and urging the President to step up political and economic pressure on the government of Iran. Congressman Murphy also voted to protect America by strengthening our missile defense capability in the Middle East through an expanded partnership with Israel (H.R. 2347, Roll Call 765. H.R. 1400, Roll Call 895. H.Con.Res. 362; H. Con. Res. 21; H.R. 1585, Roll Call 372).

* Murphy has supported the Middle East peace process and has voted to strengthen our democratic allies in the region, including Lebanon and Israel. Congressman Murphy joined his colleagues in supporting a renewed U.S. commitment to the Middle East peace process during talks with Israelis and Palestinians in Annapolis. In the face of Iranian and Syrian support for Hamas and Hezbollah, Murphy has consistently supported strengthening our democratic allies in the region, particularly Israel and Lebanon. Murphy voted to provide $2.4 billion in aid to Israel and $45 million to Lebanon, both of which face serious internal threats. Congressman Murphy has repeatedly emphasized the importance of supporting legitimate, democratic governments in the Middle East as a vital aspect of our foreign affairs and national security policy (H.R. 690; H.R.2764, Roll Call 542. H.Res. 548; 10/31/07 Letter supporting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process; 4/15/08 Letter to Secretary of State Rice on Lebanon).

* Murphy has persistently called for a stronger international effort to end the genocide in Darfur. Murphy has been a leading voice calling for an end to the genocide in Darfur. He has voted to provide humanitarian relief to the millions of people killed or displaced by the conflict. Murphy also joined his colleagues in recognizing that China is the only country with significant influence over the government in Khartoum, and voted in favor of urging China to use their leverage to force an end to the genocide. Murphy also co-sponsored legislation to prevent sexual and gender-based violence in Sudan, and to provide support for the victims. As an active member of the Sudan Caucus, Congressman Murphy was able to take the message of Connecticut students directly to Congress by inviting a student group from Danbury High School to share their documentary film about Darfur with national organizations and his colleagues in Congress, including the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health. (H. Res. 1290; H. Res. 726; H.R.2764, Roll Call 542; 2/12/08 Letter to President Hu Jintao)

* Murphy has worked to build healthy communities and reduce poverty around the world. Recognizing that poverty and lack of access to essential services are core causes of instability around the world, Congressman Murphy has voted in favor of bipartisan initiatives to improve child nutrition, increase access to clean water and family planning services, provide training for healthcare providers, and decrease infant and maternal mortality in poverty-stricken countries. Murphy has used his expertise in healthcare issues to identify and support cost-effective programs that will improve the lives of families worldwide. (H.R.2764, Roll Call 542; 12/07 Letter to President Bush)

Source