Issue Position: Foreign Affairs

Issue Position

Our nation is faced with a variety of challenges abroad; below are my views on a number issues that I have taken action on in the 112th Congress:

Combating Religious Persecution

I remained concerned about the persecution of religious minorities throughout the world. In February 2011 I agreed to cosponsor H.R. 440, which would direct the President to appoint a Special Envoy to promote religious freedom of religious minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia within the Department of State.

Israel

I support a strong alliance with Israel and believe there is a significant bond between the United States and Israel. In February 2011 I signed a letter urging commitment to the U.S. -- Israel relationship and supporting Israel's deployment of the Iron Dome rocket defense system to protect its civilian population from rocket attacks.

The Israelis, Palestinians and all Middle Eastern states must commit to working toward a peaceful solution that realizes the vision of two nations living peacefully side by side. Too many innocent lives have already been lost in the conflict.

Uganda

The ongoing injustices in Uganda continue to be of great concern to me and my family. My direct contacts in Uganda have experienced firsthand the atrocities of Joseph Kony's Lord Resistance Army (LRA) forces.

In March 2011 I agreed to cosponsor H.R. 895, the Sudan Cessation of Support for the Lord's Resistance Army Certification Act. The bill requires the continuation of restrictions against the Republic of Sudan as a state sponsor of terror unless the President certifies that Sudan is no longer supporting the LRA and Joseph Kony.

Libya

The recent events in Libya have served as another reminder of the volatility of the Middle East. I continue to remain concerned about the situation in Libya and the President's authority to conduct military actions.

In June 2011 I voted in support of a measure, H. Res. 292, calling for the President to seek the appropriate congressional approval for continued U.S. military action in Libya. However in July 2011 with the President continuing to not seek congressional approval, I voted in support of H. Amdt. 543, which prohibited the use of military force against Libya.

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