Foreign Affairs

“I commend the Obama Administration for continuing to take a strong approach to enforcing trade rules in response to the unfair import duties China placed on American autos. When American products compete on a level playing field, we win – and our workers win. China is not playing by World Trade Organization rules, and today’s announcement is part of a continuing effort by the President and Congressional Democrats to ensure a level playing field for American workers and manufacturers.

I thank the gentleman from California for yielding and for his leadership on this issue.  Rep. Howard Berman has been the leader in Congress when it comes to reminding us how important it is to prevent the rise of a nuclear Iran. He has been instrumental in securing funding for the deployment of the 'Iron Dome' anti-missile system to counter the threat from Iranian-supplied short-range rockets in the hands of terror groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my friend for yielding. I have known Mr. Berman for almost half a century. He has been an extraordinary leader, as a young person, as Chairman of this committee, as Ranking Member on this committee. And I want to thank him for his leadership on this issue. He has been instrumental. I want to thank my dear friend in whose district I used to live so many years ago, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, thank her for her leadership and her commitment. She's been a stalwart.

"Our men and women in uniform continue to carry out their mission in Afghanistan with distinction and courage.  Because of their service and sacrifice, Al Qaeda and the Taliban are seriously weakened and on the run, and the Afghan people have been able to take significant steps toward assuming control over their own security...

Today the President determined that sanctions can be brought against foreign financial institutions conducting business with Iran’s petroleum sector, which will increase the pressure on Iran’s leaders to abandon their nuclear weapons program.  As the President stated earlier this month, we do not have a containment policy with regard to Iran; rather, our aim is prevention, and every option remains on the table.  I agree with this principle, and I applaud the President for his continued leadership as he works closely with our allies to prevent a nuclear Iran.  The violent rhetoric against Israel by its leaders, the continued suppression of its people’s basic freedoms, and the support it provides for terrorist groups around the world and at Israel’s doorstep make it unacceptable for Iran to be allowed to reach such a capability.

“This bill reflects the immutable and enduring bond between our two nations,” Whip Hoyer said.  “It is a bond that reflects the shared values of our people and our shared interests in preserving stability in the Middle East.  The threat from Iran’s nuclear ambitions is real and demands serious, cooperative effort by both the United States and Israel.  I am proud to put forward this legislation along with Majority Leader Cantor, and I am hopeful it will pass with strong support from across party lines.  It is a reminder that support for Israel is not and should never be a partisan issue.” 

Israel is truly the product of a dream fulfilled.  I have been personally enriched each of the twelve times I have visited Israel.  The most recent was last summer, when I brought twenty-six Members of Congress with me.  Now that I’ve been there twelve times, I guess you could say the next visit will be my ‘bar mitzvah’ trip.

Last month, the IAEA released a report on Iran’s covert nuclear program that was greatly troubling. Not only is Iran continuing to enrich uranium, but they are also believed to be pursuing the development of delivery technologies to create a warhead that could threaten Israel and our allies in Europe and the Persian Gulf – and of course the many Americans serving and living in the region.