Foreign Affairs

In recent months, people across the Middle East have bravely stood to demand that their governments respect their fundamental rights. The Libyan people, who have been subject to the dictatorship of Moammar Gadhafi for more than four decades, were among those who insisted that enough was enough. Gadhafi responded by unleashing widespread violence and threatening countless lives—publicly promising to go ‘door to door’ to kill those who stood against him.

I oppose both resolutions that were voted on in the House today. Despite the assertion in Speaker Boehner’s resolution, I believe the President has indeed articulated a rationale for action in Libya: to prevent the Gadhafi regime’s brutal attacks on Libyan civilians. Gadhafi vowed to go ‘door to door’ to kill those who opposed him, a threat that we could not stand by and allow to be carried out. That’s why I supported this mission. I said at the outset that our allies needed to take a leading role, and I was pleased when NATO did just that. I am concerned that sudden withdrawal would strengthen Gadhafi’s hand, undermine our NATO allies, and negatively impact other democratic transitions underway in the region.

I am pleased that wartime criminal Ratko Mladic has been arrested and will be brought to justice for committing heinous atrocities during the Bosnian war, including the genocide of 8,000 innocents at Srebrenica, and the shelling of Sarajevo that resulted in the deaths of more than 12,000 civilians.

In January, the people of Southern Sudan voted overwhelmingly to form a new nation. That critical vote offered the people of Southern Sudan an opportunity for a better future, and a chance to put to rest the legacy of Africa’s bloodiest civil war. Unfortunately, Khartoum’s current actions are putting that possibility at risk. Their disproportionate and violent offensive in the disputed Abyei region threatens a wider breakdown of peace and a return to armed conflict between North and South, which is deeply concerning to those of us who have long advocated for peace and security across the whole of Sudan. The Obama administration has rightly condemned this offensive, and I join it in urging the Khartoum government to abide by the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement and resolve the future of the Abyei region through negotiation only. Khartoum must understand that normalization with the U.S. hinges on its ending violence, human rights abuses, and targeting of civilians.

Today, Israel and its friends around the world mark the 63rd Yom Ha'atzmaut: Israel's Independence Day. On this day, we celebrate the historic accomplishment of the establishment of a state dedicated to principles of political and religious freedom in the ancient homeland of the Jewish people. We honor the generations of public-spirited men and women who have, against great odds, made the State of Israel such a success. And, as Americans, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to the security of our democratic ally--a commitment that began when President Truman announced America's recognition of the Jewish state just minutes after its independence was declared. May Israel celebrate many more Independence Days in the years to come.

Today’s development on issues of worker rights and violence against workers is a positive and important step towards passage of the Colombia FTA. These issues needed to be addressed, and I am pleased the Administration and Colombian government have agreed to a concrete action plan. Colombia is a key ally in South America, and it is in our economic and national security interests to further strengthen that relationship. I look forward to working with the Administration to advance the Colombia FTA, which I continue to support. As we work to enact the three pending trade agreements, we must also extend expired provisions of the Trade Adjustment Assistance program that help American workers who have lost their jobs as a result of trade.

Tonight, President Obama spoke to the American people about the ongoing international military effort to prevent the Gadhafi regime’s brutal attacks on Libyan civilians. I support this lifesaving effort, which has been authorized by the United Nations and backed by our European allies and the Arab League. I also applaud the service and courage of the American troops who are helping to carry it out. It is essential, however, that the president continue to inform and consult with Congress as long as American troops remain part of this mission. Finally, I am pleased that NATO is set to take over leadership of this mission on Wednesday; as I have urged the president, our European allies and the members of the Arab League must assume the leading role.

My thoughts are with all those injured or killed in today’s bombing in Jerusalem. In the wake of this terrorist act, it is vital to reassert our commitment to the security of our ally Israel, as well as our condemnation of those who attack civilians and those who inspire such attacks by inciting hatred against Israel. As Israelis face cowardly attacks like today’s, as well as an ongoing barrage of rockets from Gaza, Americans must stand united behind Israel’s right to defend itself, and the right of civilians everywhere to live in peace.