Foreign Affairs and National Security

It is critical that we maintain America’s role as a leader in the international community. The use of force should always be a last resort and diplomacy must be emphasized in all of our relationships around the world. As a member of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, I understand the importance of working with other countries to find peaceful solutions wherever possible, maintaining a focus on diplomacy, democracy, human rights, and development.

We have the best military in the world and I am dedicated to supporting our troops. It is important, however, to be realistic about our defense spending and what is truly necessary for our national security. Our spending should focus on what our military needs to keep our country safe—like investments in intelligence and cybersecurity—not what makes good politics.

Terrorist attacks and the growth of ISIL across the globe demand action and collaboration with allies. Unfortunately, however, we have also seen an increase in hateful rhetoric toward refugees and immigrants. We must maintain our focus on keeping our nation safe and secure, but we cannot allow discrimination to dictate our nation’s policies. Any refugee seeking to come to the United States must go through an intensive and lengthy screening process. In our nation, diversity makes us stronger. With that strength we must summon our collective humanity to provide a place for refugees, many of whom are women and children, fleeing war and terrorism.