Foreign Policy

My view of foreign affairs is founded on the belief that as one of the world's strongest, richest and most innovative countries, we must do our part to raise the standard of living for other less fortunate parts of the world and by doing so, we help create a more stable international environment, thereby also benefiting us.

The United States has always recognized the need for investment in the promotion of international democracy and rule of law throughout the world, and I will work to ensure that we continue to devote the needed resources to raising the standard of living in the developing world. I have cosponsored the SMART Security Platform which would advance a comprehensive and forward thinking approach to our national security.

Ethiopia

I have had the honor, as founder and chair of the Congressional Ethiopian America Caucus, to see first hand how compassionate and strategic implementation of foreign assistance can be invaluable in improving lives. In June of 2005, I traveled to Ethiopia and saw the economic, social and political challenges that this leading African nation faces. My visit to Ethiopia and my analysis of the country's progress toward democracy reinforce my belief that the Ethiopian American community has an important and powerful role to play in fostering democratic reforms, respect for human rights, and forming development policy.

China

In January 2005 I was asked by then-Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi to join the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC). This commission was created by Congress in October 2000 with the legislative mandate to monitor human rights and the development of the rule of law in China, and to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. It consists of nine Senators, nine members of the House of Representatives, and five senior Administration officials appointed by the President. The current Chair is Congressman Sander Levin (D-Michigan), and the Co-Chair is Senator Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota). The CECC recognizes that only the Chinese people can decide China's direction and future, and that the United States cannot impose its will on the 1.3 billion citizens of the People’s Republic of China.

Indonesia

As part of its program to promote genuine elections and support democratic development in Indonesia, the Carter Center had the opportunity to observe their presidential elections in 2004 and I had the privilege of participating as an election monitor with former President Carter. The Center was invited by the Indonesian Election Commission (KPU) to observe the 2004 legislative and presidential electoral processes, and all major political parties have welcomed the Center's role.

Overall, the Center's assessment of all three rounds of voting in Indonesia in 2004 was very positive. In early October 2004, former general Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was declared winner of the presidential run-off and was inaugurated as Indonesia's sixth president. An estimated 125 million people voted nationwide.

Clearly, there many regions in the world that are experiencing conflict and strife. Where appropriate, the United States must be an honest broker and facilitator of understanding and promoter of peace.

Palestinian Authority, Lebanon & Israel

After Israel withdrew from Lebanon in 2000, I shared the hope of many Americans that we were on the verge of a new Middle East. With the assistance of President Clinton, negotiations between Palestinian Authority (PA) President Yassir Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak seemed to be making unprecedented progress. Following the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers, and the civil war between Palestinians factions in the West Bank and Gaza, the situation there has reached a dismal low. While I ardently support Israel’s right to defend itself and to protect its people from those who would do them harm, like many others I find the stories and photos horrific. Since President Clinton left office, American efforts in resolving the conflict between Israel and its neighbors have been lackluster. America, as the world’s sole superpower, needs to more actively engage in diplomatic efforts to bring the region back from the brink and towards a fair, lasting peace. I believe that the U.S. needs to send an envoy to the Middle East to address the rising tensions in the region, and have cosponsored a resolution urging the President to appoint a Special Envoy for Middle East peace.