Our foreign policy should reflect the interests and values of the American people as we engage with our allies and adversaries. This includes being a consistent voice for human rights, democracy, and peace. At a time when democracy around the world is regressing, we must be a strong global example. We need a strong and intentional foreign policy to counter the threats of our adversaries, address the global climate crisis, advance global trade, and secure democracy and human rights around the world.
Bolstering International Democracy
In Congress, I will be a strong voice in support of increased investment in effective global democracy assistance spending through the Department of State, USAID, and independent democracy assistance agencies. I will work to ensure the United States, both independently and in cooperation with our international partners, prioritizes building up the rule of law, promoting good governance and political competition, and supporting the growth of civil society and a free press to help advance democracies and secure human rights. Investing in more stable and democratic countries is in the long-term interest of the United States, and all who seek a more peaceful and stable world.
Strategically Engaging China
When it comes to U.S -China relations, the foremost concern of the United States should be promoting the security and wellbeing of the American people. This involves taking immediate steps to promote national security: strengthening our supply chains to reduce economic dependency on China, and investing in critical emerging technologies. Equally important is investing in bilateral and multilateral security and economic partnerships in the region. The United States and China have experienced periods of both tension and cooperation; today we must remain committed to diplomacy even amidst heightened tensions. Whether in addressing the climate crisis, international development, and scientific advancement, there are opportunities for cooperation. Particularly on the issue of climate change, U.S.-China cooperation will be the centerpiece of reducing global emissions and building international consensus to overcome this challenge. Even while finding opportunities for deescalation and cooperation however, the United States must always stand strong in our defense of human rights, free trade, and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. We must continue to be a champion of those causes across the Indopacific.
Supporting Ukraine
The United States has led the world in condemning and countering the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine, providing critical support to the Ukrainians in defense of their sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is a war for democracy, and the United States must stand strong against Russian aggression. The United States has a responsibility to continue backing the people of Ukraine, not only as a defense of a valued European partner in its time of need, but as a clear declaration of our resolve to deter any further Russian aggression that would endanger our NATO allies.
Promoting Peace and Security for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza
After the unconscionable attacks by Hamas on October 7, in which over 1,400 innocent Israelis, men, women, and children were brutally murdered and over 200 were taken hostages, I’ve remained vocal in my support for Israel’s right to defend itself. I fully support President Biden's $14.3 billion emergency supplemental request, and believe that the United States should continue its support for Israel in its efforts to root out the threat of Hamas and provide for its defense. As such, I am committed to fully funding Iron Dome battery replenishments without delay, and support continued military aid during this conflict and beyond. But I also recognize that as Israel’s closest ally, we must work together to ensure lasting peace and security are pursued through tactics that reflect international law, our shared values, and our common respect for human life. As we support Israel’s right to defend itself, we should also demand restraint and protection of all civilian life. I will support direct negotiations between the Israeli and Palestinian governments to reach a two-state solution and lasting peace, and I oppose any efforts that undermine future prospects of peace. The United States and Israel should build on the progress of the Abraham Accords to promote regional stability and the normalization of relations between Israel and Arab countries. In Congress, I will join the Abraham Accords Caucus and be a strong voice in support of new U.S. mediated normalization agreements between Israel and other countries in the region.
Reinvesting in Relations with Latin America
The relationships between the United States and Latin America must be an important priority for our government. Not only do many Americans, myself included, have strong personal and cultural ties to the nations of Latin America, a strong and prosperous Latin American region is integral to a stable and thriving hemisphere for all. In Congress, I will promote an increased focus on trade relations in Central and South America. I will advocate for stronger diplomatic relations with our Latin American allies, and work to provide development aid alternatives to China’s risky Belt and Road Initiative projects. I will also support the Biden Administration’s efforts to deepen investments in the Northern Triangle, helping build prosperity and economic opportunity, while promoting security and stability in the region.