Foreign Affairs and National Security

Protecting our people, our homeland, and our interests abroad as Americans is a core responsibility of all members of Congress. I take that responsibility seriously. As the daughter of a Vietnam War veteran, I understand the tremendous sacrifices servicemembers make in defense of their country, and I believe diplomacy must be the cornerstone of all foreign policy.

Set against the backdrop of Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked war on Ukraine, the need for America to remain steadfast in its commitment to democracy and its allies has never been greater. I have supported strategic humanitarian, economic and defense aid to support the people of Ukraine and will continue to do so until peace is restored.

I also strongly support Israel’s right to defend itself from terrorists, and I condemn Hamas’ brutal attacks on innocent civilians. At the same time, I am deeply concerned about the enormous suffering and ongoing humanitarian crisis we are seeing in Gaza right now. That is why I am calling for a ceasefire that includes a significant increase in humanitarian aid and relief for children and families in Gaza, as well as the release of all hostages taken by Hamas and the complete dismantling of Hamas' governing power in Gaza. I have also urged the Biden Administration to ensure Israel is complying with international and U.S. humanitarian law in order to receive additional offensive military aid. Moving forward, both the Israeli and future Palestinian governments must demonstrate a commitment to peace based on mutual recognition and peaceful co-existence. And while it will not be an easy path, I believe both parties must acknowledge the need for and work toward the conditions to negotiate a two-state solution.

Above all, the United States must maintain its role as an international beacon for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. I am an original cosponsor of the International Human Rights Defense Act, which calls on ​​the State Department to continue its efforts to defend the human rights of LGBTQ+ people across the globe. I have also served as a member of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, where I worked in a bipartisan fashion to address ongoing human rights violations in China.