"Using all aspects of American power is imperative to meeting our national security and foreign policy objectives. As a veteran of the Navy, I know the importance of ensuring our nation can defend itself and its allies but it is a comprehensive vision of diplomacy and other non-military approaches that will best serve U.S. interests throughout the world. U.S. humanitarian and development assistance programs are critical to America’s global engagement and to saving lives around the world. These programs yield measurable results every year in saving lives and lifting millions out of poverty. I will continue to work to ensure that our diplomatic and foreign aid activities receive adequate funding and our nation's defense remains strong." -Maurice

• Afghanistan: Maurice strongly supported the invasion of Afghanistan after the attacks on September 11. He was a member of the first Congressional Delegation trip to Afghanistan and has returned to the country several times. In 2009, Maurice shared Thanksgiving dinner with the troops in Afghanistan, where he listened to their stories and concerns about our military engagements in the country. Maurice remains steadfast in his commitment to ensuring that those serving abroad have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively and return home safely.
• Iraq: Maurice vehemently opposed the Bush Administrations war in Iraq, which was justified under false pretenses. As one of the most outspoken critics of the invasion and subsequent occupation, he believes that the war diverted our attention from our efforts to capture and kill the terrorists in Afghanistan, needlessly cost the lives of thousands of our soldiers and cost our country hundreds of billions that should have been spent on needs here at home. With our combat operations now ended, Maurice continues to look forward to a day when all of our troops are removed from Iraq.
• Trade: Trade is a critical component of our economy and is a means to building a more just and sustainable global economy. The rule of international trade should be structured to spread the benefits of expanded trade as broadly as possible and to preserve a healthy environment for generations to come. Maurice’s concerns about the impact of free trade agreements on American jobs and the environment have unfortunately been realized. He supports legislation that would require a comprehensive review of the major trade agreements on the books today, ensure that environmental, labor, and human rights are addressed in future agreements, and replace the current ‘fast-track’ negotiation process. Without appropriate safeguards, such agreements can lead to lost American jobs, exploited foreign workers, and a degraded environment.
• Middle East Peace: Maurice is committed to ending the terrorist attacks on Israel and ensuring Israel's security. He also supports the Palestinian peoples' aspirations for a state of their own and for the improvement of humanitarian conditions. Like everyone, he is deeply saddened by the terrorism that has plagued Israel for many years. Most importantly, Maurice continues to be dedicated to the peace process because it is the only way to ensure the long-term security of the State of Israel and achieve the Palestinians' long sought goal of statehood. America must continue to exercise leadership by urging both parties to return to the negotiating table. Achieving peace in the Middle East will only be accomplished when both sides make compromises.