Committee on Foreign Affairs
Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere
“As Chairman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, I utilize the tools of the Subcommittee to address the United States’ relationship with the nations of our Hemisphere. My goal is to see the relationship move from one of benign neglect to one of prosperous partnerships.
Through the funding and oversight directives afforded to Congress I strive to make one thing clear: allies of the United States can count on a mutually beneficial relationship with the U.S. while antagonistic nations can expect a minimum of isolation, and a maximum of economic sanctions, in response to their breakdown of domestic freedoms and international security.
I believe the three basic principles of freedom, security, and prosperity should guide the U.S. government’s interactions with other nations. Basic freedoms within a society are necessary in order to address security concerns which lead to a more prosperous economy built by the members of a free society. While one principle builds off another, freedom is the core of all human progress.”
“I will not tolerate the systematic destruction of freedom and rule of law and I will do whatever it takes to build partnerships with nations that embrace true democracy, uninhibited freedom and the end of the manipulation and intimidation of people in our Hemisphere.
People have a choice to make: either turn your back as governments deny their people basic human rights or stand with me, fight for our core values, and confront the perpetrators head-on.
You can count on me to challenge these tyrants wherever they are and always stand on the side of freedom, security and prosperity.”