Congressman Joe Kennedy

Representing the 4th District of Massachusetts
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Foreign Affairs

As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I believe that the United States is facing the most complex foreign policy landscape since World War II.  Globalization has made the impact of entrenched regional and ideological conflicts vaster than ever before. At the same time, technological advancements have brought new hope to persistent and universal problems, from hunger and disease to poverty and human rights. This growing level of interconnection and interdependence is the reality we must navigate as we shape U.S. foreign policy moving forward. It presents challenges and opportunities that will define our place in the world for generations to come.

Over the past several years we have suffered the repercussions of a misguided war in Iraq and are winding down a long and costly war in Afghanistan. While we have made enormous strides against Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups who wish us harm, we still face enemies who pose a grave threat to our country and her allies – from organized extremist groups to non-state actors finding safe haven in volatile regions. At the same time, the Arab Awakening and the early reverberations of democracy have sounded throughout the Middle East and North Africa.  Yet in Egypt and elsewhere, we are reminded just how steep the climb to a democratic system can be.

As a globe, we continue to struggle against centuries-old regional conflicts that have found modern context: a gruesome civil war in Syria, uprisings across North Africa, and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In a time of such dramatic upheaval, the world needs steady leadership. For the United States, this is a responsibility and opportunity.

We must stay engaged -- with allies and adversaries alike. Our national security depends on active diplomatic efforts. There are no easy answers when it comes to the conflicts around the world. But withdrawal from these situations leaves a dramatic leadership void that can quickly be filled by terrorist groups looking to gain a foothold and recruit new members.

Our allies, of course, are more critical than ever – especially in the Middle East. Israel and the United States have been united by shared values for generations. In 2013 I introduced legislation to honor Israeli President Shimon Peres with the Congressional Gold Medal, in recognition of the friendship deeply embedded between our two countries. We must continue to stand by Israel and defend her right to protect her citizens, as we encourage, support, and facilitate a two-state solution that might finally bring an end to this heartbreaking conflict.

As we navigate these ever-changing conflicts, we must do all we can to promote our values of freedom, liberty and justice across the globe – whether the rights of women in Afghanistan or children in South Sudan. Our diplomats, service men and women, and foreign aid workers abroad have done tremendous work encouraging our ideals and bringing the light of social justice and opportunity to areas that need it most. International aid remains an important tool to combat hunger, poverty and disease – epidemics that are universal in their human cost and economic damage. Programs like the Peace Corps and the Millennium Challenge Corporation are some of the best investments we can make as  we send American men and women to some of the world’s most impoverished areas to deliver hands-on assistance and care. As a former Peace Corps volunteer in Latin America, I was proud to introduce the Peace Corps Commemoration Act during my first year in Congress and see it signed into law by President Obama in 2014.

Finally, economic interests must be front and center in our international policy. The United States’ leadership in health care, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, clean energy and defense makes us a natural champion for strong and integrated global markets. Additionally, these types of partnerships can and should be used to bring the stabilizing presence of economic opportunity to areas that need it most. The number of young people facing little to no economic mobility in today’s conflict zones provides fertile ground for terrorist organizations looking to take root and recruit new members.  Supporting efforts to build the pillars of civil society in these countries – from education to industry to infrastructure – is one of the most powerful tools we have in promoting successful democracies in the long term.

If you are ever interested in attending or watching a House Committee on Foreign Affairs, you can find more information on their website. You can also watch clips of me speaking at Committee hearing here.

More on Foreign Affairs

Dec 4, 2014 Press Release

Washington, DC -- Congressman Joe Kennedy III released the following statement  after voting against the National Defense Authorization Act, which included a $5.1 billion request for the fight against ISIL in Syria and Iraq.
 

Sep 23, 2014 Press Release

Newton, MA – Congressman Joe Kennedy III today released the following statement on the air strikes in Syria.
 
“There is no doubt that ISIL poses a grave threat to our allies and interests in the Middle East and potentially to our homeland. Confronting them will require a comprehensive strategy that includes a coalition of international partners and targeted airstrikes. However, I remain deeply concerned about the President undertaking military action without clear authorization from Congress.
 

Sep 17, 2014 Press Release

Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Kennedy III today released the following statement after voting against a House proposal to authorize funding for arming and training moderate Syrian rebels.

Sep 10, 2014 Press Release

Washington, DC -- Congressman Joe Kennedy III released the following statement following President Obama's national address on ISIL.