Congressman Jim McGovern

Representing the 2nd District of Massachussetts
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Foreign Policy

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Congressman McGovern believes that the United States must have a robust and proactive approach to foreign policy. He believes that it is essential to reach out not only to our allies, but also to those nations with which we have strained relations. Jim knows that communication is the key to furthering global cooperation and understanding, and that to overcome global challenges and divisions, we must work together.

The Congressman strongly believes that the U.S. embargo against Cuba and the travel ban that prohibits U.S. citizens from traveling to Cuba have long outlived their usefulness, and that they should be brought to an end. Such policies serve neither the American or Cuban peoples.

Congressman McGovern supports the Middle East peace process and believes that a “two-state” solution provides the best hope for long-term peace in the region. Jim has been a long-time and steadfast supporter of Israel’s right to exist and defend itself, and he believes that both the people of Israel and of the Palestinian territories have a right to a peaceful and prosperous existence.

For more information concerning my work and views on Foreign Affairs issues, please contact me.

More on Foreign Policy

Nov 15, 2014
The following are the remarks given by U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (MA02) during a panel, The Legacy of the Jesuits on U.S. Foreign Policy toward El Salvador and Central America and on the Society of Jesus, at University of Central America José Simeón Cañas on Saturday, November, 15, 2014.
Oct 28, 2014
The 53-year-old economic embargo against Cuba has not worked. It has not overturned the Cuban government. But it has done grave harm to the lives of ordinary Cubans and increasingly isolated the United States in the region, the hemisphere and the world. The Cold War is over. It’s time to change.
Oct 22, 2014
I was pleased to meet Minister Garzón, whom I have admired and respected for many years. We had a wide-ranging discussion about the importance of labor rights to the peace process and how much remains to be done in Colombia to guarantee labor rights and protect workers and labor activists.
Oct 2, 2014
I strongly protest the detention of Nabeel Rajab, president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, and I call upon the Government of Bahrain to release him immediately.
Sep 19, 2014
U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), along with his Rules Committee colleague U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) have coordinated a bipartisan letter calling on the House Leadership urging them to bring an authorization for the use of military force in Iraq when Congress returns to Washington in November.
Sep 18, 2014

M. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this rule. 

Let us be very clear about one of the implications of the language before us:  A vote for this rule is a vote to shut off the mechanisms of the War Powers Resolution for the next two months.  If any Member of this House has any concerns about the on-going military operations in Iraq, the potential of U.S. military airstrikes in Syria, or the possible introduction of U.S. combat ground forces into either country, then this rule will tie their hands for the next two months. 

Sep 16, 2014

M. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this Rule and in opposition to the amendment on Syria that will be offered later today.

 

Aug 28, 2014
Yesterday, Congressman Walter Jones, Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Congressman Jim McGovern sent a letter to Speaker Boehner calling for debate and vote on an authorization for the use of military force in Iraq when the House returns on September 8th.
Aug 21, 2014
Rep. McGovern recently made several requests to Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a guarantee of access to Bahrain for himself, one of his staff, and Brian Dooley, Director of the Human Rights Defenders program at Human Rights First. Rep. McGovern planned a fact-finding mission and sought to engage in discussions of the current situation with all involved parties – Bahraini government, opposition, and civil society organizations. Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs failed to provide a guarantee that Rep. McGovern would be able to travel to Bahrain.
Aug 8, 2014

            “These strikes do involve the United States directly in hostilities, regardless of how limited they are and regardless of whether there’s a humanitarian purpose involved.  The President is acting according to the powers of his office – and Congress must do the same.  If these operations are continuing when Congress returns in September, then Congress needs to take action to authorize them.  370 Members of the House voted for my amendment last month.  We made it very clear that we believe Congress has a significant constitutional role to play.