Foreign Affairs
As a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, I have a unique opportunity to study our Nation’s foreign policies and interact with Administration officials, foreign dignitaries, and some of the most respected academics in the field of international relations. I am strongly committed to protecting U.S. national security interests, promoting democratic principles and safe-guarding human rights in order to strengthen our standing in the world. Foreign aid is an important means of advancing these interests. In addition, strategic investments in economic growth, the rule of law, and trade development programs can help create jobs by opening new markets for American businesses. There are still too many foreign aid programs that are poorly managed, duplicative, and wasteful. We need comprehensive foreign aid reform to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and efficiently. I will continue to work with my colleagues on the House Foreign Affairs Committee on legislative measures that further protect our Nation’s interests abroad and protect tax payer dollars.
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WASHINGTON--Congressman Luke Messer released the following statement after the Obama Administration announced it will extend nuclear negotions with Iran:
“With the Thanksgiving holiday and other major current events, many folks missed the news that the Obama Administration has extended nuclear negotiations with Iran into the middle of next year. If not handled appropriately, this extension could undermine the United States’ ability to negotiate from a position of strength and reach an agreement that truly makes the world a safer place.
SHELBYVILLE, Ind.--While federal government officials and officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to address the Ebola issue, a lawmaker who represents Shelby County said more should be done.
U.S. Rep. Luke Messer, who represents Shelby County in the 6th Congressional District, urged Ebola Czar Ron Klain to help lead the effort to combat Ebola immediately.
WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Luke Messer welcomed the President’s appointment of Ebola Czar, Ron Klain, to help lead the effort to combat Ebola. He also called on Klain to show decisive leadership and act quickly to combat the spread of this deadly virus.
“We all know the old saying ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’” said Congressman Luke Messer. “There are steps we could be taking right now to prevent the spread of Ebola before it becomes a widespread health care crisis in the U.S.”
“I rise today in support of the amendment offered by Chairman McKeon. We are way past any good solutions in Syria, but doing nothing would be the worst solution of all. I understand and, in fact, share many of the reservations expressed by my colleagues today. This is not an easy choice. Yet, we cannot ignore the threat of ISIL. They are determined to bring war to America's shores. We must respond.
“The President has taken the oath of office two times.
“Twice he has sworn to faithfully execute the laws.
“Twice he has sworn to protect and defend the Constitution.
“Yet he has unilaterally delayed the employer mandate of his own health care law—twice.
“On topic after topic, this President has violated the law through overreaching executive action—often not even bothering to issue an executive order.
"Each of us as Americans has a God-given right to defend ourselves.
"Those rights should apply to all people, everywhere, including Israel.
"I visited Israel last year and saw firsthand the life and death reality ordinary Israeli’s face every day.
"Prime Minister Netanyahu impressed upon us the very real possibility that Israel could cease to exist if it failed to respond forcefully to violence and threats from those that seek its destruction.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Members of the Indiana delegation to Congress are speaking out about the deteriorating situation in Iraq where Sunni extremists are battling government forces.
Senator Joe Donnelly calls the circumstances in Iraq “extremely serious.” Donnelly, a Democrat, is calling on the Iraqi government to step up and protect its people.
He says that unless there are leadership changes made there can be no long-term stability.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this important bipartisan resolution to urge the Government of Afghanistan to ensure a transparent process in its June 14th run-off presidential election.
I want to commend my former Foreign Affairs Committee colleague, Mr. Grayson, for bringing this measure forward. It makes clear that the United States supports the Afghan people in their pursuit to form an effective government through credible, violent-free elections.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this important bipartisan bill to promote human rights in Venezuela.
I want to commend my former subcommittee chair, Mrs. Ros-Lehtinen, for bringing this measure forward. It makes clear that as a nation we do not condone the human rights abuses against Venezuelans as they fight for democratic change.
WASHINGTON--Congressman Luke Messer released the following statement after Petro Poroshenko was elected President of Ukraine:
Sunday's election was a major step toward securing a future for a unified Ukraine free from territorial aggression. By electing President Petro Poroshenko, Ukrainians in all regions showed their commitment to a united, independent, and democratic Ukraine. It is an exciting time, but many challenges remain. And, America must continue to stand by Ukraine as it works through these challenges.
