Legislation

This bill makes U.S. contributions to the United Nations conditional upon the implementation of real reforms, including shifting the basis for most of the funding of the UN’s operating budget to voluntary contributions, instead of the current mandatory contributions. It will give U.S. taxpayers, through their elected representatives, the ability to determine how much we pay to the UN, and what we pay for. The bill uses America’s greatest leverage at the United Nations - our financial contributions - to make UN reform a reality.
This bill extends until 2017 the authorities of the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004. The bill continues current authorities for North Korea-focused activities to promote human rights and democracy, refugee protection, and freedom of information (including broadcasting), as well as the U.S. Special Envoy on North Korean Human Rights Issues.
H.R. 1905 strengthens U.S. sanctions against Iran in order to compel Tehran to abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons and other threatening activities. The bill strengthens energy and financial sanctions, counters the Iranian regime’s efforts to evade them, and increases the number of sanctions the Administration is required to impose on Iran.
This legislation is designed to protect Peace Corps volunteers serving in potentially dangerous locations overseas by mandating broad changes in the way Peace Corps handles crimes against volunteers, and requiring that safety be a determining factor in the selection of countries where volunteers will serve.
The Syria Freedom Support Act is a bi-partisan bill that strengthens sanctions against the Syrian regime until the President certifies to Congress that the regime has ended its pursuit of unconventional weapons programs and support for violent extremists, respects the boundaries of sovereign neighboring countries such as Lebanon, and does not pose a threat to U.S. national security interests and allies.
The Taiwan Policy Act is designed to enhance the economic, political, and security relationship between the United States and Taiwan, particularly in light of increasing threatening behavior by China. The bill reaffirms the assurances of the Taiwan Relations Act, which requires the United States to ensure Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities as a matter of U.S. national interest. Critically, the bill supports and authorizes the sale to the Taiwanese Air Force of F-16 C/D fighter aircraft to replace their current fleet of aging American and French fighters.