The Passage of 6 Important, Bi-Partisan Foreign Affairs Bills by the House Furthers U.S. National Security Interests and Protect Innocents Abroad, Ros-Lehtinen Says

(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, made the following statement on the passage of 6 foreign affairs related bills last night by the House. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:

“As the House convened last night, I was honored to join my fellow Members in passing 6 important foreign affairs bills as part of the final acts of the 112^th Congress. These bi-partisan bills, passed by unanimous consent, not only seek to further our national security interests but seek to protect and further the rights of those oppressed abroad. By denouncing the belligerent North Korean missile launch, condemning Iran for its persecution of minority religious groups, and calling for Europe to formally designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, among other items, the 112^th Congress continued to pass meaningful legislation till the end.

“These bills will further our national interests and call attention to those who continue to suffer under brutal regimes around the world. As the bearers of the light of democracy and freedom, it is our duty as Americans to further these ideals and call on others to do the same.”

NOTE: The following foreign affairs legislation was passed by the House by voice vote yesterday: Senate Amendment to H.R. 1464 - North Korean Child Welfare Act of 2012; H.Con.Res. 145 - Calling for universal condemnation of the North Korean missile launch of December 12, 2012; H.Res. 134 - Condemning the Government of Iran for its state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights; H.Res. 834 - Urging the governments of Europe and the European Union to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization and impose sanctions, and urging the President to provide information about Hezbollah to the European allies of the United States and to support the Government of Bulgaria in investigating the July 18, 2012, terrorist attack in Burgas; S. 3331 - Intercountry Adoption Universal Accreditation Act of 2012; S. 2318 - Department of State Rewards Program Update and Technical Corrections Act of 2012.

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