Foreign Affairs and Defense

The United States must set a strong example for other nations to follow in our foreign affairs. As a country, we should pursue all options available to prevent armed conflict while supporting the security of our allies. As the global voice of freedom and democracy, America should continue to serve as a model for peace and security across the world.

Even as the United States moves away from ground combat operations after more than a decade of continuous war, I will work to ensure our national security remains strong. When our service members are called to serve, it is imperative that we provide our troops with the equipment and weapons they need to be successful. And, we must make good on our promise to help our fighting men and women when they return home; we owe them much more than a “thank you for your service.” I will continue to support policies that protect our troops, their families, and our nation.

Human Rights

Support for human rights is an important part of promoting peace, security, democracy, and the rule of law. Every person, regardless of where they live, deserves an equal opportunity to succeed. I will continue to promote policies that stand up for the rights of all individuals around the world. And, I support the United States’ continued leadership to help ensure that all countries live up to their promises on human rights.

Terrorism

One of the primary roles of Congress is to ensure the peace and security of the United States. As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and ranking Democrat on its CIA Subcommittee, I am working hard to protect Americans here at home. In combating terrorist activities, the United States must continue to take a leading role in building partnerships and coordinating activities with both foreign governments and multilateral organizations.

Afghanistan

I've visited Afghanistan twice to meet with military leaders and troops for on-the-ground updates about our efforts to ensure the peaceful transfer of power and root out militant Islamic terrorism. I support continued aid and humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan so they may live in peace and security.

Israel

Israel is among our closest allies and the only democracy in the Middle East. I am committed to keeping the over 60-year bond between Israel and the United States strong and unbroken, and I work to do that both in Congress and in our community.

I support a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians, with Israel recognized as a Jewish state with secure borders alongside a state for the Palestinian people which is demilitarized and no longer threatens Israel with terrorism. While the United States should be playing a supporting role, any final agreement must be negotiated and agreed to by the Israelis and Palestinians. That is why it is so important the Palestinians not go to the United Nations and instead negotiate directly with Israel, without pre-conditions.

Iran

Iran poses a danger to the United States and the entire world, and given its rhetoric and past conduct, is an existential threat to Israel. Iran must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. 

I support the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on nuclear arms reached in 2015 by Iran, China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. With U.S. participation in this agreement, one of two things will happen: We will play a leadership role in dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities, or when a violation occurs, we will be able to take action against Iran with international cooperation. Both scenarios are more desirable than alienating ourselves from the world and acting alone.

What I am Doing for You

In the 114th Congress:

I ensured that the bipartisan Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 included provisions to track foreign fighters traveling to terrorist safe havens, an examination of how intelligence agencies help their workers manage student loan debt, and an effort to leverage the great talent found at our national laboratories.

I voted in favor of H.R. 3461, a bill to approve of the JCPOA (nuclear agreement with Iran).

I voted against the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for 2017 because it underfunded expected warfighting costs and did not provide funding to pay for salaries or provide mission support for men and women serving abroad past the end of April 2017.

Rep. Swalwell's floor speech on FY17 Intelligence Authorization Act, May 2016

In the 113th Congress: 

I cosponsored H.R. 850, the Nuclear Iran Prevention Act. This bill would strengthen the President’s ability to enforce the crippling sanctions against Iran by barring any country that does business with Iran from pursuing business in the United States.

I cosponsored H. Res. 19, to express the sense of the House of Representatives that the Senate should ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

I sent an open letter to the women of Afghanistan emphasizing the United States’ support for programs and policies that advance the status of women in Afghanistan as they fight for greater equality.