Mark's Weekly Update

Supporting Legislation to Impose Tough Sanctions on Hezbollah Terrorists

On Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015, H.R. 2297 423-0, a landmark piece of legislation that targets the terrorist organization’s foreign assets and global criminal operations with stiff sanctions. I first introduced this legislation in the previous Congress and am pleased to see it advance with such overwhelming bipartisan support. 

Hezbollah poses a direct threat to the United States and our allies abroad, particularly Israel. We as a nation must do all that we can in our power to stop Hezbollah’s global terrorist reach. The Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act will cripple the terrorist organization’s extensive, illegal financial network. 

Congressman Meadows speaking in support of H.R. 2297

Supporting U.S./Israeli Relations

Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking to NORPAC, a non-partisan group that advocates for strong relations between the U.S. and Israel. I met with NORPAC representatives who traveled to Washington, D.C. to discuss their concerns over the pending U.S./Iran nuclear agreement. I share many of their concerns. In March, the Obama Administration announced a framework agreement with Iran that would allow the rogue regime to keep some of its nuclear facilities in tact and would lift congressionally-mandated sanctions. I do not trust the regime in Tehran to be an honest negotiating partner and have deep concerns that Iran will not halt its terrorist activity--and may even increase it--once sanctions are lifted. 

This week, the House voted on a bill which will give Congress the ability to disapprove of any agreement made with Iran. The legislation passed with strong bipartisan support and is expected to be signed by the president. While I believe this legislation is a step in the right direction, I do have concerns that it doesn't do enough to halt a potentially dangerous deal. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to look for ways that greater oversight can be given to Congress on this critically important foreign policy decision. 

NORPAC representatives with Congressman Meadows

Congressman Meadows with a young Pro-Israel activist

Standing Up for the Sanctity of Life

Last Wednesday, the House passed the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act of 2015 and I'm extremely proud to have voted in support of it. I believe we have a fundamental obligation to stand up for the sanctity of life and protect the unborn. Proverbs 31:8 instructs us to ‘speak for those who cannot speak for themselves,’ and today Congress lived up to that challenge.

The science shows that unborn children are capable of feeling pain when their pain receptor nerves link to the brain at around 20 weeks of age. This isn’t only about protecting the unborn, but the mothers as well. Studies show that women are 35 times more likely to die due to complications during an abortion procedure occurring after 20 weeks than they are during the first trimester.

I believe that human life is sacred – beginning at conception and ending in natural death. While our nation still has a long way to go to ensure that all life is protected—including in the womb—I believe this bill is an important step in the right direction. I urge my Senate colleagues to embrace it and encourage the President to listen to the millions of Americans who support it.

Celebrating My Second Amendment Rights

I had a great time participating in the annual Congressional shoot-out hosted by Remington Rifle. It was a great afternoon of celebrating our Second Amendment rights. 

Congressman Meadows with the Remington Rifles Team