Our nation is faced with a variety of challenges abroad; below are my views on a number of issues that I continue to monitor in the 114th Congress.
Combating Religious Persecution
I remain concerned about the persecution of religious minorities throughout the world and the atrocities committed by the terrorist group ISIL. On February 11, 2015 I joined Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-OK) in introducing H.Res.105, a resolution calling for the protection of religious minority rights and freedoms around the world. Furthermore, recognizing the need to improve the U.S. government’s ability to advance and protect religious freedoms, in April 2015 I cosponsored H.R.1150, the Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act, a bill that will strengthen our efforts to address growing religious persecution and violent extremism around the world.
Israel
Since Israel’s founding in 1948, the United States has demonstrated its commitment to Israel’s security and has maintained close defense and diplomatic cooperation with this ally in the Middle East. The House overwhelmingly passed H.Res.729, a resolution expressing support for the finalization of a new, robust, and long-term Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on military assistance to Israel. The new MOU was signed into law in September 2016, and will provide security assistance to Israel over the next ten years.
Iran
The nuclear deal that was struck with the government of Iran will have dangerous repercussions for the United States, Israel, and our allies. On September 11, 2015 I along with a strong bipartisan majority voted against H.R.3461, a bill to approve the nuclear deal. Additionally, on July 14, 2016, I voted in support of three bills, aimed at holding Iran accountable for its illicit behavior and human rights violations. This series of bills included, H.R.4992, the United States Financial System Protection Act, which would prevent Iran’s access to the dollar until the regime ends it nuclear and ballistic missile programs and ceases its support for terrorism. Furthermore, while I am relieved former Marine Amir Hekmati from Flint, Pastor Saeed Abedini, journalist Jason Rezaian, and two other Americans have been released, I remain concerned about the continued imprisonment of Robert Levinson. We must remain vigilant until all Americans wrongfully imprisoned in Iran are returned home.
Monitoring Rogue Nations
Congress must stand firm against provocations that threaten the security of our citizens and our allies around the world. On January 12, 2016, I voted in support of H.R.757, the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act, which expands existing sanction on North Korea in response to the country’s alleged and illegal hydrogen nuclear weapons test. It is also important for the United States and the international community to hold Russia accountable for its interference in Syria and destabilizing actions in Ukraine. In December 2015, I voted in support of H.Res.348, which supports the right of the people of Ukraine to hold free elections and condemns Russia for its interference in Ukraine. Furthermore, on March 14, 2016, I voted in support of H.Con.Res.121, calling for the establishment of a war crimes tribunal in response to the gross human rights violations committed by the Government of Syria and its President, Bashar al-Assad.
United Nations Accountability
I remain concerned about the efficiency and effectiveness of the United Nations (UN) system. In the past I have cosponsored legislation that would give the U.S. greater say over how our tax dollars are spent at the United Nations. In addition, I believe any U.S. foreign policy initiative should protect our freedoms at home and abroad.
Uganda
The ongoing injustices in Uganda continue to be of great concern to me and my family. My direct contacts in Uganda have experienced firsthand the atrocities of Joseph Kony's Lord Resistance Army (LRA) forces.
Foreign Aid
U.S. foreign assistance is not a right, and as a federal legislator I seriously consider all foreign aid requests to ensure taxpayer resources are being used effectively and in a manner that strengthens our nation’s interest abroad. In June 2016, I offered and passed a bipartisan amendment to the fiscal year 2017 Department of Defense Appropriations bill which cuts off funds to certain infrastructure projects in Afghanistan that the Inspector General has found to be wrought with waste, susceptible to fraud, and unsustainable over the long term.
LEGISLATION
06/08/16 – Cosponsor: H.Res.729, Expressing support for the expeditious consideration and finalization of a new, robust, and long-term Memorandum of Understanding on military assistance to Israel between the United States Government and the Government of Israel
03/07/2016 – Cosponsor: H.R.3706, Reach Every Mother and Child Act
12/18/2015 – Cosponsor: H.R.3694, STOP Organ Trafficking Act
07/16/2015 - Cosponsor: H.Res.367, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in disapproval of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action agreed to by the P5+1 and Iran on July 14, 2015
05/01/2015 - Cosponsor: H.Res.233, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Iran should immediately release the three United States citizens it holds, as well as provide all know information on any United States citizens that have disappeared within its borders.
03/02/2015 – Cosponsor: H.R.825, the United States-Israel Trade and Commercial Enhancement Act
04/13/2015 - Cosponsor: H.R.1150, the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act
04/14/2015 - Cosponsor: H.R.1654, to authorize the direct provision of defense articles, defense services, and related training to the Kurdistan Regional Government.
02/11/2015 - H.Res.105, Calling for the protection of religious minority rights and freedoms worldwide.
REPORTS
07/08/2016 – Select Committee on Benghazi Proposed Final Report
VIDEOS
Walberg Questions White House Narrative on the Iran Nuclear Deal
Walberg Amendment Prevents Wasteful Afghanistan Infrastructure Spending
PRESS RELEASES
07/14/2016 – Iran Must Be Held Accountable, Not Accommodated
06/16/2016 – Amendment to Prevent Wasteful Afghanistan Spending Passes the House
