Foreign Affairs

Congresswoman Jackson Lee strongly believes in the value of multilateralism and constructive engagement with other members of the international community. Congresswoman Jackson Lee works to encourage a balanced and thoughtful approach to foreign policy, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as tools of the first, rather than the last, resort.

Iraq: Congresswoman Jackson Lee has long been an outspoken critic of the war in Iraq, which she and many of her Democratic colleagues have opposed from the outset. She stands by President Barack Obama’s decision to end the large roll of our troops in Iraq and warmly welcomes home those troops who have returned to their families. Congresswoman Jackson Lee also honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country; even though these heroes are gone they will never be forgotten. She has authored legislation honoring troops for their military accomplishments, while emphasizing the need to step up the resources and programs for those service members transitioning from military service to the Civilian sector.

Pakistan: As founder and co-chair of the Pakistan Caucus, Congresswoman Jackson Lee has emphasized the value of Pakistan as an ally in the global war on terror. In addition, she recognizes recent improvements in fields such as economic trade and investment, health care, democracy and human rights, education, and science and technology. Congresswoman Jackson Lee has encouraged continued support for Pakistan, and she believes that we can turn these increased areas of cooperation into a true partnership that promotes international peace and security, and utilizes Pakistan’s vast untapped economic potential to the benefit of both nations.

Darfur: Congresswoman Jackson Lee has been a leading voice against genocide in the western Sudanese region of Darfur. Along with her colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), she was among the first to apply the term "genocide" to the conflict in Darfur, followed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate in July 2004. Congresswoman Jackson Lee traveled to Darfur in August 2007, where she visited internally displaced persons camps and met with government and civil society leaders as well as representatives from humanitarian organizations.  Congresswoman Jackson Lee is particularly concerned about the 2.5 million people who have been displaced by this conflict. She is working to improve the overall security situation in Darfur so that they may soon be able to go home in safety. As Chair of the Congressional Children’s Caucus, Congresswoman Jackson Lee has also drawn attention to the plight of Darfur’s children, hosting a briefing on the issue and welcoming to Congress a young, resettled Darfurian refugee.

Afghanistan: Congresswoman Jackson Lee believes that Afghanistan is the first front in the war on global terrorism, and she is concerned about the ongoing instability in Afghanistan. She co-chairs the U.S.-Afghanistan caucus, and she has visited the country, where she was particularly moved by the conditions faced by women and children. Congresswoman Jackson Lee recently successfully amended the Afghanistan Freedom and Security Support Act of 2007, which passed the House, to encourage funding for efforts to protect Afghanistan’s female legislators. Congresswoman Jackson Lee supports the ongoing UN presence in the region after the mass draw down of U.S. troops after the 13 year engagement. She stands firm in supporting actions that strengthen the Afghanistan government and the continued fight for a stable region.

Nigeria: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has led a Congressional Delegation to Nigeria where she spoke to those affected by the terrorist group, Boko Haram. Congresswoman Jackson Lee, along with her colleagues on the Committee of Homeland Security, have proposed a relief fund that would offer support for those who have been personally affected by the actions of the extremist group Boko Haram, including the families of the 200 kidnapped schoolgirls from Chibok. Congresswoman Jackson Lee is also calling for the creation of an elite police force that is capable of preventing and combating violence within Nigerian villages. Congresswoman Jackson Lee continues to support panels and briefings that bring Nigerian leaders together with our current legislative expert in order to strengthen the advancement of a strong democratic government in Nigeria.