Fifteen years after the September 11 terrorist attacks, the United States government still has little idea how many foreign travelers overstay their visas annually and remain in the U.S. This, despite the fact that two September 11 hijackers, Satam al-Suqami and Nawaf al-Hazmi, overstayed their visas before carrying out the deadly attacks that left nearly 3,000 Americans dead. Two other 9/11 hijackers had also previously overstayed their visas.
Foreign Affairs
Serving on the Foreign Affairs Committee, it is my honor to ensure we are maintaining and developing positive relationships with our allies and nations across the globe. Additionally, I believe it is critical to provide for proper oversight of our foreign policy agenda and diplomacy efforts.
As a Member of the Subcommittee on Middle East and North Africa, I am able to directly influence what I believe is our nation’s greatest international priority: the support of Israel. One of our country’s strongest allies, Israel is a beacon for democracy in the Middle East. The United States must defend and support Israel at all costs and work to help facilitate peace and stability in the region. We must never turn our backs on our friend and ally, and in Congress I will always vote in support of strengthening our relationship with Israel.
Developing stronger relations with emerging nations throughout the African continent needs to be a focus for the United States. Through my role on the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations, I have been working towards increasing America’s presence in Africa and finding solutions for international health and human rights issues. Above all else, I believe we must put an end to human trafficking worldwide and fight to protect the freedoms and dignity bestowed by God to all people.
Since being sworn into office, I have been appointed as a Congressional Representative to the United Nations General Assembly. It is critical that Congress provide oversight of the UN and work to promote American interests by developing stronger relationships with the international community. I also serve on the bipartisan Congressional Executive Commission on China to monitor the development of the rule of law in China and encourage the Chinese government to end human rights abuses against its people.
More on Foreign Affairs
Sep 21, 2016
Opinion Piece
by Rep. Mark Meadows
In the wake of this weekend's events--both the bombing in New York and the series of knife attacks in Minnesota--Americans are rightfully concerned about the security of our nation. My colleagues and I are continuing to pray for the victims, their families, and law enforcement as they continue their investigations of the incidents.
Sep 8, 2016
Opinion Piece
by Rep. Mark Meadows
Last week, many of you were able to attend a Town Hall hosted by my office. The Town Hall was built on the topic of refugee settlement in Western North Carolina, after information came out suggesting that the State Department was considering our district as a possible location for refugee resettlement. We had a great discussion and received helpful feedback from those in attendance.
Feb 23, 2016
Press Release
Washington, D.C.— President Obama announced from the White House Tuesday his plans to close the Guantanamo Bay military base. Congressman Mark Meadows (R-NC), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement:
Jan 12, 2016
Press Release
President Barack Obama delivered the final State of the Union speech of his presidency on Tuesday night, hours after the Pentagon confirmed that Iran apprehended a U.S. Navy boat and is detaining 10 American sailors. Rep. Mark Meadows, a Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement:
Jan 5, 2016
Opinion Piece
By Rep. Mark Meadows
According to recent reports, the Obama administration condoned the spying on of senior officials within the Israeli government, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and that among the intercepted conversations were communications between U.S. lawmakers and Israeli officials.
Dec 21, 2015
Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry, requesting that the State Department revoke the Palestinian Liberation Organization’s (PLO) waiver to maintain an office in Washington, D.C. The letter, signed by 32 members of Congress, cites Palestinian Media Watch (PMW) reports that the PLO funds terrorism by paying “salaries” to Palestinians who are put in Israeli jails as a way of rewarding and incentivizing terror attacks.
Dec 16, 2015
Press Release
Washington, D.C.— The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Hizballah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015, H.R. 2297, on Wednesday, a landmark bill using financial sanctions to cripple the terrorist organization’s foreign assets and global criminal operations. The bill, originally introduced in the 113th Congress by Congressman Mark Meadows (R-NC), will now head to President Obama’s desk for a signature.
Oct 27, 2015
Opinion Piece
By Reps. Alan Lowenthal (D-Calif.) and Mark Meadows (R-N.C.)
In recent weeks, a spate of violent lone wolf knife attacks have plagued Israel and left both Israeli citizens and Palestinians on edge. The attacks have predominantly been carried out by young Palestinian men between the ages of 13 and 20, who’ve been radicalized by Hamas’ extremist ideology.
Sep 17, 2015
Opinion Piece
Earlier this year, Islamic State militants murdered 21 Coptic Christians in Egypt in cold blood, and then released a video titled "A Message Signed With Blood to the Nation of the Cross," depicting the horrific act. The video shows a masked man referencing the killing of Osama bin Laden and his burial at sea saying, "The sea you have hidden Sheikh Osama bin Laden's body in, we swear to Allah, we will mix it with your blood."