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Defense and Foreign Affairs

During my 8 years as a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I gained a unique understanding of the threats facing our country and what we are doing to stop them. I have also traveled to over 50 countries, including war zones from Gaza to Ukraine, Iraq to Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay. Each trip has highlighted the vital role we play in protecting the international order. 

Since President Biden has taken office, it is clear our relationships with the international community have been restored. The divides created under the former administration have been repaired, and we have returned as a leader on the international stage and a nation that others can trust. 

The war in Ukraine is a clear example of the United States’ role in maintaining global security. The war has not only tested our defense base domestically, but it has shown the strength of our military alliances like NATO.

American leadership abroad is more necessary than ever due to a complex global landscape, evolving national security threats, and growing political instability. Whether in Syria, Ukraine, Western Europe, or Israel, the evolving nature of our international relations requires us to continuously reevaluate what measures are necessary to keep America safe.

While in Congress, I’ve supported a foreign policy that curbs runaway defense spending and instead invests in intelligence, international development, humanitarian aid, global health, and direct diplomacy. In 2010, I introduced and passed two amendments as part of H.R. 5013 - the Defense Acquisition Reform IMPROVES Act. These amendments, which passed unanimously, sought to reform the Department of Defense acquisitions and spending process by improving energy efficiency on new purchases and calling for more accurate cost estimates on all projects and programs. 

When we spend inefficiently and fail to account for the realities of a 21st-century war, we leave our soldiers more vulnerable and our country less safe.

I am proud to be the co-chair of the International Basic Education Caucus and belong to a number of Diaspora-focused caucuses representative of the rich multi-ethnic heritage of Chicago and the Fifth District. I have been a vocal champion for the Visa Waiver Program and have introduced the Visa Waiver Program Enhanced Security and Reform Act and the JOLT Act to make the program more secure and viable for future generations. In May 2017, I was proud to introduce the Poland Visa Waiver Act to finally allow Poland to participate in the Visa Waiver Program. And, as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have fought to fund critical programs that combat HIV/AIDS and promote international development like PEPFAR, USAID, and the Strategic Climate Fund.

As the Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, supporting Ukraine as they defend themselves against Putin’s illegal invasion has been one of my top priorities. In the days immediately following the invasion, I led my colleagues in a letter to the Biden administration calling for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainians amidst the ongoing Russian invasion. 

In total, I have been proud to support the delivery of over $ 32 billion in security assistance, $13 billion in financial assistance, and approximately$10 billion in humanitarian assistance. I remain committed to helping provide Ukraine with the tools they need to win this war and save their democracy.

It is important to remember that every national security challenge is unique. There is no cookie-cutter strategy for deterring and defeating our enemies. But the U.S. has the capabilities and the know-how to defend against these threats. That’s why Congress must work together to keep Americans safe.