Statement on the State of U.S. Foreign Policy

Statement

"As a 20-year Army Veteran, a Veteran of both Iraq wars, and a person who holds a Master's Degree in International Relations, I have the knowledge and experience to speak authoritatively about our government's handling of foreign affairs. I have strong feelings about our country's embarrassingly inept foreign policy. Over the last several years, Americans have witnessed the decline of America's international reputation, the result of which has been to make America and the world less safe. I along with millions of others ask, "Where is the leadership?' "

"Whether it's the President's unwillingness to negotiate an effective status-of-forces agreement with the Iraqi government, his telegraphing our intent to withdraw Soldiers from Afghanistan directly to our enemies, his recent negotiation with terrorists, or his drawing of ultimately meaningless "red lines" he has continually diminished America's position in the world."

"Additionally, our government's treatment of its Soldiers sends the message to our enemies that our politicians don't care about the military. Examples include the sequestration, which reduced our forces to below World War II levels, inadequate initial troop levels in Iraq under President Bush, President Obama's failure to come to the aid of our Marines in Benghazi, and the continued state of scandal and disarray in our VA hospitals. How can we expect Russia to take us seriously, when our own government does not take us seriously?"

"Last week, in response to growing violence in Iraq, including the beheading of an American journalist, President Obama announced that "We do not have a strategy yet.' Congressman Ron Kind announced for the world to hear that he would not consider putting ground troops in Iraq. The President's response is unacceptable, and Congressman Kind's is knee-jerk and irresponsible. This week, ISIS beheaded a second American journalist. Meanwhile, Russia continues to execute aggressive actions in Ukraine. Our lack of foreign policy is failing, and people are dying a result."

"Today, President Obama meets with our NATO allies in Wales. The President must show strength, and the meeting must produce results. I fully support continued airstrikes against ISIS, and contend that all options, even boots on the ground, need to be on the table to confront this global threat. I believe that the international community, especially Middle Eastern countries, needs to fully engage in putting the ISIS threat to rest. The President is right to engage in coalition building, but he is years late. The President of the United States needs to make it clear that ISIS must not simply be contained -- it must be eliminated."

"The President must also leave the summit with a definite plan of action regarding Russia and the Ukraine. Putin's aggressive tactics are very similar to those of Adolf Hitler. Mark my words; Putin will take Ukraine unless world leaders stop him. How do we deter him? First, we must coordinate with Poland and the Czech Republic to install missile defense systems in those countries. Both nations are members of NATO and must be protected. Second, we coordinate with the Polish government to station a Brigade Combat Team in Poland. Peace comes through
strength."

"The world knows that America is war wary, and I know that the folks of the 3rd District mirror that sentiment. Our enemies see this wariness as well. However, as a Veteran, I was a pair of those boots on the ground; my wife was a pair of those boots on the ground. I do not take these matters lightly, because I know the consequences. Knee-jerk reactions like Congressman Kind's and the muddled foreign policy objectives of President Obama have no place in responsible foreign policy. Force should be the last resort, but when dealing with terrorists and tyrants, all options must remain on the table."

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