House Foreign Affairs Committee Dems

House Foreign Affairs Committee Dems Official page of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Minority. Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks

The House Committee on Foreign Affairs is responsible for oversight and legislation relating to a broad range of foreign policy areas, including foreign assistance, the use of American military force abroad, international law and its enforcement, and trade. The Committee is divided into Subcommittees that oversee narrower areas of policy:

-Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and Internat

ional Organizations

-Asia, the Pacific, and Nonproliferation

-Europe, Eurasia, Energy, and the Environment

-Middle East, North Africa, and International Terrorism

-Oversight and Investigations

-Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, and Trade

10/24/2023
House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), along with Subco...
10/24/2023

House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), along with Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific Ranking Member Ami Bera (D-CA) and Chairwoman Young Kim (R-CA) issued the following statement to condemn the Chinese Coast Guard's unlawful actions in the South China Sea.

Meeks, McCaul, Bera, Kim Condemn the Chinese Coast Guard's Unlawful Actions in South China Sea October 24, 2023 Washington, DC – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY) and Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), along with Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific Ranking ...

10/24/2023

Meeks, McCaul, Bera, Kim Condemn the Chinese Coast Guard's Unlawful Actions in South China Sea

"We unequivocally support the Philippines and condemn the unlawful actions by the Chinese Coast Guard in the South China Sea. The Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels intentionally hit Philippine Coast Guard ships over the weekend and continue to violate international law, endanger Filipino crew members, and obstruct Philippine vessels’ access in their own exclusive economic zone.

"This incident is part of a larger pattern of the People's Liberation Army Navy, the Maritime Militia, and the Chinese Coast Guard's aggressive and provocative behavior in the South China Sea, where it actively intrudes in other states exclusive economic zones. We condemn Beijing’s maritime intimidation and welcome the Biden administration's announcement to increase joint patrols with the Philippines and other partners in the South China Sea and its reaffirmation to uphold its commitment under the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty."

ICYMI: Ranking Member Gregory Meeks joined MSNBC’s Velshi this morning and discussed the latest on Israel & Gaza. WATCH ...
10/22/2023

ICYMI: Ranking Member Gregory Meeks joined MSNBC’s Velshi this morning and discussed the latest on Israel & Gaza.

WATCH ⬇️

Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Rep. Gregory Meeks speaks to Ali Velshi about possible long-term solutions to the conflict between Israel and Palestine. They also discuss the unprecedented levels of dysfunction in the House of Representatives and what solutions Democrats wou...

Ranking Member , McGovern, Castro, Lee issue statement in regard to the partial agreement for electoral conditions signe...
10/20/2023

Ranking Member , McGovern, Castro, Lee issue statement in regard to the partial agreement for electoral conditions signed on October 17, 2023, between the Venezuelan government led by Nicolás Maduro and the Unitary Platform opposition alliance, and the October 18 General License 44 issued by the Department of Treasury which eases economic sanctions on the Venezuelan oil sector.

Meeks, McGovern, Castro, Lee Welcome Progress on Restoring Democracy and Human Rights in Venezuela October 20, 2023 Washington, DC – Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman James P. McGovern (D-MA), Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Hu...

10/20/2023

Meeks, McGovern, Castro, Lee Welcome Progress on Restoring Democracy and Human Rights in Venezuela

“We welcome the partial agreement on electoral conditions reached this week between the Venezuelan government and the political opposition, the parallel easing of economic sanctions on the Venezuelan petroleum sector announced by the Department of Treasury, and the release of five political prisoners, including opposition political figures. These measures are a victory for the Venezuelan people and a win for U.S. diplomacy. If fully implemented, they will put Venezuela on the path to a better future and ease forced migration.

“We have long criticized the Trump Administration’s ‘maximum pressure’ campaign against Venezuela as immoral and ineffective. Last June we urged the Biden Administration to pursue a better strategy to address the rollback of democracy and the severe violations of fundamental rights committed by the Maduro government. The steps taken this week create important incentives that will contribute to fully restoring the human rights of the Venezuelan people.

“The electoral agreement confirms that presidential elections will be held in 2024 and political parties will choose their own candidates. The Maduro government has committed to update the electoral registry, audit the electoral system, allow the presence of international elections observers and ensure equal access to news media. These commitments are important first steps towards implementing the recommendations of the 2021 Final Report European Union Election Observation Mission.

“The new Treasury license recognizes these steps towards restoring democracy. Easing sanctions on Venezuela’s principal industry will restore hope and empower the Venezuelan people by alleviating the humanitarian crisis they have endured for years, and ease forced migration.

“This week’s announcements strengthen the ongoing Mexico-based negotiations process and will be welcomed by U.S. partners in the region struggling to care for the millions of Venezuelan migrants who have fled their country.

“There are safeguards in place to protect the integrity of these measures. The electoral agreement includes a verification mechanism, and Venezuela must meet deadlines for more prisoner releases and must announce a process to lift candidate bans. Many sanctions remain in place. The new Treasury license is temporary through April 18, 2024, and can only be renewed if the government follows through with all commitments and releases wrongfully detained Americans.”

10/20/2023
Today, the Committee held a Markup of the following measures: H.Res. 559, Declaring it is the policy of the United State...
10/19/2023

Today, the Committee held a Markup of the following measures:

H.Res. 559, Declaring it is the policy of the United States that a nuclear Islamic Republic of Iran is not acceptable

H.R. 340, To impose sanctions with respect to foreign support for terrorist organizations, including Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad

H.R. 3266, To require the Secretary of State to submit annual reports reviewing the curriculum used by the Palestinian Authority, and for other purposes

H.R. 3774, To impose additional sanctions with respect to the importation or facilitation of the importation of petroleum products from Iran, and for other purposes

H.R. 5826, To require a report on sanctions under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act, and for other purposes

H.R. 2973, To require the Secretary of Defense to develop, in cooperation with allies and partners in the Middle East, an integrated maritime domain awareness and interdiction capability, and for other purposes

H.Res. 599, Urging the European Union to designate Hizballah in its entirety as a terrorist organization

H.R. 1809, To require the development of strategies and options to prevent the export to Iran of certain technologies related to unmanned aircraft systems, and for other purposes

10/19/2023

Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks: The US and our allies and partners are committed to supporting Ukraine’s defense so it can win the war, and its economy so it can win the peace.

Yesterday, the Committee held a Roundtable entitled, “Making Putin Pay: The Case for Transferring Russian Sovereign Asse...
10/19/2023

Yesterday, the Committee held a Roundtable entitled, “Making Putin Pay: The Case for Transferring Russian Sovereign Assets to Ukraine” with panelists:

Philip Zelikow
Senior Fellow
Stanford University’s Hoover Institution
White Burkett Miller Professor of History
University of Virginia

Rebeccah Heinrichs
Senior Fellow and Director of the Keystone Defense Initiative
Hudson Institute

Ranking Member Gregory Meeks issued the following statement welcoming an agreement reached between the Venezuelan govern...
10/19/2023

Ranking Member Gregory Meeks issued the following statement welcoming an agreement reached between the Venezuelan government and the opposition party, and commended the Biden administration’s efforts to support the agreement. Once the Venezuelan government takes concrete steps towards holding free elections in 2024, upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms, the Biden administration will take steps to relax sanctions in a limited and targeted way.

Meeks Issues Statement Welcoming Venezuela’s Agreement for Free & Fair Elections October 19, 2023 Washington, DC –  Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement welcoming an agreement reached between the Venezuelan gove...

10/19/2023

Meeks Issues Statement Welcoming Venezuela’s Agreement for Free & Fair Elections

“I am pleased to see an agreement between Venezuela’s opposition party and the Maduro government to allow for free and fair elections in 2024 and release political prisoners and U.S. nationals. I also strongly support the Biden administration’s decision to ease sanctions in response to this Venezuelan-led agreement. U.S. sanctions on Venezuela were always meant to be rolled back should the country take meaningful steps towards restoring its democracy, and human and political rights. Should the Venezuelan government fail to meet those conditions, so too will our sanction relief reverse.

“This positive step towards a democratic future for the people of Venezuela is a welcome one, and I am optimistic that there is new hope to resolve the economic and humanitarian crises Venezuelans have long suffered.”

10/18/2023

Meeks Applauds President Biden’s Announcement of Humanitarian Support for Gaza

“While Israel has a right to defend itself, we must also ensure that humanitarian relief is able to make its way into Gaza and the West Bank. It is critical that the people of Gaza receive this life-saving assistance as soon as possible, and I look forward to working with the Administration to continue addressing the humanitarian needs on the ground. I applaud the Biden Administration for moving quickly to provide this urgently needed support.”

The Biden Administration's humanitarian announcement includes:

- USAID funding to bolster support for displaced and other conflict-affected Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank with safe water, emergency food, hygiene support, and healthcare services. This funding will also provide psychosocial support and additional protection services for conflict-affected communities, including women and children.

- Increased vetting procedures for assistance, helping ensure its intended purpose of reaching Palestinians directly, and not benefiting Hamas.

- Continued diplomatic engagement with partners and allies to uphold international humanitarian law, protect civilians, and for relevant parties to facilitate safe and ongoing access to humanitarian assistance and personnel.

- Coordination with the United Nations, Israeli, and Egyptian partners to establish a humanitarian corridor to urgently facilitate the provision of aid to those in need.

Ranking Member Gregory Meeks issued the following statement applauding President Biden’s announcement of $100 million in...
10/18/2023

Ranking Member Gregory Meeks issued the following statement applauding President Biden’s announcement of $100 million in humanitarian funding for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank during his visit to Israel. This assistance will help address the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza that has left Palestinians without access to clean water, medical treatment, and safe shelter.

Meeks Applauds President Biden’s Announcement of Humanitarian Support for Gaza October 18, 2023 Washington, DC – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement applauding President Biden’s announcement of $100 million in ...

❗️TUNE IN❗️Thursday at 10:20am, Chair McCaul will host a Markup of the following measures:H.Res. 559, Declaring it is th...
10/17/2023

❗️TUNE IN❗️

Thursday at 10:20am, Chair McCaul will host a Markup of the following measures:

H.Res. 559, Declaring it is the policy of the United States that a nuclear Islamic Republic of Iran is not acceptable

H.R. 340, To impose sanctions with respect to foreign support for terrorist organizations, including Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad

H.R. 3266, To require the Secretary of State to submit annual reports reviewing the curriculum used by the Palestinian Authority, and for other purposes

H.R. 3774, To impose additional sanctions with respect to the importation or facilitation of the importation of petroleum products from Iran, and for other purposes

H.R. 5826, To require a report on sanctions under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act, and for other purposes

H.R. 2973, To require the Secretary of Defense to develop, in cooperation with allies and partners in the Middle East, an integrated maritime domain awareness and interdiction capability, and for other purposes

H.Res. 599, Urging the European Union to designate Hizballah in its entirety as a terrorist organization

H.R. 1809, To require the development of strategies and options to prevent the export to Iran of certain technologies related to unmanned aircraft systems, and for other purposes

Watch:

Markup of Various Measures 10.19.23 Chairman Michael McCaul October 19, 2023 10:20 AM Room Number: 210 Location: HVC Measures: H.Res. 559, Declaring it is the policy of the United States that a nuclear Islamic Republic of Iran is not acceptable H.R. 340, To impose sanctions with respect to foreign s...

❗️TUNE IN❗️ Wednesday at 10:00am, Chair McCaul will host a Roundtable entitled "Making Putin Pay: The Case for Transferr...
10/17/2023

❗️TUNE IN❗️

Wednesday at 10:00am, Chair McCaul will host a Roundtable entitled "Making Putin Pay: The Case for Transferring Russian Sovereign Assets to Ukraine" with panelists:

Philip Zelikow
Senior Fellow
Stanford University's Hoover Institution
White Burkett Miller Professor of History
University of Virginia

Rebeccah Heinrichs
Senior Fellow and Director of the Keystone Defense Initiative
Hudson Institute

Watch:

Roundtable: Making Putin Pay: The Case for Transferring Russian Sovereign Assets to Ukraine Chairman Michael McCaul October 18, 2023 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Room Number: 210 Location: HVC Panelists: Philip ZelikowSenior Fellow Stanford University’s Hoover Institution  White Burkett Miller Professor o...

🚨US CITIZENS 🚨 If you or a loved one are in need of assistance in Israel, please utilize the following resources ⬇️
10/11/2023

🚨US CITIZENS 🚨

If you or a loved one are in need of assistance in Israel, please utilize the following resources ⬇️

Find press releases and related content from Secretary Blinken and other State Department officials on the situation in Israel.

Today, Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks and Chairman Michael McCaul, joined by 390 of their colleagues, introduced a bipa...
10/10/2023

Today, Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks and Chairman Michael McCaul, joined by 390 of their colleagues, introduced a bipartisan resolution standing with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists and condemning Hamas’ brutal war against Israel.

Meeks, McCaul Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Standing with Israel October 10, 2023 Washington, DC ­— Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks and Chairman Michael McCaul, joined by 390 of their colleagues, introduced a bipartisan resolution standing with Israel a...

10/09/2023

Ranking Member Gregory Meeks: One thing is crystal clear: Israel has the right and duty to defend itself from this terrorist attack. The United States stands with Israel and will make sure Israel has the tools to defend itself.

10/09/2023

Ranking Member Gregory Meeks: I’m working with Rep. McCaul to make sure Israel receives support regardless of the status of the House speakership. We should not be playing any kind of political football with security and support for our ally, Israel.

10/08/2023

Today, Ranking Member Gregory Meeks joined MSNBC to discuss the latest on the horrific attacks on Israelis.

Ranking Member Gregory Meeks, Chairman Michael McCaul statement in response to the attack by Hamas on Israel today ⬇️
10/07/2023

Ranking Member Gregory Meeks, Chairman Michael McCaul statement in response to the attack by Hamas on Israel today ⬇️

10/07/2023

Ranking Member Gregory Meeks: I lend my voice to the international condemnation of the terrorist organization Hamas’ unprovoked attacks against Israel, who has every right to defend herself. We will be monitoring developments closely in the hours and days ahead.

Ranking Member Gregory Meeks: I’m deeply concerned by former President Trump’s pattern of sharing confidential & sensiti...
10/07/2023

Ranking Member Gregory Meeks: I’m deeply concerned by former President Trump’s pattern of sharing confidential & sensitive information, and its potential harm to US national security. These actions must be thoroughly investigated.

Months after leaving office, former President Trump allegedly discussed potentially sensitive info about U.S. nuclear subs with an Australian billionaire, say sources.

10/04/2023

Ranking Member Gregory Meeks: This war is more than just supporting Ukraine; this is a fight over whether a country can take another's territory by force. As MAGA R's bring chaos to Congress, I remain committed to supporting brave Ukrainians in their fight for democracy and freedom.

10/01/2023

Ranking Member Gregory Meeks: Not following through on our commitment to support Ukraine undermines America’s integrity, and is a gift to Putin. We must deliver on our promises. My remarks this morning on MSNBC:

10/01/2023

Ranking Member Gregory Meeks: Congratulations to the Maldivian people on a successful election—a testament to the strength of their democracy. The opening of US Embassy Maldives & appointment of our first solely accredited ambassador underscore the growing importance of our bilateral ties.

09/30/2023

Meeks Releases Statement on House Passage of 45-day Continuing Resolution

"Though I supported the 45-day Continuing Resolution to buy more time and keep the government open, I am extremely disappointed that the Republican Resolution omits critical funding for Ukraine’s war effort. Vladimir Putin has bet that he can wait us out, that the coalition of allies the United States has led in support of Ukraine will fracture; by omitting the $6 billion in vital support, Republicans are playing into his hand. I remain committed to ensuring Ukraine continues to receive additional funding as they fight to protect their homes, their people, and their democracy.

"A government shutdown would be catastrophic for the American economy, to our international reputation, and a gift to authoritarians around the world who want to frame democracy as inherently dysfunctional. Extreme Republicans are now making that case for them."

Ranking Member Gregory Meeks issued the following statement after passage of the 45-day Continuing Resolution to keep th...
09/30/2023

Ranking Member Gregory Meeks issued the following statement after passage of the 45-day Continuing Resolution to keep the government temporarily open:

Meeks Releases Statement on House Passage of 45-day Continuing Resolution September 30, 2023 Washington, DC - Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement after the passage of the 45-day Continuing Resolution to keep the gove...

Ranking Meeks Gregory Meeks: The bombings today in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are an attack on the rights of the...
09/29/2023

Ranking Meeks Gregory Meeks: The bombings today in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are an attack on the rights of the Pakistani people to freely assemble and express their religious beliefs.

My thoughts are with the victims and their families.

Su***de bombings ripped through two mosques in Pakistan on Friday, killing at least 57 people and injuring dozens more as believers marked the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad, police and health officials said.

Ranking Member Gregory Meeks: Today, I requested the State Department pause a portion of US military financing to Egypt ...
09/29/2023

Ranking Member Gregory Meeks: Today, I requested the State Department pause a portion of US military financing to Egypt that is conditioned on human rights criteria. Congress needs more clarity from the State Department on how concerns about treatment of political prisoners, journalists, as well as the rule of law are being tackled in our bilateral relationship.

Last month, as in 2021 and 2022, I called on Secretary Blinken to withhold the $320 million in military financing conditioned on human rights, but only $85 million was withheld. I'll continue to work to ensure human rights and national security are integral pillars of our foreign policy.

Find the August letter below:

Meeks Leads Letter Urging Administration Not to Certify Certain Foreign Military Financing for Egypt August 10, 2023 Washington, DC — House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks together with 10 Representatives of the Committee, sent a letter to Secretary Blinken calling on the...

Today, the Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific held a hearing entitled, “Lasers and Water Cannons: Exposing the Chinese Com...
09/28/2023

Today, the Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific held a hearing entitled, “Lasers and Water Cannons: Exposing the Chinese Communist Party’s Harassment in the South China Sea” with witnesses:

Dr. Jung H. Pak
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Multilateral Affairs
U.S. Department of State

Ms. Lindsey W. Ford
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia
U.S. Department of Defense

Vice Admiral Andrew J. Tiongson
Commander, Pacific Area
U.S. Coast Guard

Today, the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere held a hearing entitled, “Communism on Our Doorstep: The Threat of Chi...
09/28/2023

Today, the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere held a hearing entitled, “Communism on Our Doorstep: The Threat of China’s Malign Influence in Latin America” with witnesses: 
 
Ms. Kerri Hannan
Deputy Assistant Secretary
Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs
U.S. Department of State

Ms. Mileydi Guilarte
Deputy Assistant Administrator
Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean
U.S. Agency for International Development

09/28/2023

Ranking Member Gregory Meeks: Americans elected us to make tough decisions, not duck hard questions by ceding our constitutional authority over to the executive branch.

Our constitutional order depends on us upholding that responsibility and passing a repeal & replace of the 2001 AUMF.

Ranking Member Gregory Meeks: A pleasure to meet and speak with a distinguished group of NATO Ambassadors yesterday.  Am...
09/28/2023

Ranking Member Gregory Meeks: A pleasure to meet and speak with a distinguished group of NATO Ambassadors yesterday.

America's dedication to the Alliance, forged upon our shared values, remains steadfast.

Yesterday, the Subcommittee on Africa held a hearing entitled, “Examining the Current U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relati...
09/28/2023

Yesterday, the Subcommittee on Africa held a hearing entitled, “Examining the Current U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relationship” with witnesses: 
 
Anthony Carroll
Adjunct Professor
Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies
 
Redi Tlhabi
Journalist, Broadcaster and Moderator
 
Chris Maroleng International
Chief Executive Officer

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