Foreign Affairs, National Security, and Veterans

The United States should be a model, leader, and partner in global efforts to combat climate change, prevent international terrorism, and secure human rights. Protecting our national interests and keeping people in America safe requires that we be smart, not just tough. History is an important guide to s avoid repeating past mistakes.

We can maintain a strong national defense alongside smart reductions in spending that do not compromise the safety of Americans at home or abroad. For instance, our nuclear weapons programs reflect priorities from a bygone Cold War era. I am a member of the Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Working Group, which aims to update our nuclear weapons programs to reflect our 21st century priorities and reduce the role of nuclear weapons in our national security strategy. It is also long past time to close the shameful Guantanamo Bay Detention Center that has made people in America less safe.

The role of Congress in authorizing acts of war is required by the Constitution, and necessary to ensure that the President’s proposed military actions are appropriate, legitimate, and narrowly focused to prevent drawing us into a military quagmire, creating or worsening a humanitarian crisis, or escalating sectarian or regional conflict. I have supported resolutions calling for the de-escalation of military tensions where Congress has not approved U.S. intervention.

Recently Voted For:

• April 16, 2026, H.Con.Res. 40 – War Powers Resolution directing the President to remove U.S. armed forces from unauthorized hostilities with Iran
• Mar 27, 2026, H.Con.Res. 83 – War Powers Resolution directing the President to remove U.S. armed forces from unauthorized hostilities involving Lebanon
• Mar 5, 2026, H.Con.Res. 38 – War Powers Resolution directing the President to remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities with Iran
• Mar 4, 2026, H.Con.Res. 75 - War Powers Resolution directing the President to remove U.S. armed forces from unauthorized hostilities with Iran
• Jan 22, 2026, H.ConRes. 68 – War Powers Resolution to remove U.S. armed forces from any military engagement in Venezuela
• Dec 17, 2025, H.ConRes. 64 – War Powers Resolution to direct the President to remove of U.S. armed forces from unauthorized hostilities against Venezuela
• Dec 17, 2025, H.Con.Res. 61 – War Powers Resolution directing the President to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere
• Sept 19, 2025, H.J.Res.126 – Joint Resolution requiring the withdrawal of U.S. forces from hostilities not authorized by Congress

Middle East Crisis:

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza must end now. I continue to condemn Hamas’ brutal terrorism and support Israel’s right to defend itself against true security threats. However, right now the burden of ending the humanitarian tragedy falls on the Israeli government. The United States must pressure Netanyahu to put an end to this senseless civilian death toll, suffering, starvation, and near-total destruction. Settler violence against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank must be condemned as a violation of international law and longstanding agreements.

With the humanitarian crisis in mind, I've voted against all recent bills on the House floor that aim to protect and expand arms funding for Israel. Listed below are these bills, and attached here is my most recent statement on the conflict in Gaza.

Recently Voted Against:

• Feb 03, 2026, H.R.7148 – Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026
• Jan 14, 2026, H.R.7006 – Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026
• Sept 10, 2025, H.R.3838 – Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
• July 18, 2025 - H.R.4016 – Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026
• Mar 11, 2025, H. R. 1968 – Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025
• Dec 11, 2024, H. R. 5009 – National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025
• Jun 28, 2024, H. R. 8774 – Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2025
• Jun 14, 2024, H. R. 8070 – National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025
• May 16, 2024, H. R. 8369 – Israel Security Assistance Support Act

Veterans:

The people who bravely served our nation in the military deserve our deepest respect. In the same way that we should provide quality equipment and support to our servicemembers in the field, we should provide quality support and benefits when they return home.

I supported efforts to expand veterans’ access to care, including through the Veterans Choice Program, which allowed thousands of veterans in remote areas of my district to choose a local, private medical provider instead of being mandated to travel long distances to VA clinics. My staff and I continue to work closely with the VA to improve access to health care for veterans, ensuring they can receive timely, high-quality care in their communities.

I am the sponsor of the Recruiting in Underserved Rural Areas and Localities for Veterans (RURAL Veterans) Act. The bill would create an Office of Rural Recruitment in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that would provide a focused and targeted nationwide plan for recruiting VA doctors to rural areas. This office will also be required to submit annual reports on the status of rural VA health care to make sure the department is meeting its goals. Our veterans deserve access to quality medical care that isn’t hours away.

We owe it to our veterans and their families to protect benefits and maintain strong support for programs that assist with their employment, housing, education, and healthcare. I strongly oppose schemes that would privatize and degrade the quality of care at the VA, and remain committed to strengthening the system to better serve those who have served our country.