Signed a letter to President Bush to highlight the challenges Israel faces in its search for peace. The letter describes the worsening situation in Gaza where Hamas is rapidly building up its armed militias and from where rockets are fired into southern Israel almost every day. In addition, the letter urges the President to demand that Arab states do more to support those negotiations by providing the type of financial, political and moral support necessary for the peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians to succeed. The bipartisan letter was signed by more than 180 Members of Congress.
Cosponsored H.Con. Res. 362, which expresses the sense of Congress that the threat posed to peace and stability in the Middle East by Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons is vital to the national security interests of the United States and must be dealt with urgently. The measure calls on the President to exercise measures to impose economic sanction upon Iran and businesses that choose to do business with Iran. The measure is cosponsored by 169 Members of Congress.
Joined the Human Rights Caucus and the International Religious Freedom Task Force chaired Rep. Frank Wolf of Virginia. The Caucus and the Task Force seek to raise the awareness of human rights violations around the world and to speak up for those in countries that restrict universal human rights such as the right to worship in the way one chooses.
Attended the annual American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) 2008 Policy Conference. The event featured Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert; other speakers included presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama.
Attended a Central Intelligence Agency briefing for Members of Congress on links between a Syrian nuclear facility and North Korea. Media reports said the briefing to lawmakers would include videotape demonstrating that North Korea had assisted Syria in its nuclear programs. Israel destroyed the Syrian facility in September 2007.
Supported H. Con Res. 322, to honor the 60th anniversary of the founding of Israel and to reaffirm the bonds of close friendship and cooperation between the United States and Israel.
Voted against H.R. 5501, the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008, which would reauthorize a foreign aid program to fight the AIDS pandemic. While Congressman Forbes supports U.S. efforts to fight the global HIV/AIDS pandemic and voted to authorize the program in 2003, H.R. 5501 would authorize $50 billion of spending over the next five years to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, which is $35 billion more than the original authorization of $15 billion. The original $15 billion commitment from the United States remains the largest amount ever provided by a single nation to fight HIV/AIDS. Congressman Forbes voted for a provision that would have provided aid at a fiscally responsible level of $30 billion rather than $50 billion. That measure failed 175-248.
Issued a statement after the Pentagon released its Annual Military Report on China. To review the Defense Department’s findings, read the Pentagon’s report.
Supported passage of H. Res 951, a resolution condemning the ongoing Palestinian rocket attacks on Israeli civilians. Since Israel withdrew its troops from the Gaza Strip in 2005, Hamas and other terrorist organizations have fired more than 4,000 rockets and mortar shells at Israel from the Gaza Strip. The groups have targeted their near-daily rocket fire primarily and intentionally at civilian communities in Israel, and the shelling has led to dozens of casualties, hundreds of shock victims, thousands of traumatized children and severe disruption of daily life.
Following the hearing on January 29, 2008 on Chinese espionage that was called by Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) and Congressman Forbes, Congressman Forbes issued a statement following the arrest of four Chinese spies within the United States on Monday, February 11 that sought classified defense secrets. To read the full statement, please click here.
Attended a dinner with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative in the United States, Joseph Wu and Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo of Guam. The members discussed the current economic and political situation in Taiwan, including the upcoming presidential election and referendum on March 20, 2008. Congressman Forbes and Congresswoman Bordallo co-chair the Congressional China Caucus, which is a forum for Members of Congress who share a common interest in the emergence of China as a political, economic and military actor on both the regional and global stage.
Cosponsored H. Res 951, a resolution condemning the ongoing Palestinian rocket attacks on Israeli civilians. Since Israel withdrew its troops from the Gaza Strip in 2005, more than 4,000 rockets and mortar shells have been fired at Israel from the Gaza Strip by Hamas and other terrorist organizations. The near-daily rocket fire has been targeted primarily and intentionally at civilian communities in Israel, and have led to dozens of casualties, hundreds of shock victims, thousands of traumatized children, and severe disruption of daily life.
Attended a Joint Session of Congress to hear an address of French President Nicola Sarkozy. To read the text of Nicola Sarkozy's remarks, click here.
Voted in favor of H.Res. 573, which commends the advocacy groups that raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis and genocide in Darfur, Sudan. The current crisis in Darfur began in 2003 as a result of rebel insurgent groups rising up against the Sudanese government as a result of poor treatment, and has resulted in an estimated 400,000 deaths and 2.3 million Darfuris fleeing their homes. Congressman Forbes also supported H.Res. 726, which calls upon the President and leaders of other countries to take immediate action to respond to and prevent acts of sexual violence against women in Central Africa
Voted in favor of H.Con.Res. 234, a resolution calling on the Government of the People's Republic of China to respect the human rights of refugees from North Korea. As Chairman of the Congressional China Caucus, Congressman Forbes hosted a briefing on refugees in China with the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom on October 19, 2007. The Government of China currently returns refugees to North Korea, where they often face torture or other punishment, and up to 90 percent of female North Korean refugees are sold into sexual slavery by Chinese traffickers.
Sent a letter to the President regarding a proposed sale of military hardware to Saudi Arabia. According to media reports, the $20 billion package might include Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) technology, which transforms unguided conventional bombs into precision munitions with highly accurate targeting capabilities. If it falls into the wrong hands, JDAM technology could significantly harm U.S. forces in the region and undercut Israel’s qualitative military edge. Saudi Arabia remains in a formal state of war with Israel, which is the preeminent democracy in the Middle East. Additionally, Saudi groups continue to export Wahabi extremist ideology throughout the world which is an anti-American ideology we face on the battlefields of the Global War on Terror. The letter states that any sale of JDAM technology to Saudi Arabia must come with guarantees backed by strict conditions notified to Congress followed by regular reporting, tight Congressional oversight and intense consultations with Israel.
Cosponsored H.Con.Res 235, which urges the World Bank and the United Nations to withhold loan support to Iran until it comes into compliance with U.N. resolutions and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The World Bank disbursed at least $220 million to Iran in fiscal year 2007, and more than $870 million is scheduled for disbursement in the next three years. Iran is a signatory of the NPT, and the International Atomic Energy Agency has reported several violations of the treaty by Iran earlier this year because of its expanded efforts to enrich uranium, which turns nuclear fuel into material that can be used for nuclear weapons.
Joined Congressional China Caucus co-chair Madeleine Bordallo and other Members of Congress in sending a letter to the National Security Advisor requesting that he undertake an interagency review of United States policy goals with respect to the Pacific island countries. Ensuring that there is a coordinated political, economic, trade, security, and foreign aid policy is critical to the stability of the Pacific region.
Supported H.R. 2003, the Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007. Sponsored by Rep. Payne, this legislation restricts U.S. aid to Ethiopia until the State Department certifies human rights and democratic reforms. The bill passed the House by voice vote and must now be considered in the Senate. Rep. Forbes led a similar effort to restrict non-humanitarian and non-defense aid to Ethiopia in the Fiscal Year 2008 Department of State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Act. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
Cosponsored H.R. 2332, the Syrian Accountability and Liberation Act of 2007. Sponsored by the top minority member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the bill mandates that current U.S. sanctions on Syria shall not be removed until the President can certify that Syria has ceased support for terrorism and dismantled any weapons of mass destruction programs. The legislation also strengthens sanctions on Syria’s energy sector and companies that provide assistance to support Syria’s weapons programs.
Voted in favor of H.R. 2828, a bill that provides compensation to relatives of United States citizens who were killed as a result of the bombings of United States Embassies in East Africa on August 7, 1998. The two bombings were linked to al-Qaeda, and resulted in U.S. missile strikes in Afghanistan. The bill passed 409-12, and must now be considered in the Senate.
Supported H.R. 3432, the 200th Anniversary Commemoration Commission of the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade Act of 2007. The legislation was adopted by voice vote.
Voted in favor of H.Con.Res. 203, which condemns the persecution of labor rights advocates in Iran. The bill passed by a vote of 418-1 and must now be considered in the Senate.
Supported H.Res. 583, which recognizes the remarkable example of Sir Nicholas Winton who organized the rescue of 669 Jewish Czechoslovakian children from Nazi death camps prior to the outbreak of World War II.
Supported H.Res. 639, which commends the actions of the Government of Germany and its cooperation with United States intelligence agencies in preventing a large-scale terrorist attack against locations in Germany, including sites frequented by Americans.
Introduced and passed an amendment to cut $3 million to Ethiopia during consideration of H.R. 2764, the Department of State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2008. Congressman Forbes offered the amendment to demonstrate Congress's concern that Ethiopia is still holding political prisoners from 2005. Among the 38 prisoners that were convicted of various crimes against the government on June 11, 2007, is Dr. Yacob Hailemariam, a former Norfolk State University professor who also led the prosecution during the U.N. tribunals on the Rwandan genocide. The amendment was unanimously accepted by the House of Representatives. Said Congressman Forbes, "I hope this will send a message to the Government of Ethiopia that we are watching. It is my hope that we see a positive resolution to this situation that has been going on for nearly two years. If I hear from the State Department that this situation is resolved before this bill goes to Conference, I'll be happy to ask that this money be restored. But we cannot accept the status quo when there are 38 prisoners facing sentencing next month."
Supported H.R. 1441, which strengthens controls on the export of surplus F-14 fighter aircraft parts. Iran is the only country in the world that still flies F-14 aircraft, so this will restrict Iran's ability to maintain those aircraft. The bill passed on Monday, June 11, 2007.
Supported H.Res.226, which recognizes John Pehle for his contributions to the United States in helping rescue Jews and other minorities from the Holocaust during World War II. John Pehle played a critical role in bringing the atrocities of the Holocaust to the attention of the United States government and then President Roosevelt.
Supported H.Res.295, which recognizes the strong alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States. The resolution also expressed appreciation to the Republic of Korea for its efforts in the global war against terrorism.
Commended the release of the Trafficking in Persons Report by the U.S. State Department on Tuesday, June 12, 2007. Trafficking in persons is a modern-day form of slavery, where perpetrators prey on the weakest among us, primarily women and children. Frequently, victims are lured into involuntary servitude and sexual slavery. The President has committed the United States government to lead in combating this challenge, and Congressman Forbes continues to support these efforts.
Signed a letter to Secretary of State Rice to ensure that the U.N. Peacekeeping Force in Lebanon has an effective mandate. U.N. peacekeepers have been enforcing an arrangement between Israel and Lebanon after the war between Israel and Hizballah fighters last year. This letter asks Secretary Rice to ensure the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) have the capability to stop arm shipments from Syria that are prohibited under the U.N. agreement. More than seventy Members of Congress have signed the letter to date.
Voted against H.R. 2764, the Department of State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2008, which loosens restrictions on taxpayer funds from subsidizing organizations that promote abortion overseas. The bill also eliminated funding for reconstruction in Iraq. The bill passed by a vote of 241 - 178. The President has promised a veto on any bill that weakens any federal policy or law on abortion.
Supported an amendment to H.R. 2764, the Department of State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2008 that restricts the number of countries that are in the visa waiver program. Currently, foreign nationals from 27 countries can enter the United States for up to three months without a visa.
Supported an amendment to H.R. 2764, the Department of State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2008, which restricts aid to the fractioned Palestinian Authority until the government can certify that it meets oversight requirements in the distribution of aid. Recent fighting between Hamas and Fatah has raised concerns that U.S. aid could be diverted to fund organizations that support terrorism. The amendment passed 390 to 30.
Supported H. Con. Res. 151, which calls on Russian President Vladimir Putin to cooperate with outside investigators in solving the murders of dozens of independent journalists in Russia over the last decade.
Sent a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice requesting that the Department of State address and explain the factors that led to a serious backlog in passport processing for U.S. citizens. The letter requests that the Department explain what actions they have taken to anticipate and prepare for the increased demand in passport processing since December of 2004 when more stringent passport policies were signed into law, and what actions they will be taking in the future to meet upcoming passport application demands. Congressman Forbes also sent a letter to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs requesting that they schedule a hearing on the issue.
Supported H. Res. 422, calling on the Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to use its unique influence and economic leverage to stop genocide and violence in Darfur, Sudan. This legislation follows a letter that was sent by Congressman Forbes and over 100 Members of Congress to PRC President Hu Jintao that led China to dispatch a special envoy to the region. President Bush has also tightened economic sanctions on the government of Sudan and has asked the United Nations to do the same. U.N. peacekeepers have been approved by the U.N. Security Council, but historically peacekeepers have only been sent with permission of the host government. Sudan initially agreed to accept the peacekeepers but have since prevented the peacekeepers from establishing control in Darfur.
Supported H. Con. Res. 152 which congratulates Israel on the 40th anniversary of the reunification of the City of Jerusalem. The resolution also reiterates the commitment to the provisions of the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995, which calls upon the Administration to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Israel.
Supported H. Res. 397, which condemns recent violence in Estonia and attacks on Estonia's embassies in 2007 and expresses solidarity with the Government and the people of Estonia. Estonian embassies were subject to riot attacks in Russia and elsewhere following a decision in Estonia to relocate "the Bronze Soldier," a Russian World War II Memorial that many Estonians view as a relic of the Soviet era of occupation.
Cosponsored H.R. 1400, the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act, which aims to peacefully prevent Iran from securing nuclear arms and the means to produce them. This legislation severely limits the export of U.S. items to Iran and prevents nuclear cooperation between the U.S. and any countries that provide nuclear assistance to Iran. Furthermore, the legislation prevents U.S. branches of foreign oil companies that invest in Iran's oil sector from receiving U.S. tax benefits for oil and gas exploration.
Testified before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on Thursday, February 1 regarding the status of U.S.-China relations and the work of the Congressional China Caucus. Click here to read Congressman Forbes' testimony. For more information on the Caucus, click here.
Working to continue and expand the Congressional China Caucus for the 110th Congress. Congressman Forbes is the Founder and Chairman of the Caucus.
