Foreign policy matters on Main Street. Anyone in our community who saw the increase in gas prices, due in part to a decision by OPEC nations half-a-world away, knows this.
We also must strengthen our commitment to the security of Israel, which faces a difficult challange in the peace process and a growing missile threat from countries like Iran.
Source: www.kirkforcongress.com
Sep 9, 2000
More aid for Israel to foster Palestinian peace
In addition to the United States’ annual package of military aid, it is important to point out that the hard costs of peace for Israel will be substantial. The rebuilding and relocation of vacated strategic military assets and civilian infrastructure
will be costly. As Israel commits to incur such costs, the United States will need to allocate additional aid to offset this substantial burden as well as supply funding for true Arab partners in peace.
Source: www.kirkforcongress.com
Sep 9, 2000
Maintain sanctions against Iran & other rogue states
Iran, Iraq, Libya and Syria maintain an “at war” status with Israel. These regimes continue to actively seek and develop technologies aimed at Israel’s destruction. Total support for sanctions, especially against Iran who is close to the possession of a
nuclear weapon, and any nation who engages in or threatens any aggressive act involving WMD must be upheld scrupulously. This would include countries that are proven to aid and abet in the transference or development of such weaponry, like Russia.
Source: www.kirkforcongress.com
Sep 9, 2000
Move US embassy to Jerusalem
An undivided Jerusalem must remain the capital of Israel. The United States embassy, in conformance with legislation passed by the Congress
in 1995 must be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Source: www.kirkforcongress.com
Sep 9, 2000
US aid for Arabs who are peace partners with Israel
I support U.S. assistance to Arab countries in the region that are true partners in peace with Israel. While I am concerned about the government of Egypt’s unwillingness to address anti-Semitic rhetoric in major newspapers, I still believe
that our aid to Egypt plays a positive role in the peace process with Israel. I applaud the recent peace treaty between Israel and Jordan and worry that the working people of Jordan have yet to see the “fruits of peace.”
Source: www.kirkforcongress.com
Sep 9, 2000
Voted NO on redeploying US troops out of Iraq starting in 90 days.
To provide for the redeployment of US Armed Forces and defense contractors from Iraq. Requires within 90 days to commence the redeployment; and to complete such redeployment within 180 days after its commencement. Prohibits the use of DOD funds to increase the number of US forces serving in Iraq in excess of the number serving in Iraq as of January 1, 2007, unless specifically authorized by Congress. Authorizes retaining in Iraq US forces for providing security for diplomatic missions; for targeting al-Qaeda; and for training Iraqi Security Forces. Requires the President to transfer to the government of Iraq all interest held by the US in any military facility in Iraq.
Proponents support voting YES because:
This war is a terrible tragedy, and it is time to bring it to an end. This is a straightforward bill to redeploy our military forces from Iraq and to end the war in Iraq. This bill does not walk away from the Iraqi people.
It specifically continues diplomatic, social, economic, and reconstruction aid. Finally, this bill leaves all the decisions on the locations outside of Iraq to which our troops will be redeployed wholly in the hands of our military commanders.
Opponents support voting NO because:
This legislation embraces surrender and defeat. This legislation undermines our troops and the authority of the President as commander in chief. Opponents express concern about the effects of an ill-conceived military withdrawal, and about any legislation that places military decisions in the hands of politicians rather than the military commanders in the field. The enemy we face in Iraq view this bill as a sign of weakness. Now is not the time to signal retreat and surrender. It is absolutely essential that America, the last remaining superpower on earth, continue to be a voice for peace and a beacon for freedom in our shrinking world.
Reference: Out of Iraq Caucus bill;
Bill H R 2237
; vote number 2007-330
on May 10, 2007
Voted YES on declaring Iraq part of War on Terror with no exit date.
Voting YES would support the following resolution (excerpted):
Whereas the United States and its allies are engaged in a Global War on Terror, a long and demanding struggle against an adversary that is driven by hatred of American values and that is committed to imposing, by the use of terror, its repressive ideology throughout the world;
Whereas the terrorists have declared Iraq to be the central front in their war against all who oppose their ideology;
Whereas the United States and its Coalition partners will continue to support Iraq as part of the Global War on Terror:
Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
Honors all those Americans who have taken an active part in the Global War on Terror;
Declares that it is not in the national security interest of the United States to set an arbitrary date for the withdrawal or redeployment of United States Armed Forces from Iraq;
Declares that the United States is committed to the completion of
the mission to create a sovereign, free, secure, and united Iraq;
Declares that the United States will prevail in the Global War on Terror, the noble struggle to protect freedom from the terrorist adversary.
Reference: Resolution on Prevailing in the Global War on Terror;
Bill HRES 861
; vote number 2006-288
on Jun 12, 2006
Voted YES on approving removal of Saddam & valiant service of US troops.
States that the House of Representatives:
affirms that the United States and the world have been made safer with the removal of Saddam Hussein and his regime from power in Iraq;
commends the Iraqi people for their courage in the face of unspeakable oppression and brutality inflicted on them by Saddam Hussein's regime;
commends the Iraqi people on the adoption of Iraq's interim constitution; and
commends the members of the U.S. Armed Forces and Coalition forces for liberating Iraq and expresses its gratitude for their valiant service.
Reference: War in Iraq Anniversary resolution;
Bill H Res 557
; vote number 2004-64
on Mar 17, 2004
Voted YES on authorizing military force in Iraq.
Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq: Passage of the joint resolution that would authorize President Bush to use the US military as he deems necessary and appropriate to defend U.S. national security against Iraq and enforce UN Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq. It would be required that the president report to Congress, no later than 48 hours after using force, his determination that diplomatic options or other peaceful means would not guarantee US national security against Iraq or allow enforcement of UN resolutions and that using force is consistent with anti-terrorism efforts. The resolution would also give specific statutory authorization under the War Powers Resolution. Every 60 days the president would also be required to report to Congress on actions related to the resolution.
Reference: Bill sponsored by Hastert,R-IL;
Bill HJRes114
; vote number 2002-455
on Oct 10, 2002
Condemns anti-Muslim bigotry in name of anti-terrorism.
Kirk co-sponsored the Resolution on bigotry against Sikh Americans:
Title: Condemning bigotry and violence against Sikh Americans in the wake of terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001.
Summary: Declares that, in the quest to identify, locate, and bring to justice the perpetrators and sponsors of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, the civil rights and liberties of all Americans, including Sikh-Americans, should be protected.
Condemns bigotry and acts of violence or discrimination against any Americans, including Sikh-Americans.
Calls upon local and Federal law enforcement authorities to: (1) work to prevent hate crimes against all Americans; and (2) prosecute to the fullest extent of the law all those who commit hate crimes.
Source: House Resolution Sponsorship 01-HR255 on Oct 4, 2001
Supports $48 billion in new spending for anti-terrorism.
Kirk adopted the Republican Main Street Partnership issue stance:
The Republican Main Street Partnership (RMSP), the largest group of moderate GOP elected officials in the nation, applauds President Bush's call for $48 Billion in new defense spending to win the war on terrorism, provide for homeland defense and modernize the U.S. military.
Main Street Moderates, also offer support for the President's "Homeland Defense" initiative that strengthens border security ($2.1 Billion Increase), bulks up INS and Customs inspectors and agents (focusing on the northern border), and proposes a 500% increase in "Bio-Terrorism" spending.
These were part of the RMSP Anti-Terrorism Policy proposed by key Main Street members Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Rep. Christopher Shays (R-CT) and others shortly after Sept. 11th. Sen. Snowe called "the President's proposals to boost funding for the Coast Guard, border security and customs right on target." "By focusing on these issues (Defense and Homeland Security), he's clearly in touch with what's most important to the American people," said fellow Main Street member Rep. Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY).
Source: Republican Main Street Partnership press release 01-RMSP5 on Jan 30, 2002
Solidarity with Israel in its fight against terrorism.
Kirk co-sponsored a Congressional Resolution expressing solidarity with Israel:
[The United States] expresses solidarity with Israel as it takes necessary steps to provide security to its people by dismantling the terrorist infrastructure in the Palestinian areas; and
Commits to Israel's right to self-defense and support for additional U.S. assistance.
Condemns the recent wave of Palestinian suicide bombings and the ongoing support and coordination of terror by Yasir Arafat and other members of the Palestinian leadership.
Demands that the Palestinian Authority fulfill its commitment to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure in the Palestinian areas.
Expresses concern that Arafat's actions are not those of a viable partner for peace.
Urges all Arab states to declare their unqualified opposition to all forms of terrorism, particularly suicide bombing, and all parties in the region to pursue peace in the Middle East.
Commends the President for his leadership in addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Encourages the international community to take action to alleviate the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people.
Source: House Resolution Sponsorship 02-HR392 on Apr 18, 2002
