State of Montana Archives: on Foreign Policy

Corey Stapleton: Two-state solution for Israel like Montana & reservations

Steve Bullock: Vetoed bill banning Shariah law; it's just anti-Muslim

"It cannot be seriously denied that the bill is drawn from 'Sharia law bans' that have been tried in other states. The intent of these bills is to target a particular religion and group of people for disfavored treatment," Bullock said, adding that the proposal could add to the "nationwide surge in hate crimes."

"I don't see how affirming our Constitution does that. I disagree with him," said Sen. Keith Regier (R-Kalispell). He and other backers argued that the measure aimed merely to declare support for U.S. and Montana law. They rejected contentions that the bill was anti-Islamic or xenophobic.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 3/21/2017 56-43-1; passed Senate 2/3/2017 27-21-1; vetoed by Governor Bullock, 4/6/2017

Albert Olszewski: Ban use of Shariah law and other foreign laws in courts

"It cannot be seriously denied that the bill is drawn from 'Sharia law bans' that have been tried in other states. The intent of these bills is to target a particular religion and group of people for disfavored treatment," Bullock said, adding that the proposal could add to the "nationwide surge in hate crimes."

"I don't see how affirming our Constitution does that. I disagree with him," said Sen. Keith Regier (R-Kalispell). He and other backers argued that the measure aimed merely to declare support for U.S. and Montana law. They rejected contentions that the bill was anti-Islamic or xenophobic.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 3/21, 56-43-1; passed Senate 2/3, 27-21-1; Sen. Olszewski voted YES; vetoed by Governor Bullock, 4/6/2017

Steve Daines: Congressional support for Israel is bipartisan & strong

[Returning from a trip to Israel], Daines said the PLO wants a Palestinian state, while Israel is insisting that the Palestinians recognize the legitimacy of the Jewish state of Israel. He said there's some optimism that the latest peace talks could move toward resolving the issues, but Daines said "it's also couched in historical reality, that we are still a long ways away from that solution."

"The main issue for Israel is their security as well as the recognition of Israel," Daines said.

Sam Rankin: Actively engage and assist European nations through NATO

A strong and correct foreign policy depends on a blend of good and clear goals in defense, global trade and in defining our national interest.
1. We must maintain and keep ahead in programs and products beneficial to U.S. militarily, i.e. armaments and personnel.
2. I support our alliance with Israel and steps to bring a lasting peace to that region; and believe that Palestinians need to have a stronger role in peace negotiations.
3. We must actively engage and assist, when appropriate, European nations through NATO.
4. We must have an ongoing dialogue with Russia and China regarding nuclear proliferation as we need them in support of sanctions against Iran for its failure to ratify the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.