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Congressman Tom Cole

Representing the 4th District of Oklahoma

Foreign Affairs

From increasing tension on the Korean Peninsula, to the acts of Russian aggression in the sovereign country of Ukraine, the world has become an increasingly dangerous place for freedom and democracy. While much of the power to conduct foreign affairs is granted to the president by the U.S. Constitution, Congress can and should still shape foreign policy and play a vital role in ensuring the world remains a safe place and that our citizens are protected from harm.
 
For example, Congress maintains control over the “purse strings” and funds our national defense and foreign assistance. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand how foreign assistance is used to support American values all over the world. On average, about one percent of foreign aid is provided as direct budget support (cash) to foreign governments. The remainder of aid is given in the form of expert technical advice, training, equipment, vaccines, food, educational exchanges and applied research. Much of the work done by America and its citizens internationally is crucial to lifting developing countries out of poverty and promoting long-term development.
 
Additionally, through the appropriations process, Congress can help ensure that funding goes to countries to build stability and counter international threats. Approximately 1.3 percent of the total federal budget is designated for foreign assistance from all federal sources. Aid that promotes global prosperity, democracy and rule of law, economic growth and humanitarian interests reflects American values and global leadership.

More on Foreign Affairs

Reps. Israel, Ros-Lehtinen, Deutch and Cole to Call on UN Human Rights Council to Condemn Hamas’ Use of Civilians as Human Shields

July 23, 2014 Press Release
Washington, DC — Today, Reps. Steve Israel (D-NY), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ted Deutch (D-FL) and Tom Cole (R-OK) announced that they are sending a letter to Navi Pillay, High Commissioner for Human Rights for the UN Human Rights Council calling on her to condemn Hamas’ use of civilians as human shields, which is a direct violation of international law.

Sanctions Alone Will Not Deter Russian Separatists

July 17, 2014 Press Release
Washington, DC – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement after President Barack Obama announced his intention yesterday to impose more sanctions on Russia in response to continued conflict along the Russia-Ukraine border. Today, concerns surrounding the conflict in the region intensified after Malaysia Flight MH17, en route to Kuala Lumpur from Amsterdam, was shot down and crashed in Ukraine near a pro-Russia separatist stronghold.

Foreign Policy Magazine: Congress Deeply Skeptical of Funding for Syrian Rebels

July 16, 2014 News Stories

Foreign Policy Magazine - John Hudson

The Obama administration's new plan to break the stalemate in Syria is running into bipartisan opposition in Congress, raising fresh doubts about whether military aid promised to the Syrian rebels will arrive anytime soon, if at all.

Reps. Israel and Cole Applaud Passage of Resolution Supporting Israel’s Right to Defend Itself Against Rocket Attacks from Hamas

July 11, 2014 Press Release
Washington, DC — Today, Reps. Steve Israel (D-Huntington) and Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma) applauded the passage of their bipartisan resolution supporting the State of Israel’s right to defend itself against unprovoked rocket attacks from Hamas, a terrorist organization. The resolution passed with more than 140 cosponsors.

Fox News: House approves resolution backing Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas

July 11, 2014 News Stories

Fox News - Chad Pergram

The House of Representatives on Friday approved a non-binding resolution backing Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas rocket attacks. 

The vote comes as Hamas-fired rockets stream into Israel's airspace, though most are being intercepted by Israel's advanced defense system. 

The House adopted the resolution by unanimous consent, and there was no roll call vote. 

Reps. Israel and Cole Introduce Resolution Supporting Israel’s Right to Defend Itself Against Rocket Attacks from Hamas

July 9, 2014 Press Release
Washington, DC — Congressman Steve Israel (D-Huntington) and Congressman Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma) introduced a resolution supporting the State of Israel’s right to defend itself against unprovoked rockets attacks from Hamas, a terrorist organization. Their bipartisan resolution reaffirms U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorist attacks, condemns the unwarranted attacks and calls on Hamas to immediately cease all rocket attacks against Israel.

Cole Statement on Release of Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl

June 2, 2014 Press Release
Washington, DC – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) made the following statement after the release of Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, an American soldier who was captured by the Taliban in 2009. Bergdahl was released by the Taliban on Saturday in exchange for five senior Taliban leaders who were detained by the United States at Guantanamo Bay.

Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Congress Backs Ukraine Aid and Russian Sanctions

March 30, 2014 News Stories

Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise - Peter Urban

We Must Stand with Ukraine

March 17, 2014 Weekly Columns

Over the last several months, the world has watched an unraveling situation between Ukraine, Russia and the peninsula of Crimea. The struggle reached a boiling point last month when protestors overthrew the corrupt leadership of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, who was collaborating with Russian President Vladimir Putin and intending to force greater ties between the two countries—in direct opposition to the majority of Ukrainians who prefer closer ties to the European Union (EU).

Cole Returns from Foreign Policy Seminar in Israel

February 24, 2014 Press Release

Washington, D.C. –Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) recently joined five House members in visiting Israel, where the group met with senior Israeli and Palestinian leaders. Cole had the opportunity to learn more about the U.S.-Israeli relationship, a valuable partnership with America’s closest friend in the region.

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