Urged President Obama to support Israel at the UN. Congressman Forbes voted for H.Res. 867, which calls on the President and the Secretary of State to oppose the "Report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict." The report is widely considered to be biased against Israel.  This resolution passed by a vote of 344-36.  

Commemorated the Berlin Airlift. Congressman Forbes voted for H.Res. 398, recognizing the success of the United States’ 1949 Berlin Airlift that brought food and supplies to starving residents of Berlin, Germany who were being blockaded by Soviet forces. This resolution passed by a vote of 367-0.  

Honored the U.S. relationship with Jordan. Congressman Forbes supported H.Res. 833, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. This resolution passed by voice vote.   

Supported human rights activists. Congressman Forbes voted for H.Res. 877, expressing support for Chinese human rights activists Huang Qi and Tan Zuoren for engaging in peaceful expression as they seek answers and justice for the parents whose children were killed in the Sichuan earthquake of May 12, 2008. This resolution passed by a vote of 426-1. 

Urged government of Iran to release American hikers. Congressman Forbes supported S.Con.Res. 45 encouraging the Government of Iran to allow Joshua Fattal, Shane Bauer, and Sarah Shourd to reunite with their families in the United States as soon as possible. The three Americans were detained by Iran when they inadvertently crossed over the unmarked Iranian border when hiking in Iraq’s Kurdistan region. This legislation passed by a vote of 423-0.

Calling for Religious Freedom in the Middle East.  Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.Res.840 condemning violations of religious freedom in the Middle East and urging governments there to respect and defend the rights of religious minorities.  

Supported sanctions against Iran. Congressman Forbes voted for the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act, H.R. 1327, which makes it the policy of the United States to support state and local governments and educational institutions that take action to prohibit investment with any person that has more than a $20 million investment in Iran’s energy sector. This bill passed by a vote of 414-6.

Offered condolences to the victims of tsunamis in Samoa. Congressman Forbes voted for H.Res.816 to mourn the loss of life caused by the earthquakes and tsunamis that occurred on September 29, 2009 in American Samoa, Samoa, and Tonga.  This resolution passed by a vote of 422-0.

Supported Freedom of Speech and Free Exercise of Religion. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.Res.763, a resolution which urges United Nations Member States to support the freedom of expression and religious liberty and oppose ‘defamation of religion’ resolutions.

Seeking Facts on Strategy in Afghanistan. Congressman Forbes participated in a House Armed Services Committee hearing in which various Washington defense policy analysts considered options for the war in Afghanistan. Congressman Forbes took this opportunity to question General Jack Keane, former Vice Chief of the Army, one of the panelists, about the overall strategy for Afghanistan since 2001. To read Congressman Forbes' questions, click here.

Called for increased sanctions on Iran. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R. 1208, which calls for increased economic sanctions on Iran. Iran recently revealed a secret nuclear facility after Western intelligence services had learned of the plant.

Called for an end to violent attacks against Christians. Signed letters to Navin Patnaik, Chief Minister of Orissa State, India and President Zardari of Pakistan calling for an end to violent attacks and persecution against Christians living in those regions. Both letters were sent in direct response to attacks on religious minorities in Pakistan and in eastern Orissa in India.

Opposed trade with the Burmeses military regimes. Congressman Forbes supported H.J.Res. 56 to approve the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003. This legislation renews, for three years, the President's authority to ban the import of Burmese products. The bill passed the House by unanimous consent.

Supported increased cooperation in Europe and the Mediterranean. Congressman Forbes supported H.Res. 654 to honor the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Mediterranean Partners for Cooperation. The legislation encourages the OSCE Mediterranean Partners for Cooperation to continue to work with the OSCE participating states to enhance trade, economic development, security, and stability in the Mediterranean region. The bill passed the House by voice vote.

Opposed excessive spending for international programs. Congressman Forbes voted against H.R. 3081, the annual State Department and foreign aid bill, which includes funding for diplomatic operations, peacekeeping, foreign aid. The bill would spend 33.8% more compared to last year. This legislation also provides the largest increase ever in funding for international family planning, and reproductive health, programs. The bill passed the House by a vote of 318 - 106.

Expressed support for Israel and recognized its long-standing relationship with the United States. Congressman Forbes signed a letter to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee to express shared values between the two countries, a steadfast commitment to democracy, peace, human rights, and fighting terrorism. The letter assured a continued commitment to maintaining Israel's qualitative military edge in the Middle East, supporting Israel's right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza and addressing the growing threat of a nuclear Iran.

Supported humanitarian efforts and the rule of law in Northern Uganda.  Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R. 2478, the Lord’s Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act of 2009. This bill directs the President to develop a regional strategy to guide U.S. support for multilateral efforts to eliminate the threat to civilians and regional stability posed by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA.). The LRA is listed as a terrorist organization by the State Department, and is believed that the guerrilla group has forced more than 10,000 children into becoming soldiers.

Reaffirmed the United States’ solidarity with Israel. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H. Res.557 to express support for the State of Israel's right to defend itself in the face of an imminent nuclear or military threat.

Supported Iranian citizens in their struggle for freedom. Congressman Forbes supported H. Res.560 condemning the ongoing violence against demonstrators by the Government of Iran and pro-government militias, as well as the ongoing government suppression of independent electronic communication. The bill affirms individual rights and the importance of democratic and fair elections. Congressman Forbes also cosponsored H. Res.549, which expresses support for all Iranian citizens who struggle for freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and the rule of law. 

Called for end to hostile actions by North Korea. Congressman Forbes supported H.Res.309 calling for North Korea to end hostile rhetoric and activity towards the Republic of Korea and engage in mutual dialogue to enhance inter-Korean relations. The bill calls for North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons programs and return to the Non-Proliferation Treaty to comply with U.N. Security Council resolution. The legislation stresses that the United States remain committed to inter-Korean dialogue and cooperation. The U.S.-Republic of Korea alliance is of strategic importance in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia. 

Provided additional personnel essential to rehabilitate Afghanistan. Congressman Forbes supported S. 615, which authorizes the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction to employee extra workers essential to the rehabilitation of Afghanistan.

Spoke on the implications of China's naval modernization for the U.S. Congressman Forbes, co-chair and founder of the Congressional China Caucus, addressed the impact of China's naval modernization and development on our national security at a Congressional Perspectives Panel. In addition, he spoke about his concern over China’s military growth.  

Supported increased foreign assistance aid for Pakistan. Congressman Forbes supported an amendment to H.R.1886 that authorizes $1.5 billion a year for foreign assistance aid, while requiring the President to submit to Congress a comprehensive plan to implement his strategy for long-term security and stability on Pakistan that includes measures of effectiveness. Congressman Forbes opposed final passage of H.R.1886 because the bill would set rigid limitations and conditions on U.S. policy towards Pakistan.

Recognized the 20th anniversary of the freedom protests in Tiananmen Square. Congressman Forbes voted for H. Res. 489 expressing sympathy to the families of those killed, tortured, and imprisoned in connection with the democracy protests in Tiananmen Square in Beijing and other parts of China on June 3 and 4, 1989 and thereafter. 

Called for direct negotiations in an Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process. Joined 143 Members of Congress in sending a letter to President Obama asking him to support an Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process that involves direct negotiations between the two parties, requires the Palestinians to denounce terror and violence, and encourages other Arab nations to participate in any long-term agreement for peace. The President met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on May 19, 2009.

Cosponsored H.R. 2194, the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act of 2009. This bill would impose sanctions on countries or businesses that conduct more than $20 million in business that refines oil for Iran. The Obama Administration has made it clear that they will have a dialogue with Iran, and this bill is aimed at strengthening the leverage of any talks with Iran. On Monday, May 18, 2009, Iran tested a long-range missile that traveled approximately 1,200 miles.

Recognized the accomplishments of Margaret Thatcher. Congressman Forbes voted for H. Res. 378, to recognize the Margret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of Great Britain for her strong support of diplomatic ties with United States.

Met with members from the American Chamber of Commerce China on issues related to China. Congressman Forbes met American entrepreneurs whose companies have business ties with China. As the co-chair and founder of the China Caucus, Congressman Forbes meets regularly with those who have interests related to China.

Recognized the 61st Anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel. Congressman Forbes voted for H.Con.Res.111, to recognize the independence of the State of Israel.

Spoke on the House Floor about the release of the Department of Defense’s Annual Report on China’s Military Power.  Congressman Forbes argued that China’s persistent expansion of its already 260-ship Navy and its two decades of double digit increases in defense spending represent a shift towards a more offensive military strategy. To view Congressman Forbes’ statement, click here. 

Attended a top secret briefing on the USNS Impeccable/China incident.  On March 8th, an unarmed U.S. naval ship manned by a civilian crew avoided a grave escalation between China and the United States caused by dangerous and provocative action taken by Chinese ships. This classified briefing examined the actions of the Chinese in the South China Sea and events associated with the USNS Impeccable’s harassment by five Chinese boats.   Rep. Forbes’ bipartisan resolution on this matter, H. Con. Res. 72, has the support of 29 other Members of Congress, and calls on China to avoid any action that could unnecessarily escalate relations between our two countries, such as the USNS Impeccable incident. Congressman Forbes spoke on the House Floor about Congress’s lack of response to this incident. 

Spoke on the House floor on H.Con. Res. 72 calling on Congress to act on China's harassment of the USNS Impeccable. Ten days ago, an unarmed U.S. naval ship manned by a civilian crew avoided a grave escalation between China and the United States caused by dangerous and provocative action taken by Chinese ships. The House of Representatives recently passed a resolution calling on the China to cease its repression of the Tibetan people. Congressman Forbes believes that those individuals serving our country in international water deserve a voice from Congress just as much as Tibetans. The resolution currently has 29 cosponsors.

Voted in favor of H.R. 7061, to approve the U.S.-India Peaceful Nuclear Energy Act. The agreement ends a ban on nuclear trade to India following India’s test of nuclear weapons in 1974. After the President signed this bill, India now has access to US civilian nuclear technology in return for inspections of its civilian nuclear facilities. Nuclear power currently supplies about 3% of India's electricity, and it is expected to grow to 25% of India’s needed electricity supply by 2050.  India is the world’s largest democracy, with more than 1 billion people.

Supported H. Res. 1235, which expresses support for National D-Day Remembrance Day. D-Day was on June 6, 1944, and reopened a Western front against the Germans in World War II through a beach assault at Normandy, France. The D-Day assault, code-named Operation Overlord, was the most extensive amphibious invasion ever to occur, and involved 5,000 ships, over 11,000 sorties of Allied aircraft, and 150,000 American, British, and Canadian troops on the first day of the operation. American troops suffered significant losses during the assault, including over 6,500 casualties. The resolution before the House expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that June 6 should be recognized as a National D-Day Remembrance Day.

Voted in favor of H. Res. 937 to acknowledge that the emergency communications services provided by the American Red Cross are vital resources for military service members and their families.

Voted in favor of H. Res. 1069 to condemn the use of television programming by Hamas to indoctrinate hatred, violence, and anti-Semitism toward Israel in young Palestinian children. 

Supported House passage of H. Res. 1159, which recognizes the historical and educational significance of the USS Constellation, a 153-year-old American warship berthed in Baltimore, Maryland, as a reminder of both American participation in the slave trade and the efforts of the United States Government to suppress this inhumane practice.  

Supported House passage of H. Res. 1254 to recognize the need to promote equality and continue to work toward eliminating racial discrimination in the United States and Brazil.

Supported House passage of H. Con. Res. 385, which condemned the attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in July 1994.

Supported House passage of H. Res. 1090, which honors former South African President Nelson Mandela on the occasion of his 90^th birthday.

Supported House passage of H. R. 3890, the Burma Democracy Promotion Act of 2007, which states that it is U.S. policy to: (1) condemn the repression carried out by the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC); (2) support a peaceful transition to constitutional democracy in Burma; and (3) hold accountable individuals responsible for the repression of peaceful political activity in Burma.

Signed a letter to Colombian President Alvaro Uribe to thank him for the successful rescue operation that returned three American military contractors, Keith Stansell, Thomas Howes and Marc Gonsalves, as well as twelve other hostages, from captivity by the FARC.  The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (known as FARC) had captured the three men in 2003 when their propeller aircraft crashed in the jungle.

Supported House passage of H.R. 5501, Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008, which expands the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).  The global HIV/AIDS initiative is the largest commitment ever by any nation for an international health initiative dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and care of a single disease.  The bill also provides $9 billion to fight malaria and tuberculosis around the world, which together kill more than 9,300 people every day. 

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 60^th 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 110^th Congress. Congressman Forbes is the Founder and Chairman of the Caucus.