Andy Biggs on Foreign Policy

Israel has God-given right of self-defense on all its lands

• Whereas, Israel has been granted her land under the oldest recorded deed, as recorded in the Old Testament;
• Whereas, the claim and presence of the Jewish people in Israel has remained constant throughout the past 4,000 years; and
• Whereas, this resolution affirmed the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in the historical region of the Land of Israel, including the areas of Judea, Samaria and Jerusalem;
• Therefore, Be it resolved by the State of Arizona:
• That the Members of the Legislature commend Israel for its cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with the U.S. and with the State of Arizona and support Israel as a Jewish state in its legal, historical, moral and God-given right of self-governance and self-defense on the entirety of its own lands, recognizing that Israel is not an occupier of the lands of others and that peace can be afforded in the region only through a whole and united Israel.

Maintain World Bank funding as part of multilateralism.

Congressional Summary: HR 3326: World Bank Accountability Act: Requires withholding 15% of appropriation if countries borrowing from the World Bank's International Development Association are not implementing the UN Security Council resolution to impose sanctions on North Korea. Withholds an additional 15% if the World Bank approved a loan to a country designated by the US as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Statement in support by Rep. French Hill (R-AR-2): The World Bank's extravagant and unaccountable spending practices have been in conflict with the values of Americans for far too long. This bill helps put an end to sending hard-earned American dollars to despots and corrupt regimes. [We should instead] see these funds used how they were truly intended, which is to help lift individuals out of poverty and put them on the pathway to success.

Statement in opposition by IssueVoter.org: Opponents say that withholding funds may undercut the credibility and leverage the World Bank has to get reforms enacted and implemented. "America's leadership at the World Bank is 'one of the major tools in our soft power arsenal'". If the U.S. cuts obligations too much, it will cede that power.

Statement in opposition by Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA-6) on Medium.comJan 22, 2018: H.R. 3326 is taking a hammer approach to a multilateral organization that provides support for millions of people in the world's most impoverished countries. It is also concerning that this legislation is being considered at a time when the Trump Administration is actively seeking to back away from any and all international organizations. Additionally, the World Bank is already implementing a series of reforms.

Legislative outcome: Jan. 17, 2018 House Bill Passed 237-184 (Roll no. 24); bill died in Senate committee.