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Jeff Merkley on Foreign Policy Democratic Jr Senator (OR)

Bush Administration has damaged America’s reputation

A: The US needs to work closely with other nations to address the world’s most pressing issues. I am appalled that the Bush Administration has damaged America’s reputation by misleading both the American public and other nations about the threat posed by Iraq by claiming that Iraq was pursuing “weapons of mass destruction.” I am deeply disturbed by America’s go-it-along philosophy, blatant disregard for the Geneva Convention, and the use of secret prisons, extraordinary renditions, and torture. America cannot take on the complicated issues facing the world without working in partnership with the world. The next Administration, supported by Congress, needs to restore a respectful dialogue with the world and work in collaboration to tackle environmental issues, international health issues, trade and economic policy, and nuclear proliferation and other security issues.

Support US payments to UN & show leadership

A: Yes. I absolutely support such payments. It is time for the US to shed its reputation for being continually in arrears and to show leadership in supporting international institutions.

Q: Will you oppose legislation that withholds U.S. dues to the U.N.?

A: Yes. I would oppose such legislation under most circumstances.

De-emphasize military; focus on international collaboration

A: Yes. The US needs to have a much broader view of national security than it has currently, with much less of an emphasis on military equipment and the projection of force and much more reliance on international stability and collaboration.

Rated +2 by AAI, indicating pro-Arab pro-Palestine voting record.

The Arab American Institute has compiled a Scorecard to catalogue the voting record of the 112th Congress on issues of importance to the Arab American community. Though not comprehensive, we have attempted to provide a snapshot of legislation concerning many of the primary issues concerning Arab Americans. For the Senate, we have included 10 items: two bills on the Arab Spring, three on Palestine, one on Lebanon, one regarding civil liberties, and two for immigration reform.

1. S. Res. 44: (+) calls on former President Hosni Mubarak to immediately begin a peaceful transition to a democratic political system
2. S. Res. 109: (+) honoring and supporting women in North Africa and the Middle East
3. S. Res. 138: (-) calling on the United Nations to rescind the Goldstone report, formally known as the UN Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict, which accused the Israeli government of targeting Palestinian civilians.
4. S. Res. 185: (-) reaffirming the commitment of the US to a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and calling for a US veto of any UN resolution on Palestinian statehood without a settlement.
5. S. Con. Res. 23: (-) supporting Israel in maintaining defensible borders, and against Israel returning to the armistice lines that existed on June 4, 1967
6. S. 558: (+) the Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act, to limit the use of cluster munitions in areas normally inhabited by civilians.
7. S. 1125: (+) greater judicial review of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), and greater protections to individuals being monitored or gag-ordered by the FBI.
8. S.1038, the PATRIOT Sunsets Extension Act, in opposition of PATRIOT Act extension.
9. S. 723: (-) The Birthright Citizenship Act, limiting citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants born in the US.
10. S. 952: (+) the DREAM Act, allowing undocumented minors to become US citizens, provided they meet certain conditions, including good moral character

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