State of Indiana Archives: on Foreign Policy
Andrew Straw:
USA should encourage our values in UN programs
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "Support American Exceptionalism"?
A: America should be an exceptional place to live and should support democracy and freedoms such as our Bill of Rights overseas. The USA should encourage our values in UN programs.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Indiana Senate candidate
Feb 28, 2018
Mark Hurt:
Security of Israel should be paramount
As we look around the world at those countries with a true passion for freedom and democracy, it is difficult to find an ally as staunch and resilient as this friend in the Middle East. The security of this small country
should be paramount in any international or United Nations negotiations. Our support for any country should not be based purely on emotional or religious affiliations but on US national interests.
Source: 2018 Indiana Senatorial website MarkHurt.com
Oct 15, 2017
Mark Hurt:
Slash foreign aid
Our government gives away $35 billion of your tax money to 130 countries each year. What is wrong with this picture? It is your money! How much friendship has that money bought us over the years from countries that
routinely vote against us in the United Nations? We have 50,000 homeless veterans alone, not even talking about the other 514,708 homeless men women and children in our society. We should take care of our people first.
Source: 2018 Indiana Senatorial website MarkHurt.com
Oct 15, 2017
Jim Banks:
Defend US national interests; disappointed in Iran nuke deal
Under President Obama our foreign policy has done little to recognize the important role of traditional allies, going so far as to having his campaign operatives work (unsuccessfully) to defeat leaders who oppose their views in countries like Israel.
Our allies in Western Europe are threatened by an unstable and resurgent Russian military; our allies in the Far East are under economic and military threat by an increasingly unstable Chinese economy and unpredictable dictator in North Korea.
Jim was quick to share his disappointment with President Obama over the nuclear arms deal with Iran and hopes that we'll put American interests first when negotiating future agreements.While we must always be prepared to
defend our national interests, a strong foreign policy that establishes American strength abroad without seeking involvement in unnecessary conflicts is vital to ensure that brave Americans are not unnecessarily placed at risk.
Source: 2016 Indiana House campaign website JimBanks.us
Nov 8, 2016
Todd Young:
Rely all instruments of power, not just military might
Todd believes that we should ensure--as we deal with situations around the globe--that we are relying
on all the instruments of national power at our disposal, and not just on our military might.
Source: Vote-USA.org on 2016 Indiana Senate incumbents
Aug 10, 2016
Mike Pence:
Against agreement with Iran; keep all sanctions
Pence joined 14 other GOP governors in a letter to President Obama opposing the Iran nuclear deal: "I am opposed to this agreement because it will not make the US or our most cherished ally, Israel, safer. Instead, it promises Iran a lifting of US nuclea
related sanctions for an agreement on Iran's nuclear weapons program that will only halt its ambitions temporarily, rather than permanently dismantle its nuclear desires," Pence wrote.The letter asserted: "This agreement would lead to the lifting of
sanctions on Iran without any guarantee that Iran's drive toward obtaining a nuclear weapon will be halted or even slowed. Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism, and it should not be permitted any pathway toward obtaining a nuclear weapon, now or ever.
The lifting of federal sanctions that would only result in Iran having more money available to fund terrorist groups and attacks. We intend to ensure that the various state-level sanctions that are now in effect remain in effect.
Source: Indianapolis Star on 2016 Indiana gubernatorial race
Apr 26, 2016
Eric Holcomb:
I want a safer, stronger and freer America, today & tomorrow
I want a safer, stronger and freer America. I want that not only for today, but for the next generation as well.My experience over the past two decades has prepared me for this assignment. As a veteran of the United States Navy, an adviser to Gov.
Mitch Daniels, Indiana chief of staff to Sen. Dan Coats, and as state chairman of the Indiana Republican Party, I have had extraordinary leadership opportunities to serve in the civic arena with the best and brightest.
In order for our nation to be safer, stronger and freer we need a fresher perspective in Washington that puts results before rhetoric. And on this front I am biased as
I believe the ideas that provide the best results for moving America forward are Indiana-grown.
It's in that spirit that I support peace through strength and believe that doctrine will make America safer, stronger and freer.
Source: Holcomb's Kokomo Tribune OpEd on 2016 Indiana Senate race
Jul 9, 2015
Mike Pence:
We're in a global war of civilization against barbarism
The evil that came to the streets of Paris last week [in the terrorist attack against Charlie Hebdo] may seem far removed, but the brutal murder of our own Peter Kassig, a courageous aid worker killed by ISIS terrorists, is a stark reminder that we are
all part of a global war of civilization against barbarism.Tonight, Hoosiers will be proud to know that on the front lines of that war are some 300 airmen with our 122nd Fighter Wing out of Fort Wayne--the largest deployment of the
Indiana Air National Guard in the past ten years. To them and their families, some of whom are with us tonight, we thank you for your service.
You are in our prayers. Please join with me in showing our gratitude to all those who serve at home and abroad in these uncertain times.
Source: State of the State address to 2015 Indiana Legislature
Jan 13, 2015
Mike Pence:
Russian "reset" is appeasement and invites aggression
I believe it is imperative that we who believe in democracy and freedom, stand against the forces that would reshape Europe by aggression. As some claim territorial gains, they forfeit moral ground. I remember too well the efforts by the US to "reset"
our relationship with Russia just a few short years ago. I said then that, "History teaches us that weakness and appeasement invite aggression" and feared that our country was rewarding an increasingly antagonistic Russia. With Russian aggression
on the rise again, it is clear that our policy of conciliatory diplomacy has failed. While new sanctions are of some value, in the interest of our alliance, I believe the US and the EU must respond with deeds more than words to strengthen our economic
and strategic defenses [including] deploying a robust missile defense in all of Europe. Stronger economic ties and stronger defenses are the right policy for our two countries and the right strategic response to Russian aggression.
Source: Speech to Friends of Indiana Reception in Berlin (Germany)
Apr 16, 2014
Richard Lugar:
Russia is neither friend nor foe; just an important country
Mourdock and Lugar differed in their responses to a question on whether Russia is a U.S. friend or foe. "Russia is neither friend nor foe; it is an important country with whom we have to deal," Lugar said. "I'd say we have come a long way since the
Cold War." Lugar, ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Russia remains "an authoritarian government" and that the U.S. should employ "very strong diplomacy" with its leaders while working with
Russian dissidents to advance democracy and human rights."I think they are more foe than friend," Mourdock said, accusing Russia of aiding the governments of Iran and Syria and continuing to occupy former Soviet satellite Georgia.
Lugar said Mourdock was wrong to suggest Russia is diverting funds from the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty to help anti-American regimes in the Mideast.
Source: Fort Wayne Journal Gazette on 2012 Indiana Senate debate
Apr 12, 2012
Richard Mourdock:
Russia is more foe than friend
Mourdock took a harder line than Lugar on Russia, saying the country is "more foe than friend" after Lugar said the country was neither. And Mourdock suggested Lugar didn't understand the meaning of "fungible" when
the senator pushed back against Mourdock's assertion that U.S. funds to Russia are reaching potential enemies.
Source: ABC News coverage of 2012 Indiana Senate debates
Apr 12, 2012
Richard Mourdock:
Russia is more foe than friend; they aid our enemies
Mourdock and Lugar differed in their responses to a question on whether Russia is a U.S. friend or foe. "Russia is neither friend nor foe; it is an important country with whom we have to deal," Lugar said. "I'd say we have come a long way since the
Cold War." Lugar, ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Russia remains "an authoritarian government" and that the U.S. should employ "very strong diplomacy" with its leaders while working with
Russian dissidents to advance democracy and human rights."I think they are more foe than friend," Mourdock said, accusing Russia of aiding the governments of Iran and Syria and continuing to occupy former Soviet satellite Georgia.
Lugar said Mourdock was wrong to suggest Russia is diverting funds from the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty to help anti-American regimes in the Mideast.
Source: Fort Wayne Journal Gazette on 2012 Indiana Senate debate
Apr 12, 2012
Mike Pence:
Foreign aid for US security interests & disasters
Pence indicates support of the following principles regarding international aid:- Support the United States granting aid to countries when extraordinary circumstances cause disaster and threaten civilian lives.
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Support the US granting aid to countries when in the security interests of the US.
- Increase United States military support and financial support for Afghanistan
Source: Congressional Indiana 2008 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2008
Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021