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John Garamendi on War & Peace
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Strategic interest in a strong, secure and viable Israel
The United States has a moral and strategic interest in a strong, secure and viable Israel. The special relationship between the United States and Israel is based on shared values and a commitment to democratic principles, and I support continuing that
relationship. I am deeply troubled by the influence Hamas and Hezbollah have in Palestine, and America must work closely with Palestinian moderates to help ensure Israel has a partner in peace as we work together to create a two-state solution.
Source: 2010 House campaign website, www.garamendi.org, "Issues"
, Nov 3, 2009
Iraq War was an unnecessary war of choice sold on mistruths
The Iraq War was an unnecessary war of choice sold on mistruths, and I opposed it from the onset. By destabilizing the Middle East and increasing Iran's clout, the Iraq War has made our country less safe. We must end this senseless war with dignity and
do it fast.Iraqis, with assistance from the US and the international community, deserve to be able to chart their own course. And we must always respect our returning men and women in uniform.
Source: 2010 House campaign website, www.garamendi.org, "Issues"
, Nov 3, 2009
Continued American presence in Afghanistan
The border shared by Afghanistan and Pakistan is now the front line in our efforts to rid the world of a terrorist element bent on harming the US and our allies. A continued American presence there is appropriate for the time being. Our military effort
must be matched with an equal humanitarian and development effort. We must develop an exit strategy that involves all interested countries in the region. We must not let Pakistan's nuclear weapons arsenal fall into the hands of stateless enemies.
Source: 2010 House campaign website, www.garamendi.org, "Issues"
, Nov 3, 2009
Embargo refined oil products into Iran if they keep nukes
The elimination of terrorism and the reduction of the spread of weapons of mass destruction requires a strategy to induce Iran to abandon its nuclear weapons program and to cease the support of terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
A nuclear armed Iran will create serious instability & will likely cause a nuclear arms race in the area. If Iran continues to defy the UN's resolutions, then additional pressure should be applied by all nations to embargo refined oil products into Iran.
Source: 2010 House campaign website, www.garamendi.org, "Issues"
, Nov 3, 2009
Voted YES on banning armed forces in Libya without Congressional approval.
RESOLUTION Declaring that the President shall not deploy, establish, or maintain the presence of US Armed Forces in Libya, pursuant to the War Powers Resolution.The House of Representatives makes the following statements of policy: - The US Armed Forces shall be used exclusively to defend and advance the national security interests of the US.
- The President has failed to provide Congress with a compelling rationale based upon US national security interests for current US military activities regarding Libya.
- The President shall not deploy, establish, or maintain the presence of units and members of the US Armed Forces on the ground in Libya unless the purpose of the presence is to rescue a member of the Armed Forces from imminent danger.
The President shall transmit a report describing in detail US security interests and objectives, and the activities of US Armed Forces, in Libya since March 19, 2011, including a description of the following:- The President's
justification for not seeking authorization by Congress for the use of military force in Libya.
- US political and military objectives regarding Libya, including the relationship between the intended objectives and the operational means being employed to achieve them.
- Changes in US political and military objectives following the assumption of command by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
- Differences between US political and military objectives regarding Libya and those of other NATO member states engaged in military activities.
- The specific commitments by the US to ongoing NATO activities regarding Libya.
- The anticipated scope and duration of continued US military involvement in Libya.
- The costs of military, political, and humanitarian efforts concerning Libya as of June 3, 2011.
Congress has the constitutional prerogative to withhold funding for any unauthorized use of the US States Armed Forces, including for unauthorized activities regarding Libya.
Reference: Resolution on Libya;
Bill HRes294
; vote number 11-HV410
on Jun 3, 2011
Boycott & sanctions against Iran for terrorism & nukes.
Garamendi signed Iran Threat Reduction Act
- Declares that it is US policy to deny Iran the ability to support acts of foreign terrorist organizations and develop unconventional weapons and ballistic missiles.
- Urges the President to initiate diplomatic efforts to expand the multilateral sanctions regime regarding Iran.
- Directs the President to impose specified sanctions on a person who knowingly makes specified investments with respect to Iran's ability to develop petroleum resources; or exports to any items that would contribute to Iran's ability to acquire or develop chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons, or acquire or develop destabilizing numbers and types of advanced conventional weapons.
- Defines sanctions to include: prohibitions on loans from US financial institutions; prohibitions on foreign exchange; prohibitions on property transactions; and export and procurement sanctions.
- States that a determination to impose sanctions under this Act shall not be reviewable in any court.
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Authorizes financial and political assistance to entities that support democracy in Iran.
- Imposes visa, property, and financial sanctions on persons identified as officials of the government of Iran, security services, or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
- Directs the President to develop a National Strategy to Counter Iran.
- Requires a report on the Central Bank of Iran's activities to facilitate Iran's efforts to acquire nuclear missile capacities, and promote terrorism.
Terminates the provisions of this Act when Iran:- has dismantled its efforts to develop or acquire nuclear, chemical and biological weapons;
- no longer provides support for acts of international terrorism; and
- poses no threat to US national security, interests, or allies.
Source: H.R.1905 11-HR1905 on May 13, 2011
No military force against Iran without Congress approval.
Garamendi voted YEA the Iran War Powers Resolution
Axios.com summary: The House passed a symbolic war powers resolution directing President Trump to halt the use of military force against Iran unless he obtains approval from Congress.
The big picture: A classified briefing on the killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani [by the US military] left Democrats and even some Republicans deeply skeptical, with many claiming that officials did not provide evidence that there was an "imminent" threat from Iran. Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Rand Paul (R-KY) said they will vote in favor of a similar resolution in the Senate [S J Res 68].
What opponents are saying: Former national security adviser and notorious Iran hawk John Bolton tweeted: "The 1973 War Powers Resolution is unconstitutional. It reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of how the Constitution allocated foreign affairs authority between the President and Congress. The Resolution should be repealed." Pres. Trump quote tweeted
Bolton and added: "Smart analysis, I fully agree!"
What supporters are saying: Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) was one of the few Republicans to vote in favor of the resolution, stating on the House floor: "Killing Soleimani was the right decision, but engaging in another forever war in the Middle East would be the wrong decision." Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) introduced legislation that would block funding for offensive military force against Iran without congressional authorization. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) is also seeking to repeal the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), which has been used repeatedly to justify war in the Middle East in the wake of 9/11. Lee was the only member of Congress to vote against the AUMF in 2001, criticizing it as a "blank check."
Legislative outcome: H Con Res 83 Passed House 224-194-13 on 1/9/20; S J Res 68 passed Senate 55-45-0 on 2/13/20. Vetoed 5/6; Senate veto override failed 5/7/20.
Source: Supreme Court case 20-SCR33 argued on Jan 9, 2020
Page last updated: May 30, 2020