For too long, our foreign policy has prioritized military action over diplomacy – and we have indulged in alliances that provide some short term benefits over basic human rights. Trump is supercharging this dynamic, using American foreign policy for his own personal benefit, embarrassing America on the world stage, embracing dictators, and turning away from our allies. 

We cannot build a safer, more just world by relying on outdated thinking, bloated defense budgets, or cozy relationships with authoritarian regimes and dictatorships that don’t respect human rights. It’s time for a foreign policy that reflects American values – not Donald Trump and his cronies’ private interests.

If we want peace, we must work for justice. If we want security, we must invest in diplomacy. And if we want to lead, we must lead by example.

I’ll advocate for a foreign policy that prioritizes peace, human rights, and global cooperation, including:

• Rebalancing the Federal Budget: I’ll work to shift resources from the bloated Pentagon budget to diplomatic efforts, humanitarian aid, and global development, including reopening USAID and other diplomatic agencies shuttered by Trump.

• End the Endless Wars: I’ll work to sunset outdated Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs) and require congressional approval for future military actions.

• Supporting Conflict Prevention: Invest in peacebuilding, mediation, and civilian-led international engagement to stop the next conflict before it starts.

• Leading on Climate Diplomacy: Rejoin and strengthen global climate agreements, including the Paris Accords, increase international climate aid, and hold major polluters accountable.

• Supporting Global Health and Pandemic Preparedness: Expand funding for global health systems, vaccines, and rapid-response efforts to prevent future pandemics. This includes restoring funding for global reproductive care and protecting the lifesaving PEPFAR program from Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s cuts.

• Standing Up for LGBTQ+, Women’s and Minority Rights Worldwide: Make equality and inclusion a core pillar of U.S. diplomacy and demand repressive regimes stop their attacks on minority rights.

• Supporting Refugees and Migrants with Dignity: Fully fund refugee resettlement programs, expand asylum programs, and work with international partners to address root causes of displacement.

Stabilize the Middle East and Fight Antisemitism at Home and Abroad 

• The ceasefire must be a lasting one: Although a ceasefire is in place that has led to the return of the living hostages and a short-term reprieve, the work is not yet done. There must continue to be a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza, Hamas must return the remains of any of the remaining hostages, and the Netanyahu government’s actions that jeopardize the ceasefire must stop. 

• The United States must play a key role in good-faith diplomatic negotiations: The U.S. will be essential to brokering an agreement that eventually leads to a two-state solution with two states for two peoples, existing side by side, in peace and security. We must work toward that goal.

• Recognition of a Palestinian State: Now is the time to call for a free and democratic Palestinian state, with a government that Hamas has no place in. Nominal U.S. support for such has done nothing to stop the Netanyahu government from undermining this goal through settlement expansion and we must officially recognize this goal. 

• Invest in humanitarian aid: The United States must supply food, medicine, and supplies for Gaza and the West Bank – and use every lever possible to ensure that aid actually reaches civilians.

• Implement the Biden administration’s U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism: I support the Biden Administration’s U.S. National Strategy to counter Antisemitism, which includes increasing awareness of antisemitism and providing security for Jewish communities – but does not infringe on freedom of speech, including criticism of the Israeli government.

• Stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon: A nuclear Iran is unacceptable – but we should work to stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon through diplomatic means, not reckless military strikes that threaten to further destabilize the region and fail to remove the threat.

Support Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom

• Support Ukraine’s right to self-determination: I stand with Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal invasion and ongoing war crimes. Any negotiations or talks regarding a ceasefire or potential end to war must include Ukrainian representation.

• Provide military and humanitarian aid: We should provide Ukraine aid – with oversight to ensure accountability and effectiveness – while pushing for a diplomatic path to end the war that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty.

• Hold Russia accountable: We can hold Russia accountable through international sanctions, war crimes investigations, and support for independent media, human rights, and civil society inside Russia.

Restore Funding for Our Diplomatic Institutions

• Fully restore and increase funding for diplomatic institutions: We need to reverse Donald Trump’s and Elon Musk’s attacks on the State Department, USAID, and international broadcasting entities like VOA, Radio Free Europe, and Radio Free Asia.

• Protect institutional independence: We should protect independence to ensure diplomatic agencies will operate free from political manipulation or censorship.

• Invest in diplomatic capacity: We should strengthen our diplomatic workforce by hiring and training a new generation of Foreign Service Officers, development experts, and other diplomacy professionals.

Foreign policy should reflect the same values we fight for at home: democracy, justice, dignity, and peace. In Congress, I’ll fight back against massive military spending, challenge authoritarianism abroad and at home, and work to make the U.S. a force for good in the world.