Joaquin Castro

I was proud to sponsor the AFFECT Human Rights in Venezuela Act for this very purpose alongside three Members of the Committee, Joaquin Castro, Maria Salazar, and Mike Waltz.

I spoke with Ms. Machado to congratulate her on this achievement and promised that Congress would do everything possible to support a free and fair election.

I'm grateful for President's Biden's moral clarity and resolve in his efforts to promote a peaceful and democratic transfer of power in Venezuela.

If the humanitarian exemption that was originally in this bill was restored, I would fully support H.R. 340, but I cannot in good faith support a bill that amounts to intentional collective punishment against the people of Gaza, nearly…

I offer this amendment because my concerns--my concerns that the sanctions described in this bill would significantly raise the price of gas back home in my hometown of San Antonio and all of our hometowns.

If we adopt this amendment we ensure that our efforts do not harm our constituents when the sanctions go into effect.

This is irresponsible legislation, I believe.

This bill would disrupt global trade supply chains and damage our relations with important allies and partners.

This bill is based on a flawed premise that we know all too well by now, that more sanction on Iran will coerce their leaders to engage in good-faith negotiations with the United States.

I believe in all of it, that as a baseline we should be able to say that humanitarian aid should be able to get in there efficiently and effectively.

I think it is dangerous when we legislate in rage.

I strongly support Representative Jacobs' amendment.

If, under this bill, the United States is committing to continue to be an integral part of the security architecture of the Middle East, I think it is fairly reasonable to ask our partner countries to avoid a close defense or intelligence…

Both the Biden Administration and the previous Administration have rightly pointed out that the most significant national security threat the United States faces comes from the People's Republic of China.

There is significant and important value in supporting greater cooperation between Israel and other nations in the Middle East.

I have some reservations about the language in this resolution.

I was extremely disappointed that the Trump Administration decided to remove these constraints on Iran's nuclear program by violating, and then, withdrawing from the JCPOA.

I strongly oppose Iran's efforts to develop a nuclear weapon and support efforts to stop that from happening, as we all do.

I demand a recorded vote. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Texas will be postponed. The Chair understands that amendment No. 52 will not be offered…

I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the following: Sec. ___. None of the funds made…

As you all know, the Constitution reserves the power to declare war to Congress, and this committee has jurisdiction over authorizations for use of military force.

I appreciate Chairman McCaul's decision to consider repeal and replacement of the 2001 authorization of the use of military force, and I look forward to the debate in this committee so Congress can reclaim these authorities that have been…

Both Democratic and Republican Administrations have seized more and more authority to unilaterally use force, and congressional inaction I believe has enabled this.

One thing that I did not mention, had not addressed, was the success and the cooperation of our business community in Latin America.

I do think, like I said, I think that there are ways in the world where China cheats on human rights, for example, and should be held accountable.