Ted Poe: “I want to reiterate that when the Foreign Affairs Committee meets and makes a decision, we do that almost in unison…”

“I want to reiterate that when the Foreign Affairs Committee meets and makes a decision, we do that almost in unison, Republicans and Democrats, looking out for the best foreign policy of the United States. And Chairman Royce and Mr. Engel, Chairman Engel, will do a great job in leading that effort, as you have done in the past when you were chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee. I am proud to support Representative Kinzinger's bill, the Preventing Destabilization of Iraq Act of 2018. For too long, Iraq has been the center of chaos and instability in the Middle East. While much of this is due to terrorist groups, its expansionist, saber-rattling neighbor to the east also bears enormous responsibility for undermining Iraq's sovereignty and security. Iran is determined, in my opinion, to make Iraq a puppet state of its tyranny. For years, Iran has armed and financed thousands of Iraqi militia fighters loyal to Tehran to spread its influence and fight its foreign wars. Many of these militiamen have American blood on their hands as well as their own countrymen's. Earlier this year, Iran's proxies in Iraq seized more seats in Iraq's parliament and used violence to crush anti-Iranian protests. This legislation codifies crucial authorities to target Iran's destabilizing activity.…”