Latest news with #HousePermanentSelectCommitteeonIntelligence
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Democratic Rep praises Trump for doing 'pretty darn well' on Middle East tour
Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., offered rare praise for President Donald Trump Thursday, arguing he "played the Middle East pretty darn well." Trump has received acclaim from some unusual constituencies for his efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships in the Middle East for stability and economic prosperity. Trump, speaking in Doha, Qatar, on Thursday said he thinks the U.S. and Iran "are getting close" to a nuclear deal without any violence. Earlier this week, the president announced he would be lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria, before meeting the country's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, becoming the first U.S. president to meet with a Syrian president in 25 years. Himes, ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, spoke at Politico's Security Summit on Thursday where the Democrat gave rare credit to the Republican president. Former Biden Officials Offer Rare Praise For Trump's Bold Middle East Moves "I'm not in the habit of praising Donald Trump," he began, before describing how Trump exceeded his expectations in the Middle East the past week. Read On The Fox News App "I go into the week fearing that the prime minister of Israel is hell-bent on going to war with Iran. I go into the week worried that we're going to miss the thread of an opportunity in Syria for the new leadership there. And I got to tell you, I think the president has, in this last week or so, played the Middle East pretty darn well," Himes said. "My guess is that the prime minister of Israel is cooling his heels a little bit on planning for Iran. My guess is that he's probably thinking through a better situation than he otherwise might want for Gaza," he added. "And look, it appears we're going to give al-Sharaa a chance in Syria. That's pretty good stuff. Again, not in the habit of praising this president, but I got to give him some kudos there." Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture Politico senior political columnist Jonathan Martin noted he would not hear any of those things from Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., who is regarded as a hawk on foreign policy. "The very reason that you're praising Donald Trump is because he is taking a much more dovish approach to the Middle East than the hawks in his party, which does reflect that oftentimes Trump's impulses are really, really less hawkish than the folks in his party would prefer, right?" Martin said. Himes argued that the very reason he is in office is because of the backlash to the Iraq War. "I'm cautious about broad statements — but the mistakes of foreign policy in my lifetime have been mistakes of being naive about military engagement or about, you know, covert stuff," he said. "Remaking the region," Martin suggested, appearing to refer to ambitions of regime change and nation building in the Middle East. "Vietnam. Remaking the region. Changing the world at the point of a spear," Himes said. "And so, you know, look, we'll see. We'll see." Himes is one of many unexpected sources who have praised Trump for his bold moves in the Middle East, as numerous ex-Biden officials have expressed admiration as article source: Democratic Rep praises Trump for doing 'pretty darn well' on Middle East tour
Time Business News
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Time Business News
Mike Waltz: Decorated Veteran and Conservative
Introduction: Who is Mike Waltz? Michael Waltz, commonly known as Mike Waltz, is a prominent figure in American politics, currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 6th congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, Waltz brings a unique perspective to Washington, shaped by a distinguished military career as a U.S. Army Green Beret. His focus often centers on national security, foreign policy, and veterans' affairs, making him a key voice on these critical issues within Congress. From Soldier to Statesman: Mike Waltz's Background Understanding Congressman Mike Waltz requires looking at his extensive background before entering politics. Military Service: A graduate of the prestigious Virginia Military Institute (VMI) , Waltz served over 26 years in the U.S. Army. He is notably the first Green Beret elected to Congress. His service included multiple combat tours in Afghanistan , the Middle East, and Africa as a Special Forces officer. He earned multiple Bronze Stars, including two for valor, highlighting his decorated service record. This deep military experience heavily informs his legislative priorities and viewpoints. A graduate of the prestigious , Waltz served over 26 years in the U.S. Army. He is notably the first elected to Congress. His service included multiple combat tours in , the Middle East, and Africa as a officer. He earned multiple Bronze Stars, including two for valor, highlighting his decorated service record. This deep military experience heavily informs his legislative priorities and viewpoints. Policy Advisor: Before running for office, Waltz gained valuable policy experience serving in the White House as a defense policy director for Vice Presidents Dick Cheney and Condoleezza Rice. Before running for office, Waltz gained valuable policy experience serving in the White House as a defense policy director for Vice Presidents Dick Cheney and Condoleezza Rice. Business Experience: Waltz also founded a small business, demonstrating experience in the private sector before his congressional career. Representing Florida's 6th District in Congress Elected to Congress in 2018, Mike Waltz represents a diverse district on Florida's east coast. In Washington, he has quickly established himself as a dedicated legislator. Key Committees: His background logically led to appointments on influential committees, including the House Armed Services Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee . He also serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. These assignments place him at the forefront of crucial defense and international relations discussions. His background logically led to appointments on influential committees, including the and the . He also serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. These assignments place him at the forefront of crucial defense and international relations discussions. Legislative Focus: Rep. Mike Waltz champions policies reflecting conservative principles. His key areas include: National Security: Advocating for a strong military, countering threats from nations like China and Iran, and analyzing foreign policy challenges. He was a vocal critic of the Biden administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan . Veterans' Affairs: Drawing on his own experience, Waltz actively works to improve support systems and healthcare for fellow veterans. Economic Policy: Supporting lower taxes, reduced regulation, and fiscal responsibility to promote economic growth. Counter-Terrorism: Leveraging his Special Forces background to inform strategies against global terrorism. champions policies reflecting conservative principles. His key areas include: Mike Waltz: A Rising Voice on National Security Given his extensive military and policy background, Mike Waltz is frequently sought out for his insights on defense and foreign policy. He often appears in national media discussing geopolitical threats, military readiness, and the importance of American leadership on the world stage. His firsthand combat experience provides a credible and often sobering perspective to complex international issues. Conclusion: Mike Waltz's Continued Impact Congressman Mike Waltz stands out in the U.S. House of Representatives as a decorated combat veteran bringing direct experience to critical policy debates. Representing Florida's 6th district, his work on the Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence committees positions him as an influential figure, particularly concerning national security, military readiness, and veteran support. As he continues his service, Mike Waltz remains a significant conservative voice shaping America's defense and foreign policy landscape. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
China becoming ‘more aggressive' in the Caribbean, House Republicans warn
House Republicans have warned that China is 'becoming more aggressive' in the Caribbean following a trip to the region. The chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Rep. Rick Crawford of Arkansas, and Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas visited Guyana, Suriname, and Barbados last week. Crawford told Politico that China is set to overtake the U.S. in terms of regional influence unless Washington increases trade and investment with Caribbean nations. 'We have taken our eye off the ball in our hemisphere, and that has allowed an entrée for the Chinese to fill that void, and they've done it pretty masterfully, right under our nose, and they're becoming more aggressive,' said Crawford. China is interested in the deposits of gas and oil in the area, as well as strategic sea lanes. It is making significant investments in the region through its Belt and Road international infrastructure effort, which includes building ports, bridges, and upgrading the electrical grid. Crawford told Politico that such projects are giving China a power base in the region, which may grow into a threat to the U.S. 'If the Chinese say they would like to put a port in the Dominican Republic, well, of course they would, because they'd like another Djibouti [military base] right here in close proximity to the U.S. homeland,' he told the outlet. Several countries have established bases in Djibouti due to its strategic location on the eastern coast of Africa, near the Gulf of Aden. In the Caribbean, China is also pressuring countries to cut their connections to Taiwan, which has relations with Belize, Haiti, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Former special assistant to the leader of U.S. Southern Command, Leland Lazarus, told Politico that 'There are 12 countries that recognize Taipei and five of them are in the Caribbean, so it's a key flank in that struggle.' Crawford noted that Congress has neglected the Caribbean, partly because of the optics of it being a place for tropical vacations rather than an area of strategic importance. 'Who wants to be out in Jamaica, or Barbados, or Trinidad on the government nickel and be thought of as 'You're just vacationing,'' said Crawford. The Trump administration has said that creating a deeper connection with the Caribbean is a foreign policy priority. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters last month that the administration wants to 'address illegal immigration, seek to dismantle criminal networks and push back against malign influences that threaten the stability of our hemisphere.' Also last month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, now also the interim national security advisor, visited Suriname, Guyana, and Jamaica. During his visit, he cautioned Venezuela, a Chinese ally, against military 'adventurism' following a dispute over territory with Guyana. He also slammed the 'terrible' state of roads built by the Chinese. Crawford told Politico that he wants the U.S. to engage with the Caribbean Community's Regional Security System and increase economic exchange. However, taking part in the Regional Security System would require legislation approved by Congress or joint action by Trump. Crawford noted that he hasn't planned any such action yet. He also suggested deploying the Army Corps of Engineers to help with infrastructure development, adding that financing by the Inter-American Development Bank could be a source of funding. The bank is a regional multilateral lender working to create economic growth in the Caribbean and Latin America. A top State Department official sits on the bank's board. Guyana native Wazim Mowla heads the Caribbean Initiative at the Atlantic Council. He told Politico that the region's 'development challenges are skyrocketing — energy insecurity, food insecurity, spikes of crime and violence.' 'There is a lot of financing and technical assistance that is needed for the region, and at the moment, there hasn't been a single country to step up and raise their hand,' he added. 'We've got to give them some options so that they can actually do business with us,' said Crawford. However, Trump has placed 38 percent tariffs on imports from Guyana and 10 percent on other Caribbean countries, which could provide an opening for China in the region.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
China becoming ‘more aggressive' in the Caribbean, House Republicans warn
House Republicans have warned that China is 'becoming more aggressive' in the Caribbean following a trip to the region. The chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Rep. Rick Crawford of Arkansas, and Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas visited Guyana, Suriname, and Barbados last week. Crawford told Politico that China is set to overtake the U.S. in terms of regional influence unless Washington increases trade and investment with Caribbean nations. 'We have taken our eye off the ball in our hemisphere, and that has allowed an entrée for the Chinese to fill that void, and they've done it pretty masterfully, right under our nose, and they're becoming more aggressive,' said Crawford. China is interested in the deposits of gas and oil in the area, as well as strategic sea lanes. It is making significant investments in the region through its Belt and Road international infrastructure effort, which includes building ports, bridges, and upgrading the electrical grid. Crawford told Politico that such projects are giving China a power base in the region, which may grow into a threat to the U.S. 'If the Chinese say they would like to put a port in the Dominican Republic, well, of course they would, because they'd like another Djibouti [military base] right here in close proximity to the U.S. homeland,' he told the outlet. Several countries have established bases in Djibouti due to its strategic location on the eastern coast of Africa, near the Gulf of Aden. In the Caribbean, China is also pressuring countries to cut their connections to Taiwan, which has relations with Belize, Haiti, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Former special assistant to the leader of U.S. Southern Command, Leland Lazarus, told Politico that 'There are 12 countries that recognize Taipei and five of them are in the Caribbean, so it's a key flank in that struggle.' Crawford noted that Congress has neglected the Caribbean, partly because of the optics of it being a place for tropical vacations rather than an area of strategic importance. 'Who wants to be out in Jamaica, or Barbados, or Trinidad on the government nickel and be thought of as 'You're just vacationing,'' said Crawford. The Trump administration has said that creating a deeper connection with the Caribbean is a foreign policy priority. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters last month that the administration wants to 'address illegal immigration, seek to dismantle criminal networks and push back against malign influences that threaten the stability of our hemisphere.' Also last month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, now also the interim national security advisor, visited Suriname, Guyana, and Jamaica. During his visit, he cautioned Venezuela, a Chinese ally, against military 'adventurism' following a dispute over territory with Guyana. He also slammed the 'terrible' state of roads built by the Chinese. Crawford told Politico that he wants the U.S. to engage with the Caribbean Community's Regional Security System and increase economic exchange. However, taking part in the Regional Security System would require legislation approved by Congress or joint action by Trump. Crawford noted that he hasn't planned any such action yet. He also suggested deploying the Army Corps of Engineers to help with infrastructure development, adding that financing by the Inter-American Development Bank could be a source of funding. The bank is a regional multilateral lender working to create economic growth in the Caribbean and Latin America. A top State Department official sits on the bank's board. Guyana native Wazim Mowla heads the Caribbean Initiative at the Atlantic Council. He told Politico that the region's 'development challenges are skyrocketing — energy insecurity, food insecurity, spikes of crime and violence.' 'There is a lot of financing and technical assistance that is needed for the region, and at the moment, there hasn't been a single country to step up and raise their hand,' he added. 'We've got to give them some options so that they can actually do business with us,' said Crawford. However, Trump has placed 38 percent tariffs on imports from Guyana and 10 percent on other Caribbean countries, which could provide an opening for China in the region.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
China becoming ‘more aggressive' in the Caribbean, House Republicans warn
House Republicans have warned that China is 'becoming more aggressive' in the Caribbean following a trip to the region. The chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Rep. Rick Crawford of Arkansas, and Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas visited Guyana, Suriname, and Barbados last week. Crawford told Politico that China is set to overtake the U.S. in terms of regional influence unless Washington increases trade and investment with Caribbean nations. 'We have taken our eye off the ball in our hemisphere, and that has allowed an entrée for the Chinese to fill that void, and they've done it pretty masterfully, right under our nose, and they're becoming more aggressive,' said Crawford. China is interested in the deposits of gas and oil in the area, as well as strategic sea lanes. It is making significant investments in the region through its Belt and Road international infrastructure effort, which includes building ports, bridges, and upgrading the electrical grid. Crawford told Politico that such projects are giving China a power base in the region, which may grow into a threat to the U.S. 'If the Chinese say they would like to put a port in the Dominican Republic, well, of course they would, because they'd like another Djibouti [military base] right here in close proximity to the U.S. homeland,' he told the outlet. Several countries have established bases in Djibouti due to its strategic location on the eastern coast of Africa, near the Gulf of Aden. In the Caribbean, China is also pressuring countries to cut their connections to Taiwan, which has relations with Belize, Haiti, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Former special assistant to the leader of U.S. Southern Command, Leland Lazarus, told Politico that 'There are 12 countries that recognize Taipei and five of them are in the Caribbean, so it's a key flank in that struggle.' Crawford noted that Congress has neglected the Caribbean, partly because of the optics of it being a place for tropical vacations rather than an area of strategic importance. 'Who wants to be out in Jamaica, or Barbados, or Trinidad on the government nickel and be thought of as 'You're just vacationing,'' said Crawford. The Trump administration has said that creating a deeper connection with the Caribbean is a foreign policy priority. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters last month that the administration wants to 'address illegal immigration, seek to dismantle criminal networks and push back against malign influences that threaten the stability of our hemisphere.' Also last month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, now also the interim national security advisor, visited Suriname, Guyana, and Jamaica. During his visit, he cautioned Venezuela, a Chinese ally, against military 'adventurism' following a dispute over territory with Guyana. He also slammed the 'terrible' state of roads built by the Chinese. Crawford told Politico that he wants the U.S. to engage with the Caribbean Community's Regional Security System and increase economic exchange. However, taking part in the Regional Security System would require legislation approved by Congress or joint action by Trump. Crawford noted that he hasn't planned any such action yet. He also suggested deploying the Army Corps of Engineers to help with infrastructure development, adding that financing by the Inter-American Development Bank could be a source of funding. The bank is a regional multilateral lender working to create economic growth in the Caribbean and Latin America. A top State Department official sits on the bank's board. Guyana native Wazim Mowla heads the Caribbean Initiative at the Atlantic Council. He told Politico that the region's 'development challenges are skyrocketing — energy insecurity, food insecurity, spikes of crime and violence.' 'There is a lot of financing and technical assistance that is needed for the region, and at the moment, there hasn't been a single country to step up and raise their hand,' he added. 'We've got to give them some options so that they can actually do business with us,' said Crawford. However, Trump has placed 38 percent tariffs on imports from Guyana and 10 percent on other Caribbean countries, which could provide an opening for China in the region.
