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National Security and Foreign Affairs

National Security

Colorado's Fifth District is the proud home to one of our nation's most military-intensive congressional districts and to more than 100,000 veterans who have served our country with distinction and honor. My goal as the Chairman of the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee is to advocate on behalf of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Guardians, and Marines. I am dedicated to fighting for better pay and full funding so that our troops can receive the best training and equipment available and their families are well cared for.

Hypersonics

Hypersonic weapons have the potential to fundamentally change the way future wars will be conducted. This is technology that was born in the United States but, due to flawed political decisions, is now being perfected by China and Russia. Accelerating our development of both offensive and defensive hypersonic capabilities is a national security imperative that I champion.

As a co-chair of the Hypersonics Caucus, I work across the aisle with my House colleagues to advance policies and initiatives that can accelerate America’s development of hypersonic capabilities. In addition to supporting funding for various hypersonic technologies, I have focused my efforts on growing our hypersonic testing cadence by encouraging the Department of Defense to streamline test procedures and seeking additional capacity that can accelerate our efforts.

Nuclear Deterrence

The United States is confronting a nuclear security environment unlike any other in history. China’s unprecedented nuclear breakout, combined with Russia’s continued buildup of its nuclear arsenal, means that America’s deterrent forces must respond to a two-peer nuclear environment. As nuclear threats worsen, the United States is in the midst of a full recapitalization program for our nuclear triad – intercontinental ballistic missiles, nuclear submarines, and bombers.

As Chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, ensuring our nuclear triad modernization remains on track is my top priority. Additionally, in light of the worsening nuclear threats our nation faces, supplemental capabilities are required to ensure there is no deterrence gap – specifically, the nuclear sea-launched cruise missile, or SLCM-N. While the Biden Administration has attempted to cancel this program multiple times, I have led the effort to maintain funding for this capability and successfully kept this program funded.

Military Space

Space is no longer a benign environment and is increasingly weaponized by America’s competitors – specifically China and Russia. To address this, I was proud to support the Congressionally-led effort to establish a U.S. Space Force so that our military is better organized to deter and fight in space conflicts. As America’s newest military service since the establishment of the Air Force, the Space Force has rapidly stood up and is already making rapid progress to develop and field necessary capabilities.

As our Guardians work tirelessly to achieve their missions, I am honored to support their efforts and lead efforts to resolve the roadblocks they face. Specifically, I have been outspoken against rampant overclassification in space, which hinders cooperation with our allies and partners and internally within the U.S. government. I have also staunchly supported new technologies that will be utilized by the Space Force for novel on-orbit missions while still bolstering our ground systems that are critical for full system operations.

Missile Defense

Developing the United States' missile defense system is one of my highest priorities. While mutually assured destruction kept tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union relatively quiet during the Cold War, the international dynamic has changed. Key players from rogue nations, such as Kim Jong Un and Khamenei, are dangerously less predictable and more vocal about their military intents.

While some in Congress are trying to cut funding for missile defense projects, I will continue to support the funding of current missile defense programs and the development of new technology and development. As co-founder of the Missile Defense Caucus, I recognize the importance of a strong missile defense system – especially one that protects our homeland. Right now, our military has only a limited defense capability in the event of a threat. I believe that the recapitalization of our existing missile defense assets, combined with more emphasis on early detection, tracking, and sensing, is just the first step. Research and development of next-generation technology, including hypersonic missile defense, is a non-negotiable investment that we must make for our national security.

Homeland Security

The terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, forever changed our world. In response, Congress created the Department of Homeland Security. Congress continues to play a critical role in ensuring our laws are up-to-date with the ever-changing terrorist threats from around the world.

We must ensure that our federal agents have the most effective tools possible to keep our citizens safe. Good intelligence is key to our safety, not only here at home but also for our deployed soldiers and diplomats around the globe.

Of course, in monitoring those who would do us harm, we must protect the privacy rights of American citizens. Through good oversight, I believe Congress can write laws that will allow us to aggressively pursue terrorists and their supporters while still maintaining the rights afforded to us in our Constitution.

Foreign Affairs

As Chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am committed to ensuring U.S. national security, promoting democratic prosperity, protecting U.S. sovereignty, and defending our allies – near and far.

U.S. National Security

The threats we face as a nation are significant. They include China’s increasing aggression and unprecedented nuclear breakout; Iran's terror-sponsorship, hegemonic desires, and ballistic missile and space programs; North Korea’s nuclear program and the rapid pace of their missile tests; Russia's provocations and expansionism; and persistent radical Islamist threats. As Chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, I am actively engaging to counter these imminent threats and credibly deter further impediments to democratic prosperity.

Israel

The relationship between the United States and Israel is among the most critical for our national security and one I staunchly champion in Congress. I have been honored to lead a number of initiatives to strengthen our relationship, particularly in defense and homeland security, and have traveled to Israel nine times as a member of Congress. In 2018 the Taylor Force Act, which I introduced, was signed into law to end Palestinian so-called “pay-to-slay” martyr payments that target Israeli and American citizens. When payments continued, I introduced the Taylor Force Martyr Payment Prevention Act to directly target financial institutions that allow these payments to be processed.

I led the effort to express concern, with my colleagues, regarding the EU Commission's guidelines that would restrict trade with Israel through boycott, divestment, or sanctions. These guidelines are part of a politically motivated BDS campaign against Israel that singles out Israel for discriminatory treatment. Such treatment not only unfairly targets Israel but also undermines decades of efforts to achieve peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

Defending our Allies

The United States has a moral obligation to defend our allies in the Middle East, specifically Israel, and to work with those who are partners with us in fighting the threats we face as a nation. Furthermore, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, I believe our resolve to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom should never waver, and our commitment to our NATO allies should continue to grow. Many countries are endangered by terrorism, and we should seek to strengthen those assisting us and suffering from the attacks carried out against and threatening their citizens.

Protecting U.S. Sovereignty

The increased recognition of international institutions in favor of the historic influence of our national government is concerning.

As Co-Chairman and founder of the House Sovereignty Caucus, I am committed to protecting both the legal and territorial concepts memorialized in the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. I will protect and defend our nation from those who would imperil America by ill-conceived international agreements.

I, along with Congressman Jeff Duncan of South Carolina, being Co-Chairs of the House Sovereignty Caucus, hosted former UN Ambassador John Bolton for a briefing attended by nearly 100 Members of Congress and congressional staff. Ambassador Bolton discussed potential threats to American Sovereignty and what we must do to protect our country from the encroachment of international organizations.

Fighting for Religious Freedom

Religious Freedom is a fundamental tenant of the United States Constitution and a well-established principle of international law.

I believe that preserving the religious freedom of all people is critical to the peace and stability of our entire world. For example, it is essential that we seek to ensure that all people have the freedom to debate issues without being branded heretics or blasphemers and punished. Without individual rights to religious freedom, including the right to change one's beliefs, we ensure the world is a dangerous, tyrannical, and rigid place. Religious freedom is the lynchpin of the paradigm of democracy and freedom.

Viktor Frankl once commented, recalling his time in a Nazi concentration camp, "We who lived in concentration camps can remember the man who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedom: to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way..."

Preserving religious freedom is about preserving such human freedom.

Major Legislation

As a Member of Congress, I pledge to stand strong against any measure that would undermine the democratic freedom or prosperity of our international allies. Here is a summary of some of the efforts I have undertaken to stand up for our allies as well as ensure religious freedom abroad:

H.R. 2958 – Closing IRGC Sanctions Loopholes Act.

The Closing IRGC Sanctions Loopholes Act requires the President to conduct regular reviews of the Iran sanctions lists and clarifies existing law to ensure no individual affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) evades penalties and sanctions.

“Congress must ensure that our actions to counter Ayatollah Khameini’s aggression towards the United States, our allies, and the Iranian people are fully implemented. The United States must continue to stand with the Iranian people against their repressive regime and advocate for democracy and basic human liberties.”

H. Res. 559 – Declaring it is the policy of the United States that a nuclear Islamic Republic of Iran is not acceptable.

H. Res. 559, co-led by Congressman Lamborn, reaffirms that it is United States policy that a nuclear Iran is impermissible.

“Iran currently has enough nuclear material for several nuclear weapons and is likely months away from producing a nuclear weapon. While the Biden administration has failed to convince Iran to abandon this path, I am pleased to co-lead this bipartisan bill declaring that it is the policy of the United States, our allies and partners. Crucially, this legislation recognizes and supports the freedom of action of our allies and partners to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, including Israel. We must pressure the Ayatollah’s regime and contest their malicious and destabilizing ambitions.”

Congressman Lamborn was joined by Representatives Michael McCaul (TX-10), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Jared Golden (ME-02), Joe Wilson (SC-02), Rich McCormick (GA-06), Kathy Manning (NC-06), and Brad Sherman (CA-32).

H.R. 1408 - Taylor Force Martyr Payment Prevention Act of 2023.

The Taylor Force Martyr Payment Prevention Act builds on the Taylor Force Act of 2018 by seeking to hold financial institutions that process so-called ‘pay to slay’ martyr payment programs accountable. This legislation expands the institutional factors available to the Treasury Department when assessing if a foreign financial entity is participating in these programs to prevent terrorists from benefitting financially from committing their heinous acts.

“I am honored to re-introduce the Taylor Force Martyr Payment Prevention Act alongside Senator Cotton. Our bill seeks to prevent any financial benefit these terrorists are promised for murdering innocent civilians by penalizing foreign banks that allow these ‘pay to slay’ transactions to occur unimpeded. I will never waver in the fight to bring justice to the Force family and all those who have been victims of these horrific crimes.”

H.R. 1777 – United States – Israel Future of Warfare Act.

Co-led by Congressman Lamborn, the bipartisan United States - Israel Future of Warfare Act aims to further collaboration on emerging defense technologies between the United States and Israel by establishing a $50 million fund for fiscal years 2024 through 2028.

This legislation was introduced mere hours after the deadly attack on U.S. contractors and servicemen in Syria by terrorist groups supported by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

“As adversaries of our two countries rally at an increasingly hostile and capable pace, the U.S. – Israel Future of Warfare Act affirms that deeper collaboration on advanced defense technologies is imperative. I am pleased to co-lead this bipartisan legislation to strengthen Israel’s ability to defend itself and develop technologies that will save lives and prevent conflict escalation in the Middle East.”

Congressman Lamborn was joined by Representatives Joe Wilson (SC-02), Jared Golden (ME-02), Jason Crow (CO-06), Michael Turner (OH-10), and Pat Ryan (NY-18).

H.R. 1164 – Taylor Force Act

The 
Taylor Force Act aims to end the Palestinian Authority's "martyr payments" policy, more accurately termed "pay-to-slay." The act, named in honor and memory of the son of Stuart and Robbi Force, sets conditions for American taxpayer aid to the Palestinian Authority.

Former U.S. Army officer and combat veteran Taylor Force was murdered in a Palestinian stabbing attack in Tel Aviv in March 2016. Force, a Vanderbilt University graduate student, had been visiting Israel as part of a school-organized spring break trip in March 2016 when he was caught up in the attack that left ten others wounded. Relatives of Force's killer, Bashar Masalha, are among the beneficiaries of the PA's payments policy.

"The vote for the Taylor Force Act on the House Floor today is an important statement from America against terrorism. In Taylor's memory, we must stop sending aid money to an entity that rewards his murderer's family and prevents any future injustice.”

Sponsored and Cosponsored Foreign Affairs Legislation

H.R. 2958 – Closing IRGC Sanctions Loopholes Act.

H.R. 1408 - Taylor Force Martyr Payment Prevention Act of 2023.

H. Res. 394 - Expressing support for the 60th anniversary of the Polaris Sales Agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

H.R. 1777 – United States – Israel Future of Warfare Act.

H. Res. 627 – Condemning the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the massacre of political prisoners in 1988 and the uprisings of recent years, including the 2018, 2019, and 2022 uprisings, and calling for justice for its victims.

H.R. 4577 – Protecting U.S. Farmland and Sensitive Sites From Foreign Adversaries Act.

H. Res. 559 – Declaring it is the policy of the United States that a nuclear Islamic Republic of Iran is not acceptable.

H.R. 3152 – Fight CRIME Act.

H.R. 2922 – Baltic Security Initiative Act.

H.R. 3099 – Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords Act.

H.R. 2531 – United States – Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation Extension Act.

H.R. 809 – Prohibition of Agricultural Land for the People’s Republic of China Act.

H.R. 589 – MAHSA Act.

H.R. 114 – Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act.

H.R. 1025 – Defund the Wuhan Institute of Virology Act.

H.R. 6389 - Taylor Force Act.

Foreign Affairs Letters