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A Bipartisan Approach to Foreign Policy

SpeakerS:

Andrew Desiderio, Senior Congressional Reporter, Punchbowl News
The Hon. Chrissy Houlahan, Representative, U.S. House of Representatives (PA-06)
The Hon. Mike Waltz, Representative, U.S. House of Representatives (FL-06)

“I don't think anyone should be taking a victory lap if you look in contrast to Japan, who sees the threat coming—this is my pivot over to Asia—and is taking those investments as a deterrent measure, not a reactive measure.” The Hon. Mike Waltz
“There are fewer than 24 out of 435 members of Congress with STEM backgrounds, and I'm one of them, but we need more people in the body who think about these things with a technical brain and a technical mindset.” The Hon. Chrissy Houlahan

Key takeaways:

    • Need for aggressive support: Both panelists agree on the importance of supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. There is bipartisan concern over the slow rollout of aid and military support to Ukraine. 
    • Defining success in Ukraine: There’s a need to clearly define what success looks like in Ukraine. Questions are raised about whether driving Russia off all Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, is in America’s critical national interest, and what it would cost. 
    • Lifting restrictions: Discussions highlight the debate over lifting existing restrictions on Ukraine’s ability to strike inside Russian territory to enhance its defense capabilities. 
    • Increased European contribution: Emphasis on encouraging European nations to contribute more to their own defense and meet the 2% GDP defense spending threshold in NATO. 
    • Credit to previous administration: Acknowledgment that former President Trump’s pressure on NATO allies has led to increased defense spending by European nations. 
    • Role of energy independence: Highlighting the importance of utilizing domestic energy resources to drive down global commodity markets, thereby impacting adversaries like Russia and Iran financially. 
    • Energy and AI race: The need for robust energy policies to power the AI race against competitors like China, suggesting that reliance solely on renewable energy sources may not be sufficient. 
    • Data and AI development: Concern over China’s massive data collection efforts and the importance of data in AI development. Stressing that the U.S. needs to remain competitive technologically.
  • Economic investments in the Western Hemisphere: Suggesting increased investment in Central and South America to counter China’s influence and secure resources aligned with democratic values. 
  • Two-state solution support: Advocacy for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine as a pathway to lasting peace in the Middle East.
  • Concerns over regional stability: Worry over escalating tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon and the potential destabilization it could cause in the region.

Action items:

    • Accelerate aid delivery: Expedite the provision of military aid and support to Ukraine to strengthen its defense capabilities. 
    • Reevaluate restrictions: Consider lifting certain restrictions on Ukraine’s military operations to allow for more effective defense strategies.
    • Encourage defense spending: Continue to urge NATO allies to meet and exceed the 2% GDP defense spending benchmark.
    • Foster bipartisan agreements: Work across party lines to ensure sustained support for NATO and collective security agreements. 
    • Invest in domestic energy: Leverage domestic energy resources to reduce global energy prices and limit adversaries’ financial capabilities.
    • Support energy infrastructure for AI: Develop energy infrastructure that can support the high demands of AI development and technological advancement. 
    • Counteract China’s Global Influence
    • Strengthen alliances in the Americas: Increase economic and diplomatic efforts in Central and South America to counteract China’s investments and influence. 
  • Protect data and technology: Implement measures to safeguard data and technologies from foreign exploitation. 
  • Advocate for diplomatic solutions: Support initiatives aimed at achieving a two-state solution in Israel and Palestine and peaceful coexistence in the region. 
  • Monitor regional threats: Stay vigilant of activities by groups like Hezbollah to prevent further conflict and promote stability in the Middle East.

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