Chairman's Press
Chairman Menendez Travels to Eastern Mediterranean; Recognized by Governments of Greece and Cyprus for his Commitment to Strengthening Partnerships
UNION CITY, NJ - U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, travelled to the Eastern Mediterranean earlier this month to assess and advance the partnerships among the United States, Greece and Cyprus. Senator Menendez was invited to be the keynote speaker at the "Greece in 2040" event organized by the "Greece 2021" Committee, on August 26. The event took place at the Acropolis Museum with a group of high-level dignitaries in attendance, including Fo… Continue Reading
August 26, 2021
*VIDEO* SFRC Chairman Menendez Delivers Keynote Remarks in Athens on U.S.-Greece Relationship
ATHENS, GREECE -- U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today delivered keynote remarks at the Greece 2021 Committee's "Greece in 2040" ceremony, the first in a series of events organized by the government of Greece in celebration of the bicentennial anniversary of the Greek Revolution of 1821. "I truly believe our bilateral relationship is on the cusp of greatness. We share the same values. We face the same challenges. We hold the same inte… Continue Reading
August 26, 2021
Chairman Menendez on Terror Attacks in Afghanistan
Athens, Greece - U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement regarding the situation in Afghanistan following the explosions outside of the Kabul airport: "I condemn in the strongest and most forceful of terms today's attacks targeting U.S. citizens, personnel, and vulnerable Afghans trying to flee Afghanistan. "I understand that American personnel were among the casualties and my prayers are with the victims of this cowardly a… Continue Reading
August 25, 2021
Chairmen Menendez and Meeks Joint Statement on Fourth Anniversary of Rohingya Genocide
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Representative Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY-5), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today issued the following joint statement in observance of the fourth anniversary of the Rohingya Genocide: "It has been four years since the Burmese military launched its genocidal attack on the Rohingya. Today we call on the Biden administration to make a formal determination that these crimes co… Continue Reading
August 24, 2021
Joint Statement from SFRC Chairman Menendez, Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees of the G7 Member States on Afghanistan
JERSEY CITY, NJ - U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today joined his counterparts in Italy, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Parliament in issuing the following joint statement on Afghanistan: "We, the G7 Foreign Affairs Committee Chairs of France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and the European Union, welcome the emergency meeting of the G7 which has been convened to disc… Continue Reading
August 23, 2021
Menendez Statement in Advance of Crimean Platform Summit, 30th Anniversary of Ukrainian Independence
JERSEY CITY, N.J. - U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement in honor of the upcoming inaugural summit of the Crimean Platform (August 23) and in celebration the 30th anniversary of Ukrainian independence (August 24): "As the inaugural summit of the Crimean Platform approaches, I reaffirm my strong support for the Ukrainian people in rejecting the Russian government's ongoing and illegal occupation of Crimea. … Continue Reading
August 20, 2021
Menendez Urges Biden Administration, IMF to Deny Lukashenka Regime Recognition and Resources to Continue Oppressing People of Belarus
JERSEY CITY, N.J. - U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today raised concerns regarding the International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s recent allocation of almost $1 billion in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to the Government of Belarus, undermining United States' efforts to deny the illegitimate Lukashenka regime of resources it may utilize to continue oppressing the Belarusian people. In a letter to President Joe Biden, Chairman Menendez urged the U.… Continue Reading
August 20, 2021
Chairman Menendez Statement on Qatar’s Efforts to Help House Afghans Seeking Refuge in the United States
JERSEY CITY, N.J. - U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on the government of Qatar's recent efforts to help house Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicants, refugees, and other at risk groups seeking refuge in the United States: "As the world grapples with the mounting toll of the humanitarian disaster in Afghanistan, we must not waste any time in living up to our best values and embracing our responsibility… Continue Reading
August 17, 2021
SFRC Chairman Menendez Statement on Taliban Takeover in Afghanistan
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today issued the following statement on the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan: "After two decades of blood and treasure including thousands of American and Afghan lives, I am horrified and saddened by the chaos engulfing Afghanistan. My heart goes out to the Afghan people whose suffering will inevitably be greater under a Taliban regime determined to wipe out all of the hard fought gains made f… Continue Reading
August 16, 2021
Menendez, Shaheen Lead Senate Colleagues in Bipartisan Letter Urging Biden Admin to Protect Afghan Women Leaders in Wake of Taliban Takeover in Afghanistan
WASHINGTON - Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) today were joined by 44 of their Senate colleagues, including Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Ranking Member Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), in urging the Biden administration to take swift, robust action to protect and support Afghan women leaders facing unparalleled danger following the Taliban's violent sweep across Afghanistan and seizure of Kabul. In a bip… Continue Reading
August 13, 2021
Menendez, Rubio Urge Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to Review Brazilian Meat-Processing Conglomerate in Interest of Safeguarding U.S. Economic, National Security
WASHINGTON - Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Ranking Member of the SFRC Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) today penned a letter to Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen to renew their request that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) conduct a formal review of the transactions of Brazilian meatpacking conglomerate JBS S.A., its holding company J&F Investimentos, and any entity owned or controlled by … Continue Reading
August 11, 2021
Senate Republicans Block Senate from Confirming Pending Nominations for State Department and USAID, Undermining American National Security
WASHINGTON - In the early hours of this morning, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, took to the Senate Floor immediately following budget reconciliation proceedings to make a series of motions seeking the Senate's unanimous approval of nearly thirty highly-qualified foreign affairs and development nominees whose unwarranted delays in confirmation pose significant threats to United States national security. Foreign Relations Committee member Se… Continue Reading
August 10, 2021
Chairman Menendez Statement for the Senate Record on Worsening Political Crisis in Nicaragua
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, submitted the following statement for the Senate Record raising grave concerns regarding the accelerating political crisis in Nicaragua. The statement condemns the Ortega regime's anti-democratic efforts, including the continued arrests of political opposition members, in advance of upcoming illegitimate elections in November. It also details new expectations and requirements for the United State… Continue Reading
August 10, 2021
Menendez Leads Democratic Colleagues in Introducing Senate Resolution Condemning Politically Motivated Imprisonment of Women around the World
WASHINGTON - Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) today was joined by eight of his Senate Democratic colleagues in introducing a Senate Resolution to condemn the politically motivated imprisonment of women around the world and to demand the immediate release of women political prisoners. Joining Chairman Menendez in co-sponsoring the legislation were Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.),… Continue Reading
August 09, 2021
Menendez, Rubio Lead Bipartisan Letter to POTUS Following Assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Ranking Member of the SFRC Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, were joined by a bipartisan group of senators in sending a letter to President Joe Biden expressing their deep concern with the political unrest and security crisis in Haiti following the heinous assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse and attack on First Lady Martine Moïse. "We urge … Continue Reading
August 09, 2021
Chairman Menendez Statement for the Senate Record on Zambia’s Upcoming Elections
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, submitted the following statement for the Senate Record calling for free and fair elections in Zambia on August 12. Chairman Menendez urged political leaders to work together to reverse the democratic backsliding that has occurred in Zambia under President Edgar Lungu, in order to avoid political violence and restore Zambians' faith in their government. "Mr. President, I rise to discuss Zambia's… Continue Reading
August 08, 2021
SFRC Chairman Menendez Urges Biden Admin to Provide Additional Assistance to Greece in Wake of Raging Fires
WASHINGTON - Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) today penned a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to urge the Department of Defense to provide additional support to the Hellenic Republic in its efforts to confront the devastating fires currently raging across the country. "Greece is a close and valued NATO ally. I urge the Administration to take all measures necessary to support the people of Greece in their time of need," Chairman Menendez said, applau… Continue Reading
August 07, 2021
Menendez, Risch, Durbin, Blunt Introduce Senate Resolution in Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the ANZUS Treaty
WASHINGTON - Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) today was joined by SFRC Ranking Member Jim Risch (R-Idaho) in addition to Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) in introducing a Senate Resolution to honor the 70th anniversary (September 1) of the signing of the Security Treaty between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, known as the ANZUS Treaty. In addition to celebrating the countries' history of cooperation rooted in shared values of dem… Continue Reading
August 06, 2021
Menendez, Inhofe Commend Senate Passage of Legislation to Strengthen Support for Taiwan’s Participation in the WHO’s World Health Assembly
WASHINGTON - Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), co-chairmen of the Senate Taiwan Caucus, today released the below statements following the Senate passage of their legislation to direct the State Department to develop a strategy to assist Taiwan in obtaining observer status at the World Health Assembly (WHA), the decision-making body of the World Health Organization. In the face of a global pandemic and mounting hostility from the People's… Continue Reading
August 06, 2021
Senate Approves Bipartisan Legislation to Bolster U.S. Engagement in Nicaragua as Crisis Deepens
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was joined by Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, and Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) in issuing the following statements after the Senate approved their legislation to dramatically increase U.S. diplomatic engagement in response to the government of Daniel Ortega's … Continue Reading
