Chairman's Press
Senators Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Support Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
Washington, D.C. - Today, Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Christopher Coons (D-DE), and John Boozman (R-AR) introduced a resolution supporting a U.S. contribution to further the work of the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi). Gavi is an international alliance between governments and private sector organizations with a mission to ensure children in the world's poorest countries have improved access to vaccines. "In the nearly 15 years of Gavi's existence, it has ensured the immunizat… Continue Reading
November 12, 2014
Menendez - Kirk Statement on Iran Nuclear Negotiations
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) issued today the following statement on the P5+1 nuclear negotiations with Iran: "As co-authors of bipartisan sanctions laws that compelled Iran to the negotiating table, we believe that a good deal will dismantle, not just stall, Iran's illicit nuclear program and prevent Iran from ever becoming a threshold nuclear weapons state. This will require stringent limits on nuclear-related research, development and procure… Continue Reading
November 11, 2014
Menendez Applauds Bold US-China Agreement to Combat Climate Change
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez tonight released the following statement regarding the Administration's announcement of a new agreement between the United States and China to address climate change: "This bold announcement from the world's two largest economies and greenhouse gas emitters can help lead to a robust global climate agreement in Paris next year. The Obama Administration's work to secure this agreement signals that China can no longer be used as an excuse to not act o… Continue Reading
November 07, 2014
Chairmen Seek Strong U.S. Action to Forge International Climate Agreement
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, Chairman of the Committee on Finance, and U.S. Senator Patty Murray, Chairman of the Budget Committee sent the following letter to President Barack Obama, calling on him to propose a strong post-2020 American emissions reduction target, as well as make a substantial pledge to the Green Climat… Continue Reading
November 05, 2014
Chairman Menendez Statement on Authorization for Use of Military Force
NEWARK, NJ - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued this statement regarding pursuing an Authorization for Use of Military Force following President Obama's press conference. "I welcome President Obama's statement today expressing his desire to work with Congress in seeking an ISIL-specific Authorization for Use of Military Force. We will work at once with the President to draft a tailored AUMF, providing the additional authority required… Continue Reading
November 04, 2014
Chairman Menendez Unveils Innovative, Interactive Maps for Senate Foreign Relations Committee Website
NEWARK, NJ - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today unveiled a new webpage with a variety of interactive international maps using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. From showcasing maps reflecting worldwide GDP growth rates and unemployment rates, to highlighting Freedom House's annual country-by-country report on political rights and civil liberties, the newly-launched feature on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee websit… Continue Reading
October 31, 2014
Chairman Menendez Writes Vice President Biden to Urge Turkish Withdrawal from Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
NEWARK, NJ - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, sent the following letter to Vice President Joe Biden, calling on him to address the issue of Turkey's illegal incursion in Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) with Turkish President Erdogan during his upcoming visit to the Republic of Turkey. In the letter, the Chairman urged Vice President Biden to act: "The Cypriot people need your strong voice on this issue to urge President Erdogan to w… Continue Reading
October 28, 2014
Chairman Menendez Statement on OXI Day
NEWARK, NJ - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued this statement in celebration of "OXI Day" on October 28th. "Today, I join millions of Greeks and Cypriots around the world to mark the 74th anniversary of OXI Day. On this day in 1940, Greek leader Ioannis Metaxas said OXI, or NO, to Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and his demand to take up strategic positions inside Greek sovereign territory. By proudly resisting occupation by It… Continue Reading
October 28, 2014
Chairman Menendez Statement on Parliamentary Elections in Tunisia
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued this statement following Tunisia's parliamentary elections: "I congratulate the people of Tunisia on the peaceful and democratic election of their new parliament. Tunisia's leaders should be commended for their commitment to dialogue, pluralism, and consensus. The Tunisian people will continue to take critical next steps in their democratic transition by holding presidential election… Continue Reading
October 27, 2014
Chairman Menendez Statement on Parliamentary Elections in Ukraine
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued this statement following Ukraine's parliamentary elections: "Almost a year ago, Ukrainians began their protests for democratic reform, a movement that led to the deaths of over 100 hundred pro-democracy advocates. Those courageous individuals in the Maidan were standing up to chart their own future, free of foreign intervention or influence. This past Sunday, the Ukrainian people exp… Continue Reading
October 27, 2014
Chairman Menendez Releases Report on "Afghanistan in Transition: The U.S. Civilian Presence and Assistance Post-2014”
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released a report authored by the Democratic majority staff today, titled: "Afghanistan in Transition: The U.S. Civilian Presence and Assistance Post-2014." The report examines the development challenges that remain in Afghanistan following the recent political transition and offers a series of recommendations for U.S. assistance approach and civilian presence. "Afghanistan stands at the c… Continue Reading
October 23, 2014
Chairman Menendez Statement on Terror Attacks in Canada
Newark, NJ - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement regarding the terror attacks in Canada: "Today in Ottawa, during this period of national mourning and trauma in Canada, Members of Parliament assembled for work in the House of Commons, demonstrating that democracy, freedom, and liberty are unassailable principles that serve as the bedrock of Canadian society. "Throughout the country, and particularly in Ottawa, … Continue Reading
October 23, 2014
Menendez Statement on Celebration of Diwali
NEWARK, NJ - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the below statement regarding the celebration of Diwali: "I extend my warmest wishes to those in New Jersey, and around the world who are celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights. Diwali symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, and is a time when millions of people pray for an auspicious and successful year to come. As we face growing challenges across the globe, I join the millions o… Continue Reading
October 10, 2014
Chairman Menendez Congratulates Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi on Winning the Nobel Peace Prize
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement congratulating Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi for winning the Nobel Peace Prize: "Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi are two very deserving Nobel Peace Prize Laureates. In a world beset by chaos and unease, these two individuals represent the best of humanity and are symbols of hope and perseverance, of overcoming obstacles and seemingly insurmou… Continue Reading
October 07, 2014
Senators Menendez and Inhofe Congratulate Taiwan on Double Ten Day
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senator James Inhofe (R-OK), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, co-chairs of the Senate Taiwan Caucus, congratulated the people of Taiwan on "Double Ten Day," the national day of celebration. The letter follows: His Excellency Ma Ying-jeouPresident of the Republic of China (Taiwan)No. 122, Sec. 1, Chongqing South Road, Zhongzheng District Taipei City 10048, Taiwan Dea… Continue Reading
October 01, 2014
Chairman Menendez Writes Panamanian President to Express Dismay Over Intent to Invite Cuba to 2015 Summit of the Americas
NEWARK, NJ - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, sent the following letter to Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela regarding his intent to invite Cuba to the April 2015 Summit of the Americas. In the letter, the Chairman wrote: "Cuba's participation would undermine the spirit and authority of the Summit of the Americas … The Government of Cuba remains this hemisphere's must enduring dictatorship, having deprived the people of Cuba … Continue Reading
September 30, 2014
Chairman Menendez Urges Respect for Democratic Rights in Letter to Chief Executive of Hong Kong
NEWARK, NJ - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, sent the following letter to Hong Kong's Chief Executive, Leung Chun-ying, calling on him to respect the rights of the people of Hong Kong to assemble peacefully and express their democratic rights and freedoms. In the letter, the Chairman wrote: "Beijing has made numerous statements over the years about its commitment to the Basic Law and its intention to respect the promise of the Basic Law t… Continue Reading
September 29, 2014
Chairman Menendez Statement on the Inauguration of President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah in Afghanistan
Newark, NJ - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on the inauguration in Afghanistan of President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah: "I congratulate President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah on this historic occasion as they were sworn into office today. Dr. Ghani and Dr. Abdullah should be commended on the formation of the government of … Continue Reading
September 18, 2014
Chairman Menendez Remarks on Training, Equipping Moderate Vetted Syrian Opposition
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today delivered the following remarks, as prepared for delivery, on the Senate floor regarding training and equipping the moderate vetted Syrian opposition. "M. President, I rise to support the President's request for authorization to stand up a Title 10, overt train and equip mission for vetted, moderate Syrian opposition. The hearing I held yesterday in the Senate Foreign Relations Comm… Continue Reading
September 18, 2014
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Unanimously Passes Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014
Washington, DC - The Senate Foreign Relations Committee unanimously passed the Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014 today by a vote of 18 to 0. The legislation was introduced by Chairman Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Ranking Member Bob Corker (R-TN) and it imposes broad sanctions on Russia's defense, energy, and financial sectors, as well as increasing military and non-military assistance for Ukraine. "We stand as one today in Congress, united in our support for President Poroshenko and the Ukrain… Continue Reading
