Chairman's Press
Chairman Menendez Statement on Resumption of Middle East Peace Talks
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the statement below regarding Middle East peace talks set to begin today in Washington, DC. "I applaud Secretary Kerry's success in bringing the Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table. Peace and a two-state solution in the Middle East will only come about by Israelis and Palestinians talking face-to-face. Negotiations require compromise and yesterday's vote by the Isr… Continue Reading
July 25, 2013
Chairman Menendez Statement on the Tragic Train Accident in Spain
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the statement below concerning yesterday's train accident in Spain: "The tragic train derailment in Spain has left the country in mourning and during this difficult period of national grieving and heartache, I offer my deepest condolences," said Menendez. "The heart wrenching images coming out of Spain are difficult to watch. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost… Continue Reading
July 25, 2013
Chairman Menendez Opening Statement at Hearing, “Crisis in Egypt”
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, delivered the below statement, as prepared for delivery, at today's hearing, "Crisis in Egypt." The remarks follow: "Thank you for joining us today for this timely hearing on the unfolding circumstances in Egypt. I want to thank Ambassador Dennis Ross, Dr. Michelle Dunn, and Ambassador Daniel Kurtzer for being here today. We look forward to their perspectives on the situation in Egypt and its ramific… Continue Reading
July 24, 2013
Chairman Menendez Statement on Latest Developments Regarding Edward Snowden
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the statement below concerning the latest developments regarding Edward Snowden: "I repeat my message to Russia that providing any refuge to Edward Snowden will be harmful to U.S.-Russia relations," said Menendez. "Edward Snowden is a fugitive who should be prosecuted in the U.S. for the serious allegations of espionage. Snowden remains in possession of sensitive documents and for Rus… Continue Reading
July 23, 2013
Chairman Menendez Statement on SIGAR Report on Flawed Reconstruction Projects in Afghanistan
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the statement below following the release of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction's (SIGAR) report that flawed reconstruction projects in Afghanistan may have resulted in the death or injury of U.S. Armed Forces members serving in Afghanistan: "It is unacceptable that our men and women in uniform in Afghanistan are dying and being maimed as a result of inadequ… Continue Reading
July 22, 2013
Chairman Menendez Statement on the European Union Decision to Place Hezbollah’s Military Arm on Europe’s Terrorism List
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the statement below following the European Union's decision to place the organization's military arm on the bloc's terrorism list: "The European Union deserves praise for this action and their strong condemnation of Hezbollah. While I believe that the entire Hezbollah organization unabashedly qualifies for a place on the European Union list of terrorist organizations, today's decision… Continue Reading
July 19, 2013
Chairman Menendez Statement on Framework for Resumption of Israeli-Palestinian Peace Talks
Newark, NJ - U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued this statement following Secretary of State Kerry's announcement that an agreement for the resumption of a framework for peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians has been reached. Secretary Kerry briefed Chairman Menendez about these latest developments within the past hour. The statement follows: "I am encouraged by today's announcement and Secretary Kerry deserves praise for his tireless … Continue Reading
July 18, 2013
Chairman Menendez Statement on Sentencing of Russian Activist Alexei Navalny
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement in response to the sentencing of Russian activist Alexei Navalny. "One by one, opposition voices are being silenced in Russia and today's conviction of Alexei Navalny only adds to that steady drumbeat," said Menendez. "Russia is returning to its old authoritarian ways where opposition voices were silenced and trumped up charges ended in unfair verdicts, oftentimes resu… Continue Reading
July 17, 2013
Chairman Menendez Statement on Cuban Weapon Transfers to North Korea
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement regarding the transfer of weapons systems by Cuba to North Korea. The statement follows: "The shipment of weapons systems by the Cuban government to the government of North Korea is a grave violation of international treaties. Weapons transfers from one communist regime to another hidden under sacks of sugar are not accidental occurrences, and reinforces the necessity t… Continue Reading
July 17, 2013
Chairman Menenadez Opening Statement at Nomination Hearing for Samantha Power to Serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, delivered this opening statement, as prepared for delivery, at today's nomination hearing for Samantha Power to serve as Ambassador to the United Nations. The statement follows: "Good morning, Ms. Power. Welcome to the Foreign Relations Committee. Your nomination as Ambassador to the United Nations has come with much fanfare -- and with some criticism, which - at the end of the day -- means you mus… Continue Reading
July 16, 2013
Chairman Menendez Opening Statement at Hearing, “The Embassy Security and Personnel Protection Act of 2013”
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, delivered this opening statement, as prepared for delivery, at today's hearing, "The Embassy Security and Personnel Protection Act of 2013." The statement follows: "Today our real focus is ensuring the security of our missions abroad and the safety of our Foreign Service personnel. That has always been - and will remain -- a priority of this Committee. Having said that, I hope to have the support… Continue Reading
July 11, 2013
Chairman Menendez Statement of Verdict against Sergei Magnitsky for Tax Evasion
WASHINGTON, DC - Chairman Robert Menendez released this statement following a posthumous guilty verdict today in a Moscow court against Sergei Magnitsky for tax evasion. "Sergei Magnitsky's death and the circumstances around his imprisonment are shameful," said Menendez. "Today's conviction of Sergei Magnitsky - three years after his death - is nothing short of a message to Russia's activist community of the repercussions of opposing the state. The trend toward authoritarianism in Russia and t… Continue Reading
July 11, 2013
Chairman Menendez Opening Statement at Hearing, “Assessing the Transition in Afghanistan”
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, delivered this opening statement, as prepared for delivery, at today's hearing, "Assessing the Transition in Afghanistan." The statement follows (video followed by text): "Today's hearing on Afghanistan comes none too soon. With 63,000 U.S. troops still based there and the upcoming political and security transitions in 2014 just around the corner, now is the time to take stock of our efforts and… Continue Reading
July 10, 2013
Chairman Menendez Statement on American Companies’ Plan to Improve Garment Factory Safety in Bangladesh
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement in response to today's announcement by a consortium of American companies to improve garment factory safety in Bangladesh. "I welcome the efforts by leading North American retailers and Senators Mitchell and Snowe to come together and take decisive action to help improve factory safety conditions in Bangladesh. The creation of the Alliance for Bangladesh Worke… Continue Reading
July 03, 2013
Chairman Menendez Statement on Developing Situation in Egypt
WASHINGTON, DC - Chairman Robert Menendez released the following statement regarding the developing situation in Egypt. "Circumstances in Egypt are rapidly unfolding. During this period of upheaval it is critical that all parties exercise restraint, that protests are peaceful, and that violence is rejected. Already too many lives have been lost during this period of unrest, including that of an American citizen. It is imperative that a political solution be reached for the sake of the Egyptian … Continue Reading
July 01, 2013
Chairman Menendez Statement Calling on Russia to Facilitate Edward Snowden’s Return to the U.S.
Newark, NJ - U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called on Russia to facilitate the return of Edward Snowden to the United States. The statement follows: "Edward Snowden should return to the United States on his own volition or be returned home to face espionage charges. His alleged actions are of the utmost sensitivity to our national security and hiding out in Russia would be highly inconsistent with the principles he claims to defend by seek… Continue Reading
June 28, 2013
Legislation Granting Taiwan Observer Status at International Civil Aviation Organization Passes Congress, Heads to President for Signature
WASHINGTON, DC -Legislation advancing efforts for Taiwan to obtain observer status at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly passed the Congress today and heads to the President for signature. Identical legislation was introduced by U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and U.S. Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) in the Senate, and by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) and Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-NY)… Continue Reading
June 27, 2013
Chairman Menendez Applauds Administration’s Decision to Suspend Preferential Trade Status to Bangladesh
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, commended the Administration's decision to suspend Generalized System of Preference (GSP) benefits to Bangladesh. Earlier this month, Menendez presided over a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing examining labor issues in Bangladesh, following the collapse of the Rana Plaza factory. "It is long overdue for Bangladesh to reform its labor practices and ensure workers' rights," said Menend… Continue Reading
June 26, 2013
Chairman Menendez Calls on the Russian Government to Release Fugitive Edward Snowden into the Custody of the United States
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called on Russia to cease sheltering international fugitive Edward Snowden and release him immediately into the custody of the United States. Menendez also warned Ecuador's government led by President Rafael Correa not to grant Snowden asylum, adding that such a decision would severely jeopardize the preferential trade access provided to goods from Ecuador under the Generalized System of Pre… Continue Reading
June 25, 2013
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Approves Legislation Expanding U.S. Exports to Africa, Compensating American Hostages Held in Iran during Embassy Crisis
WASHINGTON, DC - Chairman Robert Menendez (D-NJ) presided over the Senate Foreign Relations Committee business meeting today, where one bill to create American jobs through increased exports to Africa, another bill to compensate former American hostages held in Iran, as well as five senate resolutions and three ambassadorial nominations were approved by committee members. Senators advanced legislation calling on the Obama administration to establish a trade strategy for Africa that will increas… Continue Reading
