Chairman's Press
Corker WSJ Op-ed: Does China Really Want a Nuclear Japan and South Korea?
By BOB CORKER North Korea's increased belligerence has alarmed the U.S. and its allies and heightened tensions in the Asian-Pacific region. As usual, though, the hand-wringing in Washington, Tokyo, Beijing and Seoul isn't accompanied by any new ideas on what to do to solve the perennial problem of Pyongyang and its illicit nuclear weapons program. Most problematic, perhaps, is that nothing has altered the strategic calculus of China-the most influential player with respect to North Korea, and … Continue Reading
April 14, 2013
Corker Statement on Secretary Kerry Clarifying Comments on U.S. Missile Defense Concessions
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- U.S. Senator Bob Corker, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today made the following statement in response to Secretary of State John Kerry clarifying previous remarks on the willingness of the U.S. to make concessions on missile defense in return for North Korea ending its nuclear program. "I thank Secretary Kerry for clarifying his remarks about American missile defenses. The security of our country and its allies should never be a bargaining chip… Continue Reading
April 12, 2013
Corker Says Japan's Participation in Trans-Pacific Trade Talks Good for Growing Jobs, Economy in US
WASHINGTON - In response to an agreement today signifying U.S. support for Japan's involvement in trans-Pacific trade talks, U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Japan's full participation in these negotiations and the successful formation of a Trans-Pacific Partnership would "hold great potential for expanding job and economic growth" in the U.S. and Tennessee. "Japanese investment in Tennessee has created good-paying jobs and growth … Continue Reading
April 11, 2013
Corker Warns of Lack of Clarity in US Syria Strategy, Calls for Post-Assad Plan and Congressional Consultation Prior to Significant Changes in US Involvement
WASHINGTON - During a hearing on the crisis in Syria with senior Obama administration officials, U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, warned that an ad hoc, reactive approach leaves the United States vulnerable to being drawn into "very dangerous circumstances" without a clear strategy. Corker called for a clear articulation of U.S. goals and plans, advance preparations for the eventual fall of the Assad regime, and close congressional consu… Continue Reading
April 08, 2013
Corker to President Obama: Senate Must Be Fully Consulted Prior to Expanded U.S. Involvement to Stem Crisis in Syria
WASHINGTON - In a letter to President Barack Obama, U.S. Senator Bob Corker, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the Senate must be fully consulted before any decision to expand U.S. involvement to stem the crisis in Syria, including any lethal assistance to Syrian opposition forces or U.S. military action. "As you consider further action regarding the deteriorating humanitarian, security, and political situation in Syria, I want to express to you directly that I expe… Continue Reading
April 08, 2013
Corker Statement on Passing of Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today made the following statement on the passing of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. "Margaret Thatcher will rightly be remembered as a plain-spoken and aggressive advocate for democracy and free markets and for her strong leadership in the fight against communism, which helped preserve and strengthen Western values and institutions for generations to come. Her courage, cle… Continue Reading
March 25, 2013
Corker Bloomberg View Op-Ed: "U.S.-EU Trade Deal Is Good for Jobs and Prosperity"
By Bob Corker Two years ago, Volkswagen AG (VOW) opened a $1 billion manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, that employs 3,300 Americans and makes 150,000 cars a year for the U.S. market and for export to Canada, Mexico and South Korea. This investment has been transformative, creating jobs and growth not only in Tennessee but also throughout the region. It's an experience we can repeat throughout the country if we tear down obstacles to foreign investment and trade. Last week, Pre… Continue Reading
March 22, 2013
In Case You Missed It: Corker Calls for Updating 2001 Authorization for Use of Force Against Al Qaeda to Address New and Emerging Threats
WASHINGTON - During a hearing on U.S. counterterrorism policies on Wednesday, U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called upon Congress to consider updating the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against al Qaeda in order to address new and emerging terrorist threats and to better protect the American people and our interests overseas. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has exclusive jurisdiction over the authorization … Continue Reading
March 21, 2013
Corker to Visit Japan, China and South Korea on Economic Mission
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and an active member of the Banking Committee, departs this weekend for Japan, China and South Korea, all of which have new leaders, to focus on economic, political and security issues. "The Asia-Pacific region is of critical strategic importance to the U.S., both from an economic and security standpoint, so I look forward to visiting at this time of political transition to see what new oppo… Continue Reading
March 20, 2013
Corker: A Positive U.S.-EU Trade Deal Could Advance Economic Growth in the U.S. for Generations
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today commented on the Obama administration's notification to Congress of its intent to negotiate a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership with the European Union. "The U.S.-EU trade negotiation has enormous strategic economic implications for our country, and while these talks present great negotiating challenges, a positive agreement can help advance economic growth and Western val… Continue Reading
March 20, 2013
Corker: After 11 Years, Time to Consider Updating Authorization for Use of Force Against Al Qaeda to Address New and Emerging Threats
WASHINGTON - During a hearing today on U.S. counterterrorism policies, U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called upon Congress to consider updating the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against al Qaeda in order to address new and emerging terrorist threats and to better protect the American people and our interests overseas. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has exclusive jurisdiction over the authorization of the … Continue Reading
March 19, 2013
Corker Says International Humanitarian Assistance in Syria is High Priority, Warns of Security Risks As Conflict Drags On
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bob Corker, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today said international humanitarian assistance for Syrian refugees is a high priority. He also warned of risks to U.S. and regional security as the conflict threatens to spill over into neighboring countries and the influence of extremists in Syria grows. Today the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs is holding a hearing on the unfolding h… Continue Reading
March 17, 2013
Corker on Fox News Urges Obama Administration to Deploy Missile Defense Capabilities on East Coast, Questions Changes to European-Based Missile Shield
WASHINGTON - Appearing on Fox News Sunday today, U.S. Senator Bob Corker, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, applauded U.S. placement of missile interceptors in Alaska following recent North Korean nuclear and missile tests but urged the Obama administration to also locate missile defense capabilities on the East Coast to guard against threats from inter-continental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). He also questioned the administration's decision to cancel a portion of the Eur… Continue Reading
March 15, 2013
Corker Calls for Obama Administration to Explain Changes to Missile Defense Plans for U.S. & Europe
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Following Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's announcement that the U.S. is deploying 14 ground-based missile interceptors in Alaska, U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today called on the Obama administration to explain changes to its missile defense plans for the United States and Europe. "I am pleased with the decision to provide greater protection to our country from existing and emerging threats by advancing a pur… Continue Reading
March 15, 2013
Corker: Japan’s Interest in Joining Trans-Pacific Trade Talks Is “Positive Step” Toward Expanded Economic Opportunities for U.S.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today said Japan's interest in joining trade talks between the U.S. and 10 other nations ringing the Pacific Ocean is a positive step toward an eventual agreement, which would provide significant, expanded economic opportunities for the United States. The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) would eliminate tariffs and other barriers to trade and investment, creating new growth opportunit… Continue Reading
March 07, 2013
Corker Calls for New Approach to Counter North Korean Threat, Emphasizes Continued Importance of China’s Role and Maintaining Robust U.S. Nuclear Deterrent
WASHINGTON - In today's hearing to examine U.S. policy toward North Korea, U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, noted the failure of decades of U.S. attempts to convince North Korea to abandon its nuclear program and urged the U.S. to consider a new approach to counter the North Korean threat, while still emphasizing the importance of China's role and maintaining a robust U.S. nuclear deterrent to protect our allies in the region. "U.S. off… Continue Reading
March 07, 2013
Corker Calls for Close Examination of U.S. Drone Policy and Executive Branch’s Use of Force Overseas
WASHINGTON - Following debate in the Senate over the Obama administration's drone program, U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., called for a close examination of the policy in hearings before the Foreign Relations Committee to answer key questions related to the use of drones and the executive branch's use of force overseas. "Congress has long abdicated its legitimate and constitutionally-mandated role in authorizing the use of military force. It is critical that Congress regularly and carefully l… Continue Reading
March 06, 2013
Corker: Waste Detailed in Final Audit of Iraq Reconstruction Funds Demonstrates Need for Top-to-Bottom Review of State Department and U.S. Foreign Aid Programs
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today said the final report on U.S. reconstruction funds in Iraq demonstrates the need for a top-to-bottom review of the State Department and U.S. foreign assistance programs to ensure taxpayer dollars are used to advance U.S. interests. The final report from the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction Stuart Bowen captures lessons learned and details the extent of waste, fraud and… Continue Reading
March 05, 2013
Corker Statement on Death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today made the following statement on the death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. "Following the death of Hugo Chavez, it is my hope that all Venezuelans will have the opportunity to fully exercise their political rights, including freedom of expression and assembly, in fully free and fair constitutionally-mandated elections and build a more prosperous future for their country," said Cork… Continue Reading
March 01, 2013
Corker Calls for Fiscally Responsible FY ’14 International Affairs Budget to Advance U.S. Economic & Security Interests
WASHINGTON - In a letter today to the Senate Budget Committee, U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called for a fiscal year 2014 international affairs budget that advances "core U.S. economic and security interests," while also emphasizing "the dire fiscal situation of the United States government and the need to reduce federal spending." He asked the committee to ensure the international affairs budget lives within new limits set by seque… Continue Reading
