Ranking Member's Press
Corker Statement on US Sanctions Against Saudi Arabian Officials for Murder of Jamal Khashoggi
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement in response to the Trump administration's sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act against Saudi Arabian officials who were responsible for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist and columnist for The Washington Post. "I have a lot of concerns about the trajectory that Saudi Arabia is on right now, and I think a price n… Continue Reading
November 14, 2018
Corker Convenes Roundtable on BUILD Act Implementation
(Pictured from left to right: Ivanka Trump, Advisor to the President, and Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn.) WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, convened senior administration officials, members of Congress, and key stakeholders in international development for a roundtable to discuss implementation of the recently enacted Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development (BUILD) Act of 2018, which was authored by Corker and Senat… Continue Reading
November 05, 2018
Corker Statement on Re-Imposition of Iran Sanctions
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement in response to the administration's re-imposition of sanctions on Iran that were lifted or waived under the 2015 nuclear deal, or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "The Trump administration deserves credit for re-imposing sanctions and dramatically reducing Iran's oil exports and revenues," said Corker, who voted against the nuclear dea… Continue Reading
October 19, 2018
Corker Statement on Saudi Arabia Claims Regarding Death of Jamal Khashoggi
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement in response to Saudi Arabia's claims regarding the death of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist and columnist for The Washington Post. "The story the Saudis have told about Jamal Khashoggi's disappearance continues to change with each passing day, so we should not assume their latest story holds water," said Corker. "They can undergo their own invest… Continue Reading
October 12, 2018
Corker Statement on Release of American Pastor Andrew Brunson from Turkey
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today made the following statement on American Pastor Andrew Brunson, who was released from Turkey after two years of detention. Turkey imprisoned Brunson in 2016 and indicted him on unsubstantiated terrorism charges earlier this year. "This has been a long and painful ordeal for Pastor Brunson and his family, and we are relieved that they will finally be reunited after this long period o… Continue Reading
October 10, 2018
Corker, Menendez, Graham, Leahy Letter Triggers Global Magnitsky Investigation Into Disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi
WASHINGTON - In a letter to President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Senators Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, today triggered an investigation and Global Magnitsky sanctions determination regarding the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi j… Continue Reading
October 09, 2018
Corker Statement on Nikki Haley Resignation
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement on the resignation of U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley. "Nikki Haley has been a fierce advocate for U.S. interests during her time as U.N. ambassador," said Corker. "While I hated to hear of her departure, I have enjoyed working with her and am thankful for her willingness to serve. I know Nikki will continue to be a strong voice for our cou… Continue Reading
October 03, 2018
Corker-Coons BUILD Act to Become Law
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today praised Senate passage of The Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development Act of 2018 (BUILD Act) as part of legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). With strong support in Congress, from the administration, and among key stakeholders, the BUILD Act, coauthored by Corker and Coons in the Senate, will promote economic gro… Continue Reading
September 28, 2018
Corker: Global Food Security Act Reauthorization to Become Law
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today praised passage of legislation reauthorizing The Global Food Security Act, which will now go to the president's desk to be signed into law. The bill also reauthorizes the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) Emergency Food Security Program (EFSP). USAID has relied increasingly upon EFSP to avoid constraints that would prevent delivery of emergency food aid through the Food for… Continue Reading
September 28, 2018
Corker, Coons Praise House Passage of BUILD Act in FAA Reauthorization Bill
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today praised House of Representative's passage of The Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development Act of 2018 (BUILD Act) as part of legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). With strong support in Congress, from the administration, and among key stakeholders, the BUILD Act, coauthored by Corker and Coons in the Senate, will p… Continue Reading
September 26, 2018
Corker, Menendez: PEPFAR Reauthorization Bill Passes Committee, Extends Successful U.S. Program to Combat HIV/AIDS
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today praised committee passage of their legislation to extend the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for another five years. PEPFAR was established in 2003 as an emergency response to alleviate the epidemic of HIV/AIDS, primarily on the continent of Africa. "For more than 15 years, PEPFAR has saved millions of lives by beginning … Continue Reading
September 25, 2018
Corker: Peace Corps Reform Bill to Become Law
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today praised passage of Peace Corps reform legislation he authored in the Senate, which will now be sent to the president's desk to be signed into law. The Sam Farr and Nick Castle Peace Corps Reform Act of 2018 will improve access to medical care for volunteers, strengthen accountability and oversight, and enhance procedures to reduce the risk of crime in the countries in which volunteers serve.… Continue Reading
September 18, 2018
Corker Holds Fourth in Series of Hearings on US-Russia Relations
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today delivered the following remarks during a hearing on the status of U.S.-Russia arms control efforts. The hearing was the fourth in a series examining U.S. policy toward Russia. The committee heard testimony from Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Andrea L. Thompson and Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy David J. Trachtenberg. "First, I want to thank our wit… Continue Reading
September 05, 2018
Corker Convenes Third in Series of Hearings on US-Russia Relations
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today delivered the following remarks during a hearing on the value of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The hearing was the third in a series examining U.S. policy toward Russia. The committee heard testimony from Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations; Nicholas Burns, former U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO; and Stanley Sloan, a professor at Middlebury Col… Continue Reading
August 21, 2018
Corker Convenes Second in Series of Hearings on US-Russia Relations
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today delivered the following remarks during a hearing on U.S.-Russia relations. The hearing is the second in a series examining U.S. policy toward Russia. "We want to thank our witnesses for being here today for the second in a series of hearings on Russia. "This committee is attempting to get a clearer sense of the administration's overall posture on Russia. And again, we thank you both for be… Continue Reading
August 16, 2018
Corker Convenes Nomination Hearing for Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today delivered the following remarks during a hearing on the nomination of Ambassador David Hale to serve as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs. "Today we will consider the nomination of Ambassador David Hale to serve our country as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs at the State Department. "We welcome you and thank you for your service to our country for many, many yea… Continue Reading
August 02, 2018
Corker Convenes Hearing for Nominee to Head State Department Trafficking in Persons Office
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, yesterday convened a hearing on nominations for Director of the State Department Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs (PM). The committee heard testimony from John Richmond, the nominee for the TIP office, and R. Clarke Cooper, the nominee for the PM bureau. "We cannot forget that modern slavery exists because pe… Continue Reading
July 26, 2018
Corker, Menendez Applaud Committee Passage of Bill Demanding Turkey End Unjust Detention of US Citizens
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today applauded committee passage of their bipartisan legislation demanding Turkey end the unjust detention of U.S. citizens in Turkey, including Pastor Andrew Brunson. The bill, introduced last week along with Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), would restrict loans from internati… Continue Reading
July 25, 2018
Corker Opening Statement at Hearing Featuring Testimony From Secretary of State Pompeo
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today delivered the following opening statement at a hearing featuring testimony from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on President Donald J. Trump's recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as the administration's ongoing dialogue with North Korea. "Secretary Pompeo, we are glad to have you here today. We are grateful for your service to our country. I have faith in your leade… Continue Reading
July 24, 2018
Senate Committees Announce Series of Hearings on Russia
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, today announced their committees will hold a series of hearings on Russia. "We worked closely together to write the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, which substantially expanded sanctions on Russia and overwhelmingly passed both the Senate and House last summer, and are eager to continue the important work… Continue Reading
