Rep. Tom Emmer (R)

A. Resolve international and civil conflicts through diplomacy:

Engage diplomatically with other nations to resolve conflicts.

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.533: Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act. This bill establishes a statutory definition of Tibet that includes not only the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), but also areas outside of the TAR that have been designated by China's government as Tibetan Autonomous in Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu, and Yunnan provinces. Furthermore, the Office of the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues shall work to ensure that U.S. government statements and documents counter disinformation about Tibet by China's government and the Chinese Communist Party. This bill also states that it is U.S. policy that the dispute between Tibet and China must be resolved in accordance with international law by peaceful means through dialogue without preconditions. The bill passed the House 392-28, with 11 members not voting, and has been referred to the Senate for consideration. – Feb. 15, 2024 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/533/

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.3202, the Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act of 2023. This bill prohibits federal officials or employees from taking any action to recognize a Syrian government led by Bashar al-Assad. The bill also expands existing sanctions related to the Syrian conflict to cover additional activities and persons or entities. This bill passed the House 389-32. - February 14, 2024 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3202/

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.5961, the No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act. This bill requires the President to impose property-blocking sanctions on foreign financial institutions and international financial institutions that process, participate in, or facilitate a transaction involving certain Iranian funds (namely, the approximately $6 billion of Iranian funds that the Biden administration permitted to be transferred from restricted accounts in South Korea to restricted accounts in Qatar to facilitate the release of five U.S. citizens detained in Iran). It passed the House 307-119, with 1 present and 8 not voting and has been referred to the Senate. - November 30, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5961

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.3774, the SHIP Act, a bill that requires the President to impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions against foreign persons that knowingly transport, process, refine, or otherwise deal in petroleum and petroleum products originating in Iran. The bill passed the House 342-69 and has moved on to the Senate for consideration. - November 3, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3774

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.589, the Mahsa Amini Human Rights and Accountablity Act. The MAHSA legislation requires the President to impose property- and visa-blocking sanctions on certain foreign persons (individuals and entities) affiliated with Iran. This bill passed the House 410-3. - September 12, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/589

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.Res.132. This resolution, which passed the House 414-2, mourns the loss of life in Turkey (Turkiye) and Syria caused by the earthquakes in Turkey on February 6, 2023. The resolution also (1) applauds the work of humanitarian aid and rescue workers on the ground; and (2) condemns the efforts by the Assad regime of Syria to exploit the disaster to evade international pressure and accountability, including by preventing the United Nations from providing assistance through border crossings between Turkey and Syria. - Feb. 27, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/132/

Rep. Emmer voted yes to H.Res.104: Condemning the Chinese Communist Party's use of a high-altitude surveillance balloon over United States territory as a brazen violation of United States sovereignty. This resolution passed the House 419-0. – Feb. 9, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/104/

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.Con.Res.9, which passed the House 328-86 and has moved on to consideration in the Senate. This concurrent resolution denounces socialism, cites historical and current examples of harm caused by socialism, and opposes the implementation of socialist policies in the United States. – Feb. 2, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-concurrent-resolution/9

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.Amdt.34 to H.R.21, the Strategic Production Response Act. This amendment required that the plan contained in the bill will not result in the sale of petroleum products drawn from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to Iran, China, North Korea, or Russia. The amendment passed 418-12 and H.R.21 later passed the House 221 - 205. - Jan. 26, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/amendment/118th-congress/house-amendment/34

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.Con.Res.7, which passed the House 420-1. This concurrent resolution, which has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expresses support for the women and men of Iran who are (1) participating in the current protests to defend their fundamental human rights, and (2) risking their safety to speak out against the human rights abuses committed by the Iranian regime. The resolution condemns (1) the brutal beating and death of Mahsa Amini; and (2) the violent suppression by the Iranian regime of women and men participating in the current demonstrations, including children, and calls for transparent accountability for all killings of protesters by Iranian security forces. Finally, the resolution encourages continued efforts by the Biden Administration to respond to the protests, including the recent sanctioning of the Iranian morality police. - January 25, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-concurrent-resolution/7

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.22, Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act. This bill prohibits the sale and export of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to China. It passed the House 331-97 and has moved on to consideration in the Senate. - Jan. 12, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/22/

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.Res.11 - Establishing the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. This resolution authorizes the select committee to investigate and submit policy recommendations concerning the status of the economic, technological, and security progress of the Chinese Communist Party and its competition with the United States. The resolution passed the House 365-65. - Jan. 10, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/11/

Rep. Emmer voted against H.R.8393, the Puerto Rico Status Act, which passed the House 233-191 and moved on to the Senate. This bill provides for a vote to be held on November 5, 2023, to resolve Puerto Rico's political status. Eligible voters would be given a choice of independence, sovereignty in free association with the United States, or statehood. - December 15, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/8393

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of S.3895, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act. The purpose of the commission is to investigate and evaluate threats to, and violations of, religious freedom around the world; its activities include putting certain countries on a “Special Watch List” or designating them as “countries of particular concern” with respect to religious freedom. This bill, which had previously passed the Senate, passed the House 402-4 and was subsequently signed into law by the President. – Sept. 19, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3895

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.Con.Res.59, a concurrent resolution condemning the October 25, 2021 coup in Sudan and standing with the people of Sudan. This bill recognizes the Prime Minister and his Cabinet as the constitutional leaders of Sudan’s transitional government and calls for Sudan’s military junta to release individuals detained in connection with the coup, return the country to constitutional rule, and lift the state of emergency. It also calls on international partners to impose targeted sanctions on the junta and suspend Sudan’s participation in regional multilateral organizations until there is a return to constitutional rule. The bill passed the House 417-7 and has been placed on the Senate calendar. - July 14, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-concurrent-resolution/59/

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.Res.720, which passed the House 409-18. This resolution condemns the terrorist attacks and violence carried out by ISIS-Mozambique in the Cabo Delgado Province and urges the government of Mozambique to take actions to counter violent extremism and protect its citizens. - July 14, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/720

Rep. Emmer became cosponsor of H.R.7892. This bill, which has been referred to two committees, prohibits the purchase of agricultural real estate located in the US by persons or entities associated with the government of the People’s Republic of China. - May 27, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7892

Rep. Emmer voted yes on H.R.7066, the Russia and Belarus Financial Sanctions Act of 2022. This bill requires financial institutions to take actions to ensure that any entity controlled by that institution complies with the required sanctions on Russia and Belarus. The bill, which passed the House 418-2, has been referred to the Committee on Housing, Banking, and Urban Affairs. - May 11, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7066

Rep. Emmer cosponsored (as of 3/16/2022), and voted yes, on H.R.6899, the Russia and Belarus SDR Exchange Prohibition Act of 2022. This bill prohibits the Department of the Treasury from engaging in any transaction involving the exchange of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) held by Russia or Belarus and requires Treasury to take actions to oppose financial assistance to Russia or Belarus. The bill, which passed the House 417-2, subsequently passed the Senate by unanimous consent on 9/21/22 and became public law on 10/4/22. - May 11, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/6899

Rep. Emmer voted yes for H.R.6891, the Isolate Russian Government Officials Act of 2022. This bill requires various financial entities to exclude Russian government officials from certain international meetings. The bill which passed the House 416-2, has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. - May 11, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/6891

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of S.812, a bill to direct the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to regain observer status for Taiwan in the World Health Organization. This bill passed the House unanimously 425-0 after passing the Senate by unanimous consent. - April 27, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/833

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.7314, the AXIS Act, which passed the House 394-3 and has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. This bill requires the State Department of State to periodically report to Congress on whether and how China's government, the Chinese Communist Party, or any other Chinese entity has provided support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. - April 27, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7314

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.7311, Countering Malign Russian Activities in Africa Act, which passed the House 415-9 and has been referred to Senate Foreign Relations. This bill requires the Department of State to report to Congress a strategy and implementation plan outlining U.S. efforts to counter Russia's malign influence and activities in Africa, and to provide annual updates on this plan. - April 27, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7311

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.6930, the Asset Seizure for Ukraine Reconstruction Act. This bill passed the House 417-8 and has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The legislation establishes a working group to determine the legal mechanisms that may be used to seize assets belonging to certain foreign entities affiliated with Russia's political leadership and addresses related issues. - April 27, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/6930

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.3344, the Transatlantic Telecommunications Security Act, legislation which directs federal agencies to help Central and Eastern European countries improve the security of their telecommunications networks. This bill, which passed the House 366-60 and has been referred to Senate Foreign Relations, requires the countries receiving support to not use Chinese equipment. - April 27, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3344

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.923, the Georgia Support Act, which passed the House 406-20. This bill, which has been referred to Senate Foreign Relations, requires sanctions on persons responsible for human rights violations in the Georgian regions that are occupied by Russia. It also requires the Department of State to report to Congress on various topics related to Georgia. - April 27, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/923

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.496, the Ukraine Religious Freedom Support Act, which passed the House 421-4 and has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. This bill directs the President, when determining whether Russia is a country of particular concern for religious freedom under certain federal laws, to consider incidents occurring in the parts of Ukraine that Russia (or any Russia-affiliated non-state group) occupies, controls, or recognizes as independent. - April 27, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/496

Rep. Emmer cosponsored H.R.7437, a bill that would prohibit the importation of wood and related articles from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, and for other purposes. This legislation has been referred to several committees. - April 14, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7437/

Rep. Emmer announced his effort to support donations from the Sixth District’s Federal Ammunition to Ukraine. The Anoka-based Vista Outdoor, which includes Federal, CCI, Remington and Speer ammunition brands, announced earlier this month that they were working to donate one million rounds of ammunition to Ukrainian forces. Congressman Emmer worked directly with Vista Outdoor and Federal Premium to prioritize and expedite the transfer within various federal agencies, including the Departments of State and Commerce. This week the donation was cleared by U.S. officials and the shipment process has begun. Congressman Emmer said, “The Ukrainian people need ammunition as they defend against ongoing, brutal Russian attacks. Our domestic industrial base, led by Federal Ammunition, has stepped up through their ammunition donation. I was proud to work with Federal in facilitating action and progress within the Executive Branch so that we can get Minnesota-made ammunition in the hands of Ukrainian forces fighting for their democracy.” - March 17, 2022 https://emmer.house.gov/2022/3/emmer-works-with-sixth-district-companies-to-support-ukraine

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.7108 which passed the House 424 – 8. This bill suspends normal trade relations with Russia and Belarus. It also permanently authorizes the President to impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions based on violations of human rights, and it revises the President's authority to impose these sanctions. - March 17, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7108

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.6968, which passed the House 414 - 17. This bill prohibits the importation of energy products from Russia. It also permanently authorizes the President to impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions based on violations of human rights, and it revises the President's authority to impose these sanctions. - March 9, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/6968

Rep. Emmer became cosponsor of H.R.6981- American Ammo in Defense of Ukraine Act. This bill would authorize the President to waive export criteria and transportation and related costs for transportation of certain ammunition and ordnance to supply entities providing ammunition to Ukraine. This bill has been referred to HFAC. - March 8, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/6981/

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.Res.956, Supporting the People of Ukraine, which passed 426 - 3. This resolution demands an immediate cease-fire and the full withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory and expresses unequivocal support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also backs the continued use of sanctions to fully isolate the Putin regime economically and urges the United States and its allies and partners to deliver additional and immediate defensive security assistance to Ukraine. - March 2, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/956

Rep. Emmer was one of a group of lawmakers who wrote a letter to Treasury Secretary Yellen asking that the Biden administration advocate for cutting Russia off from IMF financing. - Feb. 28, 2022 https://justfacts.votesmart.org/public-statement/1589827/

In response to the news of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Rep. Emmer stated: “Vladimir Putin’s unwarranted invasion of Ukraine is a result of weak leadership on the world stage. Our hearts go out to the Ukrainian people and their families as they bear the brunt of these unlawful actions, and our response to these aggressions must be done in a swift and unwavering manner that holds Russia – and any other nation seeking to violate international law – to account, while restoring American energy and economic dominance here at home.” - Feb. 24, 2022 https://emmer.house.gov/2022/2/emmer-statement-on-russian-invasion-of-ukraine

Rep. Emmer was one of a large group of lawmakers who wrote to ICE demanding answers regarding the ‘catch and release’ border policy program. This was in response to reports that a large number of illegal aliens who were conditionally released from ICE custody with a Notice to Report failed to check-in with authorities in 2021. - Feb. 3, 2022 [https://justfacts.votesmart.org/public-statement/1586213/]

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.Res.317 - Condemning the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity being committed against Uyghurs and members of other religious and ethnic minority groups by the People's Republic of China. The bill passed the House 427-1. - Dec. 8, 2021 [www.congress.gov]

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.1155, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which passed the House 428-1. This bill imposes various restrictions related to China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous region, including by prohibiting certain imports from Xinjiang and imposing sanctions on those responsible for human rights violations there. - Dec. 8, 2021 [www.congress.gov]

Rep. Emmer became a cosponsor of H.R.6069: To express support of United States for Taiwan’s relations with countries around the world. This bill has been referred to HFAC. “I am proud to stand with my colleagues as an original co-sponsor of the Promoting Ties with Taiwan Act. A strong relationship between our two nations is imperative, as the United States remains one of Taiwan’s largest trading partners,” said Rep. Emmer.“It’s time we develop a comprehensive strategy to support Taiwan, expand their global partnerships, and advance a more unified future with our allies.” - Nov. 23, 2021 https://www.congress.gov & https://justfacts.votesmart.org/public-statement/1578082/

Rep. Emmer was one of a large number of signers of a letter to DHS Secretary Mayokas which expressed serious concerns over an organized migrant caravan on its way from southern Mexico and containing an estimated 3,000+ migrants from Haiti and Central and South America. Among other things, the signers of the letter wondered what DHS had done to prepare for this caravan, including making diplomatic efforts with Central American Countries to try to stop it. Quote from letter: “In the past year alone, U.S. Border Patrol has recorded nearly 1.7 million migrant apprehensions at the southern border, which is the highest number of illegal crossings in history. If the Administration does not begin to appropriately respond to these caravans and the ongoing border crisis, these surges will surely continue.” - November 4, 2021 [https://justfacts.votesmart.org/public-statement/1573263/]

Rep. Emmer voted yes on S.1064, the RENACER Act, which passed the House 387-35. It had previously passed Senate (apparently without a vote) and went on to the President, who signed it into law. RENACER stands for “Reinforcing Nicaragua's Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform Act of 2021”. The goal of the legislation is “To advance the strategic alignment of United States diplomatic tools toward the realization of free, fair, and transparent elections in Nicaragua and to reaffirm the commitment of the United States to protect the fundamental freedoms and human rights of the people of Nicaragua, and for other purposes.” Among the points listed - “The United States should align the use of diplomatic engagement and all other foreign policy tools, including the use of targeted sanctions, in support of efforts by democratic political actors and civil society in Nicaragua to advance the necessary conditions for free, fair, and transparent elections in Nicaragua.” - Nov. 3, 2021 https://www.congress.gov

Rep. Emmer voted yes on H.Res.760, which passed the House 382-40. This resolution expresses solidarity with the Cuban people, condemns Cuba's repression of peaceful protesters and journalists, and calls on Cuba to not arrest or detain peaceful protestors and to release all political prisoners and arbitrarily detained individuals. Further, it urges specified U.S. actions: working to expand internet access for the Cuban people; supporting the Cuban people’s inherent right to demonstrate peacefully; standing behind the aspirations of the Cuban people for the rights that they have been denied by the regime since 1959; assessing whether the United States can develop methods to allow remittances, medical supplies, and other forms of support from the United States to directly benefit the Cuban people in ways that alleviate humanitarian suffering without providing United States dollars to the Cuban military; and rallying the international community to join in condemning human rights abuses and honoring the Cuban people’s demands for freedom. - 11/3/2021 https://www.congress.gov

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.4686 - Cambodia Democracy Act of 2021, which passed 403-17. This bill directs the President to impose sanctions on individuals responsible for acts to undermine democracy in Cambodia, including acts that constituted serious human rights violations. - September 28, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. Emmer co-authored an op-ed “Don’t Let China Rewrite the Rules for the Global Economy” . He emphasized several points: China feels entitled to a greater say in global organizations such as WHO, IMF, the World Bank, and the G20. “The U.S. must make it clear that they haven’t earned it.” “The Chinese Communist Party has defied international norms of behavior by assaulting Hong Kong’s democracy, stonewalling inquiries into the origins of COVID-19, and carrying out genocide in Xinjiang. It’s masochistic to believe that a genocidal and expansionary Chinese Communist Party that rejects global rules is qualified to hold greater sway over international financial institutions.” “Keeping the pressure on China will be vital until it starts playing by the rules.” - Sept. 24, 2021[https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/view_newsletter.aspx?id=107470&c=MN06TE ]

Rep. Emmer was one of the signers of a letter to Secretary of State Blinken, demanding that he address the religious freedom violations occurring in Nigeria. Nigeria has been designated a CPC or country of particular concern because of severe violations of religious freedom. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom's (USCIRF) offers a range of policy recommendations, including possible sanctions, to address these severe violations. - Sept. 3, 2021 https://hice.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6526

Rep. Emmer voted against H.R.256: To repeal the 2002 AUMF Against Iraq Resolution. The bill passed the House 268 – 161 and moved on to the Senate. - June 17, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. Emmer is a cosponsor of H.R.2718 - Maximum Pressure Act. Purpose is: To impose additional sanctions with respect to Iran and modify other existing sanctions with respect to Iran, and for other purposes. One of the leading sentences in the bill states: “Iran is the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism. It seeks “death to America” and the destruction of the state of Israel.” The bill states that the JCPOA was fatally flawed and also states that it is the policy of the United States to deny Iran all paths to nuclear weapons and ICBM capability, roll back its malign influence in the Middle East, to support the human rights of the Iranian people, to require that any new agreement with Iran be submitted to the Senate for ratification, and that all sanctions should be kept in place until the regime meets a set of 12 demands laid out in 2018 by then Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. This bill has subsequently been referred to the House Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship. - May 7, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. Emmer voted against the NO BAN Act, H.R.1333, a bill which imposes limitations on the President's authority to suspend or restrict aliens from entering the United States. The legislation also prohibits religious discrimination in various immigration-related decisions unless there is a statutory basis for such discrimination. This bill passed the House 218-208. - April 21, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. Emmer voted “yea” on H.Res.134: Condemning the military coup that took place on February 1, 2021, in Burma and the Burmese military detention of civilian leaders, calling for the release of all those detained and for those elected to serve Parliament to resume their duties. The resolution passed 398 – 14. - March 19, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. Emmer became a cosponsor of H.Res.118 - Expressing support for the Iranian people's desire for a democratic, secular, and non-nuclear Republic of Iran and condemning violations of human rights and state-sponsored terrorism by the Iranian Government. This bill has been referred to committee. - Feb. 11, 2021 [congress.gov]

On March 11, 2020, Rep. Emmer voted against S.J. Res. 68, a joint resolution to direct removal of US Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress. The resolution passed the House 227-186 after having previously passed the Senate. However, President Trump vetoed it on May 6, 2020. (congress.gov & govtrack.us)

Rep. Emmer voted against H. Con. Res. 83: Directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran. The resolution passed 224-194. – Jan. 9, 2020 (govtrack.us)

2019:

Representative Emmer voted “No” to NDAA amendments to repeal the 2001 and 2002 AUMF. -07/19

He also voted “No” to the Khanna-Gaetz “No War with Iran” amendment. – 07/19

2015:

Rep. Emmer introduced H. J. Res. 73, which would have declared “that a state of war exists between the Islamic State and the Government and the people of the United States.” He said: “The Islamic State has declared war against America and now we have an obligation to act. The wolf of tyranny is at our doorstep and now is the time to euthanize this evil before it enters America’s home. Congress must exercise its constitutional authority through this Declaration of War and give the President the power to utilize all facets of our military and diplomatic strength to successfully defeat our enemies. It is time that we speak with one voice and unite as a country against the Islamic State.” The resolution had no cosponsors and died out without a vote. – November 18-19, 2015 (Emmer press release)

By all accounts the Cuban people are worse off today than when [the embargo] started. So clearly that’s not working, he said. And I’m supportive of engaging in diplomacy, starting to re-engage in diplomatic relations with Cuba, to begin that process to hopefully someday getting to normalize that relationship. But it’s two separate things. One, it’s diplomacy, and down the road is normalization. – 2/6/15 Minnpost

Promote stability by replacing US military aid with development aid.

Rep. Emmer voted “NO” on H.Amdt.165 to H.R.4521. This amendment, which failed 175-255, would have required the Treasury Secretary to conduct an analysis of the humanitarian impact of the confiscation of the assets of Afghanistan’s central bank, as well as its impact on the political power of the PRC and other entities in the region, and any increase in illicit financial activities involving the PRC that may have occurred as a result. - Feb. 3, 2022 [ https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/202225 ]

Rep. Emmer was one of the signers of a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen urging intervention with the International Monetary Fund to ensure that no SDR’s (Special Drawing Rights) are made available to Taliban-led Afghanistan. Quote from the letter: “Billions of dollars from the next SDR allocation will go into the hands of bad actors including state sponsors of terror, like Iran and Syria, and oppressive regimes such as China, Russia, and Belarus. After the events in Afghanistan of the past two weeks and the fall of the Afghan government on Sunday, the Taliban has been added to the list of rogue regimes. These events call for the United States to cut off hard currency to the Taliban, including through its access to Afghanistan’s SDRs.” – August 17, 2021 https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8644

After Rep. Emmer visited Ethiopia and Kenya, he views “aid can help countries prosper, which makes them and their citizens less likely to be threats to U.S. national security” – Slack, Donovan. “GOP Rep. Tom Emmer takes heat from right”. – April 15, 2015 (St. Cloud Times, sctimes.com)

Support resolution of the Israeli Palestinian conflict through determined, balanced and multilateral diplomacy.

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.8369, the Israel Security Assistance Support Act. This bill specifies that no federal funds may be used to withhold, halt, reverse, or cancel the delivery of defense articles or defense services to Israel. The bill passed the House 224-187 and has been referred to the Senate. - May 16, 2024 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/8369/

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.6090, the Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023: To provide for the consideration of a definition of antisemitism set forth by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance for the enforcement of Federal antidiscrimination laws concerning education programs or activities. This bill passed the House 320-91. - May 1, 2024 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/6090/

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.Res.883, which passed the House 377-44, with one vote of “present”. This resolution expresses the sense that the slogan "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" is antisemitic and must be strongly condemned. The resolution states that the slogan is divisive and does a disservice to Israelis, Palestinians, and all those in the region who seek peace. - April 16, 2024 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/883

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.7217, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024. This bill provides FY2024 supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of State for activities to respond to the attacks in Israel. The bill failed in the House even though the vote was 250 Yes to 180 No, because a 2/3 majority was required.- Feb. 6, 2024 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/7217

Rep. Emmer voted yes to H.R.6679: No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act. This bill imposes immigration-related penalties on certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who are involved with terrorism or attacks against Israel. Under this bill, members of Palestinian Islamic Jihad or Hamas or who participated in or otherwise facilitated the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel may not be admitted into the United States. This bill passed the House 422-2, with 1 present and 6 not voting and has now been referred to the Senate. - January 31, 2024 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/6679/

Rep. Emmer signed a letter to SoS Blinken calling the ICJ case against Israel “grossly unfounded” and saying that “South Africa’s accusation of genocide against Israel exposes how far Israel’s enemies will go in their attempts to demonize the Jewish state.” The letter was signed by 210 US lawmakers and backed by AIPAC. - January 23, 2024 https://chrissmith.house.gov/uploadedfiles/smith_manning_letter_to_sec._blinken_re._south_africa_claims_against_israel_at_ijc_1.23.24.pdf & https://www.commondreams.org/news/aipac-south-africa-israel

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.Res.894: Strongly condemning and denouncing the drastic rise of antisemitism in the United States and around the world. One of the points of the resolution is that “anti-Zionism is antisemitism”. The resolution passed the House 311-14, with 92 members voting “present” and 17 “not voting”. - December 5, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/894/text

Majority Whip Tom Emmer today delivered the following remarks condemning the rise of antisemitism on college campuses, as four Jewish college students shared the personal attacks they have faced from fellow classmates and school faculty. Whip Emmer also noted the action House Republicans are taking this week to denounce antisemitism in the United States and around the world. Whip Emmer: “This week will mark two months since Hamas murdered 1,200 people in cold blood, abducted over 200 innocent people, and brutally raped women. All because of their deep-seated hatred for the Jewish people. Good vs. evil could not be more clear in this situation. But sadly, there are people who have sided with evil and chosen hatred toward their Jewish peers – including on college campuses. Perhaps even more appalling, many so-called ‘leaders' on these campuses have turned their backs on Jewish students and allowed antisemitism to run rampant. I commend the students who’ve joined us today to share their experiences. They’ve shown more courage, frankly, than the administrators who were supposed to protect them and support them. And I know we all look forward to hearing what these administrators have to say for themselves at Chairwoman Foxx’s hearing today. There has been a 388 percent increase in antisemitic incidents of harassment, vandalism, and assault in America since October 7. Let’s make no mistake about it: Never again is now. There can be no tolerance for antisemitism, and tolerance includes silence. So, today, House Republicans will show the world where we stand by passing Congressman David Kustoff’s resolution condemning the concerning rise in antisemitism that we’ve seen here at home and across the globe. There’s simply no place for it in our society.” - December 5, 2023 https://www.majoritywhip.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=333

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.Res.793, which passed the House 414 - 0. This resolution calls on Hamas to immediately release hostages taken during its October 2023 attack on Israel. The resolution (1) condemns Hamas for attacking Israel, taking hostages, and for threats made against hostages; (2) demands that Hamas immediately release hostages; (3) recognizes that hostage-taking is a violation of international humanitarian law; and (4) expresses sympathy to the hostages, wounded, deceased, and their families. - Nov. 28, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/793

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.Res.888 - Reaffirming the State of Israel's right to exist. This resolution also (1) recognizes that denying Israel's right to exist is a form of antisemitism; (2) rejects calls for Israel's destruction; and (3) condemns the Hamas-led attack on Israel. The resolution passed the House 412-1 where one MOC voted “present” and 21 others did not vote. – Nov. 28, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/888/

Majority Whip Tom Emmer gave the following remarks condemning the barbaric actions of Hamas and reaffirming House Republicans’ support for Israel, as families of hostages in Gaza shared their stories. Whip Emmer: “One month ago today, the world watched as Hamas terrorists committed the worst massacre of Jewish people in a single day since the Holocaust. They burned babies alive, gundowned innocent civilians, slaughtered families, and took hundreds of civilians hostage – including women, children, and the elderly. The stories we have heard from that day are heartbreaking and haunting. But we must not forget them. Today, we have the honor of being joined by several families who had their own loved ones taken hostage by Hamas. They bravely share their stories so that we won’t forget – and the world won’t forget – what kind of barbaric evil Israel is fighting against. To the families that were here with us, I want you to know that House Republicans are with you and we join you in calling for the safe return of your family members, and all hostages, in Gaza. And to everyone else listening, let me be very clear: The State of Israel has a right to exist and to defend its people. And Israel is completely justified in its mission to eradicate Hamas once and for all. So long as Republicans are in the majority, this House will proudly stand with Israel.” - November 7, 2023 https://www.majoritywhip.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=304

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.Res.845: Censuring Representative Rashida Tlaib. The resolution alleges that she promoted false narratives regarding the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and called for the destruction of the state of Israel. The resolution passed the House 234-188. - November 7, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/845/

After cosponsoring it on 11/01/2023, Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.6126, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024, which would provide $14.3B in FY2024 supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of State for activities to respond to the attacks in Israel. The bill passed the House 226-196 and has moved on to the Senate. - November 2, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/6126

After having cosponsored it on 10/11/2023, Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.Res.771: Standing with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists. The resolution passed the House 412 - 10. - October 25, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/771/

Rep. Emmer cosponsored H.Res.768: Standing with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists. This resolution has been referred to House Foreign Affairs. – October 10, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/768/

Following Israeli President Herzog’s address to a joint session of Congress, Rep. Emmer and the other Republican members of the House delegation from Minnesota issued the following statement: “We strongly condemn anti-Semitism in all its forms, which is why we proudly voted to affirm our relationship with Israel and reject the absurd notion that Israel is a racist state. Despite recent comments made by some in our delegation, we Minnesota Republicans are united in standing with Israel and committed to doing everything possible to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship.” House Majority Whip Emmer also spoke publicly on the matter: “Let me be clear. Any anti-Israel rhetoric or action will not, it will never, and it will not be tolerated so long as House Republicans are in the majority. Yesterday, we sent a resounding message that anti-Semitism will not be given any oxygen on our side of the aisle. And today, by welcoming President Herzog to the Capitol, we reminded the world of the unbreakable alliance the United States and Israel share. I can only hope that the Biden White House and Democrats in Congress will eventually join us in our resolve to stand with Israel without hesitation.” - July 19, 2023 https://www.minnpost.com/dc-memo/2023/07/d-c-memo-israels-herzogs-speech-roils-minnesota-delegation/ & https://www.majoritywhip.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=216

Rep. Emmer voted yes to H.Con.Res.57 – Expressing the sense of Congress that (1) Israel is not a racist or apartheid state, that (2) Congress rejects all forms of antisemitism and xenophobia, and (3) the US will always be a staunch partner and supporter of Israel. The resolution passed the House 412-9 and on 7/25/2023, it was agreed to in the Senate. - July 18, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-concurrent-resolution/57/

On 11/17/2021, Rep. Emmer became a cosponsor of H.R.6004, Upholding the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Law Act of 2021. This law would prohibit the use of funds for a United States Embassy, Consulate General, Legation, Consular Office, or any other diplomatic facility in Jerusalem other than the United States Embassy to the State of Israel, and for other purposes. This bill has now been referred to the Subcommittee on Middle East, North Africa and Global Counterterrorism. - Feb. 22, 2022 [https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/6004]

Rep. Emmer was one of a large group of House members who signed a letter to President Biden expressing opposition to plans to re-open the U.S. consulate general in Jerusalem, an office which would provide separate diplomatic outreach to Palestinians. Several reasons were given for the opposition to this move, including that it supposedly contravenes the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995, legislation which has strong bipartisan support, as well as the opposition of Israel, and that it would “turn a blind eye to the Palestinian Authority engaging in the real obstacles to peace.” - October 27, 2021 https://justfacts.votesmart.org/public-statement/1569867/letter-to-hon-joe-biden-president-of-the-united-states-congressman-van-drew-issues-statement-on-the-biden-administrations-proposal-to-re-open-a-palestinian-consulate-in-jerusalem

On May 25, 2021, Rep. Emmer became a co-sponsor of H.R.2748 - Israel Relations Normalization Act of 2021. The bill has since come out of the Foreign Affairs Committee and was ordered to be reported. This bill requires the Department of State to take certain actions promoting the normalization of relations between Israel, Arab states, and other relevant countries and regions. - Sept. 30, 2021 [www.congress.gov]

Rep. Emmer voted yes in favor of H.R.5323, the Iron Dome Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022. This bill provides $1 billion in supplemental appropriations for the Department of Defense to provide to the government of Israel for the procurement of the defense system to counter short-range rocket threats. The bill passed, 420 yeas to 9 nays. - September 23, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. Emmer signed a letter from 110 members of the House to President Biden asserting Israel’s right to self defense and the importance of security assistance to Israel. “ We must work together to help our ally defend itself from Hamas and other threats, and to cut off the support to Hamas that enables it to kill and injure Israeli and Palestinian civilians.” The letter also urges investigation of whether Hamas is using human shields, a determination which would lead to mandatory sanctions. - May 19, 2021 [https://justfacts.votesmart.org/public-statement/1533047/letter-to-president-joseph-r-biden-bergman-colleagues-send-letter-to-president-biden-supporting-israels-right-to-self-defense-against-hamas-terrorists]

Rep. Emmer is a co-sponsor of H.Res.1110 – This resolution supports the announcements of (1) the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and between Israel and Bahrain, and (2) the suspension of Israeli actions to apply sovereignty in parts of the West Bank. Further, it calls on each of these countries to encourage greater people-to-people normalization, and it calls on other Arab and Muslim countries to establish full relations with Israel. It also reaffirms the House of Representatives’ support for a negotiated, two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. – 10/09//2020 [congress.gov]

2019:

Rep. Emmer is signatory to a letter from House members to Sec. General Guterres of the UN expressing concerns about threats to Israel from Hezbollah. The letter asked for full implementation of UNSCR 1701 which calls for Lebanese sovereignty, the disarmament of armed groups in Lebanon, and allows a United Nations Interim Force to help Lebanon secure its border. – 11/18/2019 (votesmart.org)

-Rep Emmer co-sponsored H.Res.72 Rejecting anti-Israel and anti-Semitic hatred in the United States and around the world. – February 13, 2019 (congress.gov)

On 6/04/2019, Rep. Emmer cosponsored H.R. 1837, the U.S. Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security Act. This bill calls for improvements to certain defense and security assistance provisions and to authorize assistance for Israel, and for other purposes. The bill passed by voice vote on 7/23/19. (congress.gov)

On 4/29/2019, Rep. Emmer co-sponsored HR 246, opposing efforts to de-legitimize the State of Israel and the Global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement targeting Israel. He also voted for the bill, which passed 398-17 on July 23, 2019. (congress.gov)

2015:

Rep. Emmer attended Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech. With the Iranian nuclear deal approaching, U.S. allied Yemen falling to terrorists, the horrific violence by ISIL threatening regional security and Israeli and US interests, it’s absolutely necessary for Prime Minister Netanyahu to address Congress on the dire situation in the Middle East. It is imperative for Members of Congress to have open ears and an open mind for us to properly address these threats and their global impact. We must be able to listen to a world leader address the grave circumstances facing an ally in such trying times, regardless of political differences. – 2/10/15 (MPR News Capitol View, Tom Scheck)

B. Build an infrastructure for peace and prosperity:

Develop and strengthen alternatives to military force such as civilian peacekeeping forces, diplomacy, mediation and conflict resolution, and significantly grow the US diplomatic corps.

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.2766, the Uyghur Policy Act of 2023. The bill authorizes the establishment of a Special Coordinator for Uyghur Issues position within the Department of State. The State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs may make certain funds available to human rights advocates working on behalf of Uyghurs and members of other persecuted minority groups from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Any such funds shall be used to facilitate the presence of human rights advocates at public diplomacy forums to speak on issues related to the human rights and religious freedoms of persecuted minority groups in China. The State Department must ensure that Uyghur language training is available to Foreign Service officers, and that a Uyghur-speaking member of the Foreign Service is assigned to U.S. diplomatic and consular posts in China. This bill passed the House on 2/15/2024 by a vote of 414-6, and it has been referred to the Senate. - Feb. 15, 2024 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2766

Rep. Emmer voted against H.Res.1519, which passed the House 217-201. This bill sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8393) to enable the people of Puerto Rico to choose a permanent, nonterritorial, fully self-governing political status for Puerto Rico and to provide for a transition to and the implementation of that permanent, nonterritorial, fully self-governing political status. - Dec. 15, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/1519/

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.4785: To support the human rights of Uyghurs and members of other minority groups residing primarily in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and safeguard their distinct identity. Among other things, the bill authorizes the establishment of a Special Coordinator for Uyghur Issues position within the Department of State and also requires the State Department to ensure that a Uyghur-speaking member of the Foreign Service is assigned to U.S. diplomatic and consular missions in China. The bill passed the House 407-17 and moved on to the Senate. - December 1, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4785/

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.Res.833, which passed the House 409 – 17. This resolution urges the U.S. government, European Union, and other transatlantic partners to increase cooperation and support for Moldova's democratic development, economic and energy independence, and efforts to root out corruption, and reaffirms that it is U.S. policy to support the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Moldova. - April 27, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/833

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.4133, the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Act. This legislation allocates funds for purposes such as (1) promoting citizen safety, security, and the rule of law in the Caribbean; (2) prioritizing efforts to combat corruption; and (3) promoting the rule of law in the Caribbean and countering influence from authoritarian regimes. This bill passed the House 340-86 and has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. - April 27, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4133

Rep. Emmer joined a bipartisan, bicameral letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken in support of adoptions of Ukrainian children by American families. The letter was led by the chairs of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, of which Congressman Emmer is a member. Specifically, the letter asks that the State Department identify vulnerable children who have begun the adoption process to prevent additional trauma. Further, the signers requested that the United States work with the Ukrainian government to allow children with in-process adoptions to stay in the United States with their host families, instead of in locations for displaced persons in Europe. - April 12, 2022 https://emmer.house.gov/2022/4/icymi-emmer-sends-letter-in-support-of-adoptions-from-ukraine

Rep. Emmer voted against H.R.5665, the Combating International Islamophobia Act. The bill, which passed the House 219-212, establishes within the Department of State the Office to Monitor and Combat Islamophobia to be headed by the Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating Islamophobia. The bill also requires information about Islamophobia to be included in certain existing annual reports to Congress about human rights and religious freedom in foreign countries. No funds made available pursuant to the bill may be used to promote BDS or to endorse a Muslim ban. - Dec. 14, 2021 [https://justfacts.votesmart.org/bill/32019/83814/38894/]

Rep. Emmer voted yes on H. Res. 387: Condemning continued violence against civilians by armed groups in the Central African Republic and supporting efforts to achieve a lasting political solution to the conflict. The resolution passed 378-7. – March 3, 2020 (congress.gov)

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R. 4331: The Tibetan Policy and Support Act. Its purpose is to modify and reauthorize the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002. This includes such provisions as: increasing diplomatic representation by establishing a US consulate in Lhasa; grants to NGOs to support sustainable economic development, cultural and historic preservation, health care, and environmental sustainability projects for Tibetan communities; pursuing collaborative efforts to monitor the Tibetan plateau, from which the PRC is diverting water; respecting the right of the Tibetan Buddhist community to choose its own spiritual leaders without the interference of the PR; and funds for programs to strengthen Tibetan governance. The bill passed 392-22. – 1/28/2020 (congress.gov/govtrack.us)

Commit the US to strengthening the United Nations and approving agreements and treaties such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty that reduce the risk of war.

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.8282, the Illegitimate Court Interaction Act: To impose sanctions with respect to the International Criminal Court engaged in any effort to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute any protected person of the United States and its allies. The bill passed the House 247-155 and has been referred to the Senate. - June 4, 2024 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/8282/

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.Res.149: Condemning the illegal abduction and forcible transfer of children from Ukraine to the Russian Federation. This resolution, which passed the House 390-9, also declares that illegal adoptions are contrary to the Genocide Convention (a 1948 treaty adopted by the UN General Assembly); (2) claims that Russia is attempting to wipe out a generation of Ukrainian children; and (3) asserts that Russia's invasion of Ukraine has increased the risks of children being exposed to human trafficking, exploitation, child labor, gender-based violence, hunger, injury, trauma, deprivation of education and shelter, and death. – March 19, 2024 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/149/

Rep. Emmer voted against H.Amdt.44 to H.R.21, the Strategic Production Response Act. The amendment would limit the plan where oil and gas leasing would be inconsistent with the goals of the Paris Climate Accords. The amendment failed 199-229, while H.R.21 passed 221 - 205. H.R.21 has been referred to the Senate. - Jan. 27, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/amendment/118th-congress/house-amendment/44

Rep. Emmer cosponsored H.Res.744: Condemning the Government of Iran's state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This resolution was agreed to in the House on 12/1/2022. - Sept. 19, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/744/

Rep. Emmer became a cosponsor of H.R.7916. This bill, which has been referred to HFAC, would prohibit the use of funds to implement any obligations of the United States under the World Health Organization's Global Pandemic Treaty. - May 31, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7916

Rep. Emmer became a cosponsor of H.R.419, no Taxpayer Funding for the World Health Organization Act. This bill, which has been referred to HFAC, prohibits the United States from providing any assessed or voluntary contributions to WHO. - May 13, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/419

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.7276, the Ukraine Invasion War Crimes Deterrence and Accountability Act. Its purpose is to direct the President to submit to Congress a report on United States Government efforts to collect, analyze, and preserve evidence and information related to war crimes and any other atrocities committed during the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine since February 24, 2022. This bill passed the House 418 – 7. - April 6, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7276

Rep. Emmer was one of a large group of lawmakers who signed a letter to President Biden saying that Congress must have a say in any new Iran deal. Quote from letter: “If you forge an agreement with the Supreme Leader of Iran without formal Congressional approval, it will be temporary and non-binding and will meet the same fate as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).” - Feb. 16, 2022 https://justfacts.votesmart.org/public-statement/1591754/

Rep. Emmer voted “YES” on H.Amdt.167 to H.R.4521. This amendment, which failed 196-235, would have rescinded U.S. participation in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.- Feb. 3, 2022 [https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/202227]

Rep. Emmer was signatory to a letter from a large group of House Republicans to Secretary of State Blinken urging the Biden administration to “immediately withdraw from the fruitless Vienna talks to re-enter the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and instead strongly enforce existing sanctions against Iran, particularly with respect to the oil trade between Iran and the People's Republic of China (PRC).” - Jan. 12, 2022 [https://justfacts.votesmart.org/public-statement/1581951/]

Rep. Emmer was one of a large group of Congresspersons who signed a letter to President Biden urging him not to re-enter the Iran nuclear deal. “As is, this deal is not a pathway to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. It is a blueprint for exactly how Iran can secure massive sums of money and obtain a nuclear weapon in short order.” - Feb. 8, 2021 [https://justfacts.votesmart.org/public-statement/1506370/letter-to-honorable-joseph-r-biden-jr-president-of-the-united-states-lamborn-urges-biden-not-to-reenter-iran-nuclear-deal]

2019:

Rep. Emmer voted against H. Amdt. 527 to the H.R. 2500, the House version of the 2020 NDAA, which expressed “the sense of Congress that the United States should extend the New START Treaty with Russia and requires a series of reports on potential consequences if the treaty lapses.” – July 11, 2019 (congress.gov)

Rep. Emmer voted against H. Amdt. 530 to H.R. 2500, the House version of the 2020 NADA. The purpose of this amendment was to prohibit “funding for missiles non-compliant with the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty until the Secretary of Defense meets certain conditions.” – July 11, 2019 (congress.gov)

2017-2018:
Rep. Emmer did not co-sponsor H.R.4415, which stated that it is U.S. policy to not use nuclear weapons first . – 2017-2018 [congress.gov]

2016:
Rep. Emmer was one of the signees of a letter to the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Defense Subcommittee asking that language prohibiting funding for the Arms Trade Treaty [ATT] be included in the FY2017 defense appropriations bill. Among the concerns expressed in the letter were that the ATT did not expressly recognize the individual right to keep and bear arms, that it could hinder the U.S. from fulfilling its commitments to provide arms to key allies , and that it might impose costly regulatory burdens on the domestic defense industry. – March 17, 2016 [votesmart.org]

2015:

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.Amdt.226 to H.R.1735, an early version of the 2016 NDAA. Rep. Doug Lamborn’s (R-CO) amendment prevented Department of Defense funding from being used to implement the New START Treaty, an agreement between the U.S. and Russia to reduce their nuclear arsenals. Passed, 235-182. – May 15, 2015 (thescore.peaceactionwest.org)

“By serving on this subcommittee, I can provide oversight of U.S. operations to combat Ebola, work with international organizations such as the United Nations and Peace Corps, and craft American policy to improve economic and political relations with the continent that is home to some of the world’s fastest growing economies.” – January 19, 2015 (https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-announces-subcommittees-house-committee-foreign-affairs commenting on his appointment to Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations.)

Commit to just and sustainable economic development strategies around the world.

Rep. Emmer is a cosponsor of H.R.605, the Special Drawing Rights Oversight Act of 2023. This bill imposes additional restrictions on the U.S. government's authority to vote on Special Drawing Rights (SDR) allocations at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). For example, U.S. representatives to the IMF may not vote for SDR allocations to a country if the President finds that the country's government has (1) committed genocide in the last 10 years, or (2) repeatedly supported international terrorism. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. - November 15, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/605/

Rep. Emmer voted against H.R.8446, the Global Food Security Reauthorization Act, a bill introduced by his Minnesota colleague Rep. Betty McCollum. This bill passed the House 331-95 and has moved on to the Senate. - Sept. 29, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/8446

Rep. Emmer voted against H.R.1456, the Peace Corps Reauthorization Act. The bill passed the House 290-125. - September 19, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1456

Rep. Emmer voted yes on H.R.7081, the Ukraine Comprehensive Debt Payment Relief Act of 2022. This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to make efforts to secure debt relief for Ukraine. The bill, which passed the House 362-56, has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. - May 11, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7081

Rep. Emmer cosponsored [as of 11/17/21], and voted in favor of, H.R.4693, the Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act. This bill, which sets out programs and directs the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to carry out activities to prevent and treat malnutrition globally, passed the House 384-44 and subsequently passed the Senate by voice vote on 9/20/22 and was signed by the President 10/19/22, becoming public law. - April 27, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4693

Rep. Emmer was one of a large group of lawmakers who penned a letter to the US Commerce Dept and to the US Trade Representative that urged inclusion of Taiwan in the Biden Administration’s proposed Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). - March 30, 2022 https://justfacts.votesmart.org/public-statement/1597901/

Rep. Emmer voted “Yes” to amendments H.Amdt.163 and H.Amdt 168 to H.R.4521, the America Competes Act of 2022. These respective amendments, which both passed the House, require that (1) the Department of State provide an annual briefing to Congress on China's progress and efforts to meet emission goals and commitments; and that (2) the United States to seek to require the Chinese Communist Party to match emission cutting targets established by the United States. - Feb. 3 & 4, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4521/amendments

Rep. Emmer voted “NO” on H.Amdt.161 to H.R.4521. This amendment, which failed 181-248, would have directed the State Department to report on the impact of US sanctions on innovation, emissions reduction, climate cooperation, and economic justice. - Feb. 3, 2022 [ https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/202221 ]

In his weekly newsletter, Rep. Emmer made comments about H.R.4521, a broad-ranging bill dealing with scientific research, economic competitiveness, and various other matters. “This week, the House of Representatives is considering the “America Competes Act.” This massive bill, which was supposed to help our nation stand up against the Chinese Communist Party, contains a laundry list of Democrat wish list items: it pours $8 BILLION in an unaccountable UN climate slush fund, which has already awarded $100 million to China and spends millions to study coral reefs. The bill also does little to hold China accountable: the word “genocide” has been stripped from provisions on human rights in Xinjiang, and it includes no measures to enforce sanctions laws or bolster our national defense.” - Feb. 1, 2022 https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/view_newsletter.aspx?id=107697&c=MN06TE

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.4111, the Sovereign Debt Contract Capacity Act, which passed the House 391-29. This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund to advocate for the fund to promote international standards and best practices with respect to sovereign debt contracts and to provide technical assistance to fund members. Such assistance should focus on lower middle-income countries in order to enhance their capacity to evaluate the legal and financial terms of sovereign debt contracts with private sector creditors. - October 25, 2021 https://www.congress.gov

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.1228, the Libya Stabilization Act, which passed 386-35. This bill provides statutory authority for a 2016, executive order imposing property- and visa-blocking sanctions on persons contributing to the violence in Libya. The bill urges the U.S. Agency for International Development to provide humanitarian assistance to individuals and communities in Libya. The Department of State must work to strengthen Libya's democratic governance, and the Department of the Treasury must urge international financial institutions to support an economic recovery in Libya. - Sept. 28, 2021 https://www.congress.gov

2019:

Rep. Emmer cosponsored H. Res. 189, Recognizing the importance of sustained United States leadership to accelerating global progress against maternal and child malnutrition and supporting United States Agency for International Development’s commitment to global nutrition through its multi-sectoral nutrition strategy. This resolution later passed the House [on 12/7/2020]. – Sept. 9, 2019 [govtrack.us]

2015:

Rep. Emmer and Rep. Pat Tiberi (R-OH) released a statement supporting the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) with the understanding that the most effective means of diplomacy is through trade agreements and America’s trade surplus is “due to our inability to fully tap into developing regions along with a hesitation towards getting into additional trade agreements. This mentality of the past doesn’t work in the 21st century.” – 5/4/2015 (Rep. Emmer’s website)

After Rep. Emmer visited Ethiopia and Kenya, he views “aid can help countries prosper, which makes them and their citizens less likely to be threats to U.S. national security” – Slack, Donovan. “GOP Rep. Tom Emmer takes heat from right”. – April 15, 2015 (St. Cloud Times, sctimes.com)

WASHINGTON — GOP Rep. Tom Emmer and Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison said Tuesday they were joining together to launch a Somalia Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. The effort comes as the African country “emerges from decades of violent conflict and humanitarian crises,” the two said in a statement Tuesday.

“We are committed to assisting the Somali government build on economic and security gains they have achieved,” the statement said. “Together, we represent some of the largest Somali-American communities in the United States; for us and the constituents we represent, Somalia is not a far off foreign policy issue, it’s a matter of domestic policy and national security.” – 06.24.15 (StarTribune)

Congressman Emmer returned from a trip to Kenya and Ethiopia in the spring of 2015. He said he had changed his mind about the benefits of foreign aid. Emmer now argues, foreign aid can be a win-win. It helps pave the way for development in other countries, boosting their economies and in turn creating demand for American exports in the future. He recounted how an encounter with a dairy co-op in Kenya that has been boosted by funding from the United States Agency for International Development helped show him the light. ‘A dollar spent on [foreign aid] is a dollar that we won’t have to spend on additional bombs and bullets and God forbid boots on the ground in the future,’Emmer noted.” – May 14, 2015 (Think Progress article on web:http://thinkprogress.org/world/2015/05/14/3658531/tom-emmer-foreign-aid/ )

C. Dismantle the infrastructure that encourages militaristic responses to conflicts:

Significantly reduce the US defense budget, increase its transparency and ensure the military is accountable for its defense expenditures.

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of the conference report for the $886.3 billion FY2024 NDAA. The bill passed the House 310-118. Having previously passed the Senate, the bill became public law #118-31 after the President signed it on Dec. 22, 2023. - December 14, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2670

Rep. Emmer cosponsored H.R.5791 Define the Mission Act, which would require a comprehensive report that contains a strategy for United States involvement in Ukraine. The bill has been referred to House Foreign Affairs (HFAC). - October 6, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5791/

Rep. Emmer voted YES to H.R.4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, which appropriates specific amounts for the different areas of the military. The bill passed the House 218-210 and has been received in the Senate for consideration there. Also, here are Rep. Emmer’s votes on a few selected amendments to H.R.4365: NO to H.Amdt.359, which would have decreased Section 8104, Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative by $300,000,000, and increased the Spending Reduction Account by $300,000,000 (failed 104-330); NO to H.Amdt.369, which would have prohibited security assistance to Ukraine (failed 93-339); YES to H.Amdt.370, which would have prohibited the use of funds to transfer cluster munitions (failed 160-269). - September 27-28, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4365/

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.2670, the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the House 219-210 and on 7/27/2023, passed the Senate by unanimous consent. Also, here are some of his earlier votes on selected amendments to the bill: NO, to H.Amdt.225, to strike $300 million from Ukraine funding, which failed 89-341; NO, to H.Amdt.226, to prohibit security assistance for Ukraine, which failed 70 – 358; YES, to H.Amdt.228, to require the President to submit a report to Congress that contains a strategy for US involvement in Ukraine, which failed 129-301; NO, to H.Amdt.229, to strike a section of the bill extending lend-lease authority to Ukraine, which failed 71 - 360; NO, to H.Amdt.230, to prohibit the use of funds for the sustainment of the B83-1 bomb, which failed 198-217; Rep. Emmer did not vote on H.Amdt.231, to strike the prohibition on the reduction of the total number of nuclear armed Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) deployed in the US, which failed 160-266; YES, to H.Amdt.243, to prohibit the sale or transfer of cluster munitions to Ukraine, which failed 147-276; YES, to H.Amdt.245, to strike the authorization of funds to NATO for the joint fund established for the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic initiative (DIANA), which failed 79 – 353; YES, to H.Amdt.246, to express a sense of Congress that the US should not continue subsidizing NATO member countries who don’t invest in their own defense by meeting the 2014 Wales Summit Defense Spending Benchmark, which failed 212 – 218; YES, to H.Amdt.249, to prohibit any funding authorized by the Act or otherwise made available for DOD for FY24 to provide any support to the Taliban and prohibits any form of sanctions relief or mitigation unless explicitly authorized by Congress in subsequent legislation, which passed 247 – 185; YES, to H.Amdt.255, to prohibit the DOD from carrying out the President's Administration climate change executive orders, which passed 217 – 216. – July 13 – 14, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2670

Rep. Emmer voted against H.R.2617, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. This bill provides appropriations to federal agencies for the remainder of FY2023, including the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, as well as supplemental appropriations to support Ukraine. This bill passed the House 225-201 and was signed into law on Dec. 29, 2022. – December 23, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2617

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of the $858 billion 2023 NDAA. Specifically, he voted yes for H.R.1512, a bill which concurred with an amended version of H.R.7776, the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2023. H.R.1512 passed the House 350-80. The NDAA subsequently passed the Senate (12/15/2022) and was signed into law by the president (12/23/2022). - December 8, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/1512/ & https://news.usni.org/2022/12/08/house-passes-fy-2023-ndaa-that-authorizes-858b-for-national-defense

Rep. Emmer voted against H.R.6833: Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act 2023. This act provides continuing FY2023 appropriations to federal agencies through December 16, 2022 and provides $12.3B in supplemental appropriations for assistance to Ukraine. This legislation passed both House and Senate and became public law. Sept. 30, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/6833/

Rep. Emmer voted against all of the following amendments to H.R.7900, the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2023: H.Amdt.246 (passed 218-207) that would require the Defense Department to publish on the Internet the proceedings of military commissions; H.Amdt.252 (passed 215-212) that would authorize up to $5 million of annual spending on programs to mitigate civilian harm from military actions; H.Amdt.253 (failed 78-350) that would reduce the bill's authorized amount by $100 billion without modifying amounts authorized for harmless personnel, civilian pay and benefits, and the Defense Health Program; H.Amdt.254 (failed 151-277) that would reduce the bill's authorized amount by approximately $37 billion; H.Amdt.255 (failed 155-272) that would repeal the statutory requirement for the Defense Department to submit unfunded priorities lists to Congress; H.Amdt.256 (failed 208-221) that would allow the Navy to retire nine Littoral Combat Ships; H.Amdt.257 (passed 216-209) that would end limits on funding for the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty Organization; H.Amdt.258 (failed 118-309) that would prevent testing and development of the new Sentinel (GBSD) nuclear missile and instead extend the existing Minuteman III ICBM through at least 2040; H.Amdt.259 (failed 156-270) that would strike the prohibition on the reduction of the total number of nuclear armed Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles deployed in the United States; H.Amdt.272 (failed 155-273) that would prohibit U.S. military presence in Syria without Congressional approval within one year of enactment; H.Amdt.273 (failed 208-217) that would require the State Department to establish and staff Climate Change Officer positions to be posted at U.S. embassies, consulates, or diplomatic missions to provide climate change mitigation expertise, engage with international entities on climate change, and facilitate bilateral and multilateral cooperation on climate change; H.Amdt.274 (failed 207-219) that would establish an Office of Climate Resilience; H.Amdt.276 (passed 244-179) that would prohibit the President from selling or exporting new F-16s or F-16 upgrade technology or modernization kits to Turkey unless the President provides a certification to Congress that such a transfer is in the national interest of the United States and includes a detailed description of concrete steps taken to ensure that such F-16s are not used by Turkey for repeated unauthorized territorial overflights of Greece. However, Rep. Emmer did vote in favor of the overall bill (H.R. 7900 passed 329-101) to authorize $850 billion of fiscal 2023 spending at the Defense Department and military construction programs, and prescribe military personnel levels for the year. – July 13-14, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7900

Rep. Emmer voted yes on H.R.7691, the Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022. This bill provides $40.1 billion in FY2022 emergency supplemental appropriations for activities to respond to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Among other things, the bill provides appropriations for defense equipment, migration and refugee assistance, regulatory and technical support regarding nuclear power issues, emergency food assistance, economic assistance, and seizures of property related to the invasion. The bill, which passed the House 368-57, subsequently passed the Senate, was signed by the President and became law. - May 11, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7691

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of S.3522, the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022, which passed the House 417-10. This legislation, which previously passed the Senate by voice vote, temporarily waives certain requirements related to the President's authority to lend or lease defense articles if the defense articles are intended for Ukraine's government or the governments of other Eastern European countries affected by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The bill was signed by the president on May 9 and thus became law. - April 28, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3522

Rep. Emmer voted against H.Res.1065, which passed the House 220-205. This bill sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (S. 3522) to provide enhanced authority for the President to enter into agreements with the Government of Ukraine to lend or lease defense articles to that Government to protect civilian populations in Ukraine from Russian military invasion. - April 28, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/1065/

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of S.1605, the $768B National Defense Authorization Act for FY2022, which passed the House 363-70. This bill became law on 12/27/2021. - December 7, 2021 [www.congress.gov & https://www.nga.org/news/commentary/summary-of-the-2022-national-defense-authorization-act/]

Rep. Emmer voted against H.R.4350, the National Defense Authorization Act. This bill, which passed 316 – 113, authorizes $777.9 billion of military spending and military construction programs and establishes military personnel levels for fiscal 2022. - September 23, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. Emmer voted against Amdt. #120 to the 2022 NDAA. This amendment, which failed 142-286, would have reduced defense funding to no more than what was requested by the president. - September 23, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. Emmer voted against Amdt.#119 to the 2022 NDAA. This amendment, which failed 86-332, would have reduced the bill’s overall authorization by 10%, with some exclusions. - September 23, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. Emmer voted against Amdt.#117 to the 2022 NDAA. This amendment, which failed 118-299, would have prohibited the use of funds for the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent program (ICBMs). - September 23, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. Emmer led a letter from members of the Minnesota Congressional delegation to Secretary Kendall and General Brown of the United States Air Force expressing strong support for the C-130 mission at the Minnesota Air National Guard’s 133rd Airlift Wing. The letter was prompted by “deep concerns with the proposed reductions of the C-130 fleet between fiscal years 2020 and 2025, and the direct impact they would have on the 133rd Airlift Wing….. Minnesota's C-130 operations support a broad array of services - many of which support critical homeland security missions.” - August 12, 2021 https://emmer.house.gov/press-releases?ID=ADA09E0E-82E4-4C7B-AD92-7E234CD65D9C

Rep. Emmer voted against H.R.6395, the 2021 NDAA. The vote was 322-87 and achieved the necessary 2/3 majority to override the president's veto. - Dec. 28, 2020 [congress.gov]

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act, H.R.6395, a bill which allocates roughly $740 billion to defense for FY2021. The bill passed the House 335-78, with the no votes nearly equally divided between Republicans and Democrats. - Dec. 8, 2020 [congress.gov]

Rep. Emmer voted against H.R.7617, the $740 billion 2021 Defense Appropriations Act. The bill, which passed 217-197, did include provisions repealing the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs, as well as prohibiting the use of funds for unauthorized military force against Iran. – July 31, 2020 [congress.gov]

Rep. Emmer voted “no” on H.Amdt.863 to H.R.7617, the 2021 DoD Appropriations Act. The purpose of this amendment was to prohibit the use of funds for military recruitment via Twitch, a video-game streaming platform, and e-sports activities. The amendment failed 126-292. – July 30, 2020 [congress.gov]

Rep. Emmer voted against H.R.6395, the House 2021 NDAA. The bill passed 295-125. – July 21, 2020 [congress.gov]

Rep. Emmer voted against the Pocan-Lee amendment, H.Amdt.839, to the 2021 NDAA, H.R.6395. This amendment, which failed on a vote of 93-324, would have reduced the defense budget by 10%, excluding military personnel, DoD federal civilian workforce, and defense health program accounts . – July 21, 2020 [congress.gov]

Rep. Emmer voted against the McAdams amendment, H.Amdt.834 to the House 2021 NDAA, H.R.6395. This amendment, which would prohibit any funding for new nuclear testing in FY21, passed 227-179. – July 20, 2020 [congress.gov]

Rep. Emmer introduced H.Res.523, which requires the the Committee on Appropriations to maintain proposed and historical budget authority and outlays for each category of spending. It requires the House Appropriations Committee to create a publicly accessible database that Americans can use to download, search, and sort through spending allocations to each government department, agency, and program for both the current fiscal year and the previous ten. The bill has been referred to the House Rules Committee. - July 9, 2021 https://emmer.house.gov/press-releases?ID=967E5464-8040-4AC5-BBD1-D614B4EEFD8F & www.congress.gov

Rep. Emmer was one of a group of signers of a letter to the House Armed Services Committee and the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee which requested 98 F-35 fighter aircraft for FY2021, 19 more than the President’s budget requested. – March 18, 2020 (larson.house.gov press release)

Rep. Emmer voted against an amendment to HR 550 that would “ deny funding of any U.S. military action against Iran or its proxy forces that lacks congressional authorization, except when there is an imminent threat to the United States, its armed forces or its territories. The measure asserts the sole constitutional power of Congress to declare war as spelled out in the 1973 War Powers Resolution. The president would have to notify Congress within 48 hours if he marshals the U.S. military against Iran, then withdraw the force within a specified period unless Congress votes to authorize the action.” H. R. 550 was previously called “Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019”, but is now titled the “No War Against Iran Act”. The amendment passed 228-175 and the bill goes to the Senate. – Jan. 30, 2020 (Mankato Free Press)

2019:

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act [conference report to accompany S. 1790]. Rep. Emmer had voted against the NDAA that originally passed the House [H.R. 2500] on July 12, 2019. This previous version of the bill contained a number of progressive measures, but many of these were removed in the final bill. According to Diane Randall of FCNL: “Not only does this bill fail to repeal the 2002 Iraq AUMF, it also entrusts this administration with a massive $738 billion for the Pentagon this fiscal year. It is stunning that in a week when the Afghanistan Papers revealed the comprehensive failures of the 18-year conflict, Congress negotiated away this effort to curtail the use of force, end U.S. support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen, and prevent war with Iran.” Additionally, the bill authorizes the creation of a new branch of the military, the Space Force, and allows deployment of a more usable, low-yield nuclear warhead, the W76-2. According to Ken Kimmel, the president of the Union of Concerned Scientists: “The Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act moves the world closer to nuclear war and creates a new and unneeded military bureaucracy to address alleged threats in space. “ The bill passed the House 377-48. – 12.11.19 (votesmart.org, congress.gov, email from FCNL, the UCS website)

Rep.Emmer voted against H.Amdt.563 [an amendment to H.R.2500]. This amendment required that the Comptroller General of the United States submit to Congress independent studies regarding potential cost savings with respect to the nuclear security enterprise and force structure. Passed 230-189. – July 12, 2019 [govtrack.us]

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.Amdt. 553. This amendment sought to strike the provision of H.Res. 2500, the 2020 NDAA, prohibiting the use of funds for the deployment of certain low-yield ballistic missile warheads and requires the Secretary of Defense to certify on the availability of proportional response options. Amendment failed 201-221. – July 12, 2019 [govtrack.us]

Rep. Emmer voted against H. Amdt. 538 to the 2020 NDAA, which would have decreased funding for Overseas Contingency Operations/aka the War on Terror, by $16.8 billion. (amendment failed) – 07/12/2019 (congress.gov.)

Rep. Emmer voted against H. Amdt. 535 to NDAA 2020, which would “prohibit the use of funds for an exhibition or parade of military forces and hardware, except for the display of small arms and munitions appropriate for customary ceremonial honors.” – July 11, 2019 (congress.gov)

Rep. Emmer voted against H.Amdt.529 to H.Res.2500, the 2020 NDAA. This amendment would require the Under Secretary for Nuclear Security to conduct a study on the unexpected cost increases for the W80-4 nuclear warhead life extension program and sought to limit funding for the program until the study was completed. Failed 197-229. – July 11, 2019 [govtrack.us]

Rep. Emmer voted against H.Amdt.528. This amendment to H.Res. 2500, the House 2020 NDAA, sought to require an independent study on options to extend the life of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles and delay the ground-based strategic deterrent program, and sought to prevent 10 percent of funds for the Secretary of Defense from being distributed until the study was completed. The amendment failed 164-264. – July 11, 2019 [govtrack.us]

2015:

Rep. Emmer states that “We must bring more accountability to the Department of Defense and work with defense contractors to bring costly programs within budget.” However, this was preceded by the statement “As emerging nations take aim at American military superiority, we must strive to protect proprietary information and advancements in weapons technology.” – July 2015 (Emmer’s website)

Congressman Emmer promotes military spending. “In an increasingly dangerous and unstable world, it is vital that our men and women in uniform have the appropriate resources necessary to defend our country. In our budget, Congress not only provides more for our troops, but unlike the President’s budget, actually pays for it.”- 5/28/15 (Tom Emmer https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/columns/house-budget-plan-would-set-us-right-fiscal-path)

Reduce the number of military bases and military personnel in the U.S. and overseas.

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.Con.Res.21: Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the US Armed Forces from Syria. The resolution failed 321 No – 103 Yes. - March 8, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-concurrent-resolution/21

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.Res.1130: Expressing support for the sovereign decision of Finland and Sweden to apply to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as well as calling on all members of NATO to ratify the protocols of accession swiftly. The resolution, which also opposes any attempt by the Russian government to act in an adverse way in response to Finland and Sweden's decision to apply to join NATO, passed the House 394-18. - July 18, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/1130

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.Res.831 - Calling on the United States Government to uphold the founding democratic principles of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and establish a Center for Democratic Resilience within the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. This bill passed the House 362 - 63. - April 5, 2022. https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/831/

“This year, our veterans who served their deployments in Afghanistan are top of mind for me. As we all watched as the nation fell to the Taliban, our servicemembers who served in country watched years of hard work and bloodshed evaporate.” - 11/9/2021 https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/view_newsletter.aspx?id=107553&c=MN06TE

Rep. Emmer voted against Amdt. #111 to the 2022 NDAA. This amendment, which failed 141-286, would have prohibited US military presence in Syria without congressional approval. - September 23, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. Emmer sent a letter to Pres. Biden regarding his deep concern for the fates of thousands of Afghan partners who assisted the United States Armed Forces in Afghanistan with interpreting and translating services. Specifically, Congressman Emmer asked for the safe evacuation of Afghan interpreters, translators, and their families through the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) process, and for details to be released regarding the evacuation process. - July 14, 2021 https://emmer.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A316E008-453D-4DEA-8FF4-581845AFF97C

Rep. Emmer cosponsored H.R.3283, an act to repeal the joint resolution entitled "A joint resolution to promote peace and stability in the Middle East". H.R. 3283 would repeal Public Law 85-7, which, enacted in 1957, authorized a program of military and economic support to Middle Eastern nations threatened by international Communism. The law also authorized the President to deploy armed forces to defend U.S. allies in the region against Communist aggressors. Since PL 85-7 has never been used as a basis for military operations and it is not expected to be used in the future, repealing it is not anticipated to affect the federal budget. H.R.3283 was agreed to in the House on June 29, 2021 and has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. - June 11, 2021 [congress.gov & cbo.gov]

Rep. Emmer voted against H.Amdt.835 to the 2021 NDAA, H.R.6395. This amendment, which failed 129-284, would have required the establishment of a policy framework for the accelerated withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan. – July 21, 2020 [congress.gov]

Rep. Emmer voted against H.Amdt. 833 (Escobar) to H.R. 6395: To require certifications be made to Congress when the President deploys active duty military within the United States during civil unrest by amending the Insurrection Act in Title 10, Chapter 13 of U.S. Code. This amendment passed 214-190. – July 20, 2020 [govtrack.us]

Rep. Emmer voted against an amendment to HR 550, the No War Against Iran Act, that would “repeal the 2002 Iraq war resolution, which has been cited as the legal basis of U.S. military actions in Iraq and numerous other global theaters over the past 18 years, including the recent U.S. assassination at the Baghdad airport of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Congress would have six months to update U.S. war authority, and until it does so, the president could immediately deploy forces to protect national security without seeking congressional approval.” The amendment passed 236-166 and the bill goes to the Senate. – Jan. 30, 2020 (Mankato Free Press)

2019:

Rep. Emmer votede “Nay” on H.Amdt. 516 to H.R. 2500: To require the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress on the financial costs and national security benefits of operating, improving, and maintaining overseas military infrastructure. – 07/2019

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H. Res. 676, the NATO Support Act. This bill, which passed the House, prohibits the appropriation or use of funds to withdraw the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. – 01.22.19 (votesmart.org)

Discontinue the practice of providing military equipment or training assistance to human rights abusers.

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.3152, the Fight CRIME Act, a bill which imposes sanctions pertaining to Iran’s missile program. The bill passed the House 403-8 and has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. - Sept. 12, 2023 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3152

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.7025, Advancing Human Rights-Centered International Conservation Act of 2022. This bill requires the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to take actions to ensure that the international financial assistance it provides does not go to any foreign security force unit (e.g., a military or paramilitary unit) where there is a reasonable belief that the unit has committed a gross violation of internationally recognized human rights. The bill passed the House 378-43 and has moved on to the Senate. -- July 18, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7025

Rep. Emmer voted in favor of H.R.6089, Stop Iranian Drones Act, which passed the House 424-2 and has been referred to Senate Foreign Relations. This bill adds drones to the list of weapons for which individuals or entities that provide such weapons to Iran can be sanctioned. - April 27, 2022 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/6089

Rep. Emmer voted NO on, H.R.3485, the Global Respect Act. This bill, which passed the House 227-206, would impose visa-blocking sanctions on foreign persons responsible for or complicit in violating the human rights of individuals due to actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics. - Feb. 9, 2022 [https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3485/]

Rep. Emmer voted against Amdt.#114 to the 2022 NDAA. This amendment, which passed 223-204, would end maintenance support for the Saudi Air Force units responsible for airstrikes resulting in civilian casualties. - September 23, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. Emmer voted against Amdt.#113 to the 2022 NDAA. This amendment, which passed 219-207, would end logistical support for, and US participation, in the Yemen War. - September 23, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. Emmer was one of 331 House members who signed a letter to the Chair and the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, urging continued strong support for the full funding of security assistance to Israel. Among other things, the letter states, “Congress is committed to maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge and its ability to defend itself, by itself, against persistent threats…..Reducing funding or adding conditions on security assistance would be detrimental to Israel’s ability to defend itself against all threats.” - April 22, 2021 [Rep. Ted Deutch’s website]

Rep. Emmer voted “aye” on H.R.1392, the Protection of Saudi Dissidents act of 2021, which passed the House 350-71. This bill imposes limits on arms sales to Saudi Arabia and requires various reports and actions related to the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. - April 21, 2021 [congress.gov]

Rep. Emmer voted in support of S. 3744, the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020. This bill imposes sanctions on foreign individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses in China’s Xinjiang Autonomous region and requires various reports on the topic. This legislation passed the House 413-1, and as it had already been agreed to in the Senate, it will now go to the President. – May 27, 2020 [govtrack.us]

Rep. Emmer was signatory, along with a majority of members of the House, to a letter to Sec. Of State Pompeo asking for diplomatic action by the U.S. to renew the expiring U.N. arms embargo against Iran and also to renew U.N. travel restrictions against Iranians who have been involved in violations of U.N. weapons restrictions. – May 4, 2020 [press release from House Foreign Affairs Committee]

2019:

Rep. Emmer voted in support of S. 178: the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2019, a bill to condemn gross human rights violations of ethnic Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang, and calling for an end to arbitrary detention, torture, and harassment of these communities inside and outside China. This bill directs the President to impose sanctions and export restrictions on the sale of technology items that can be used in the surveillance, identification, and detention of individuals. The bill passed the House 407-1. – Dec. 3, 2019 [govtrack.us]

Rep. Emmer voted against S.J.Res. 36, S. J. Res. 37, and S. J. Res. 38, each of which expressed disapproval of the proposed export of certain defense articles and services to a number of countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The resolution passed both House and Senate, but was later over-ridden by the President. – July 17, 2019

Rep. Emmer Voted against H.Amdt. 524 to H.R. 2500: To prohibit support to and participation in the Saudi-led coalitions military operations against the Houthis in Yemen. – 07/2019

Rep. Emmer voted NAY on S. J. Res. 7, a resolution directing the removal of US Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress. [Bill passed the House 247-175 and had previously passed the Senate, but was vetoed by the president.] – April 4, 2019 (congress.gov)

Rep. Emmer voted NAY on H.J. Res. 37, a resolution directing the removal of US Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress. [Bill passed the House 248-177.] – Feb. 13, 2019 (congress.gov)