National Security & Foreign Policy


National Security & Foreign Policy

One of President Biden’s and Vice President Harris’ greatest (and most underrated) accomplishments is their success in foreign policy and national security.  After Trump’s divisive, “America First” nationalism, constant denigration of NATO and other international organizations, and enthusiastic embrace of authoritarian leaders, President Biden, VP Harris and their Administration have restored diplomatic relationships with allies and international organizations; rejoined treaties; strengthened and expanded NATO; united the majority of the world against Putin and Russia’s war on Ukraine; ended a 20 year war in Afghanistan; executed the largest airlift in history; restored aid to Palestinians; stood against authoritarian regimes; reinstated climate action and COVID cooperation with allies; and conducted two significant successful counter-terrorism operations. Congressional Democrats have also been united in their stance against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have approved billions in support for Ukraine and been resolute in their support of Taiwan.

 

What Have the Biden-Harris Administration and Dems Done?

 

  • United the West against Putin and behind Ukraine, standing against authoritarianism and for democracy.
  • Strengthened and expanded NATO which, in turn, strengthened our national and global security.
  • Delivered critical intelligence and military support to Ukraine before and during Russia’s war.
  • Restored $250M in humanitarian aid to Palestinians which Trump eliminated.
  • Ended the 20 year war in Afghanistan that was never once authorized by Congress, lost over 172K lives and cost $6.5T.
  • Promoted gender equality internationally by launching the Build Back Better World Partnership with G7 partners to meet infrastructure needs in low- and middle-income countries.
  • Re-established international cooperation on climate change and COVID-19 efforts, making these a priority in foreign policy and national security.
  • Conducted two significant successful counter-terrorism operations with the assassination of a high-ranking official of the Islamic State militant group and top al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri. There were no civilian casualties.
  • Implemented new rules and measures for combating extremism in the military through the Department of Defense.
  • House Democrats approved an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act to compel government officials to prepare a report on combating white supremacists and neo-Nazi activity in the police and military. (Every House Republican voted against it.)
  • See What A Difference A VP Makes section for more details on VP Harris’ work on foreign policy and national security.

What Have the Biden-Harris Administration and Dems Done?

  • See What A Difference A VP Makes section for more details on VP Harris’ work on foreign policy and national security.
  • Promoted gender equality internationally. The Biden-Harris Administration launched the Build Back Better World Partnership with G7 partners to meet infrastructure needs in low- and middle-income countries. Gender equity is one of the initiative’s four pillars — alongside climate, health and security, and digital technology.
  • Re-established international cooperation on climate change and COVID-19 efforts. Immediately after taking office in January 2021, Biden issued an executive order establishing climate change as a priority in foreign policy and national security. Since then the US has rejoined the Paris Agreement and engaged in a multitude of actions with federal agencies and international organizations to address the impact of climate change and to coordinate COVID action.
  • Conducted two significant successful counter-terrorism operations. Maher al-Agal, a high-ranking official of the Islamic State militant group, was killed in Syria, and top al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri was killed in a strike in Afghanistan in July 2022. There were no civilian casualties.
  • Implemented new rules and measures for combating extremism in the military through the Department of Defense. In 2021, the Department of Defense released the report on Countering Extremist Activity within DOD. Though military members have long been prohibited from actively participating in white supremacy and hate groups, this report sought to address the rise of extremism since the January 6th attack on our Capitol.
  • House Democrats approved an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act to compel government officials to prepare a report on combating white supremacists and neo-Nazi activity in the police and military. Every Republican voted against the measure. In addition, every Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee voted for the Pentagon to “immediately” halt the counter-extremism programs.

LAST UPDATED ON SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2022