Foreign Affairs
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January 29, 2019
Press Release
WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representatives Bobby Scott (D-Va.) and Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), co-chairs of the US-Philippines Friendship Caucus, released the following statement after two bombs went off at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Philippines, on Sunday: “We are completely stunned by the Jolo cathedral bombing. Many innocent people lost their lives in a double assault as they were worshipping and trying to escape the explosion. Our hearts are with the families who have lost loved ones and we pray for the speedy recovery of the more than one hundred individuals who were wounded in the attack.
May 8, 2018
Press Release
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Bobby Scott issued the following statement after President Trump announced that he is not waiving sanctions pursuant to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly referred to as the Iran nuclear agreement: “Today’s decision by President Trump is not based in facts, evidence or research and leaves America less safe and less credible. The International Atomic Energy Agency, the European Union, a huge swath of nuclear policy experts, and the Trump Administration officials themselves all agree that Iran is upholding its end of the deal.
April 25, 2018
Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Representatives Bobby Scott (VA-03) and A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) invited Robert "Jack" Ewald of Suffolk, Virginia as their guest to attend the address delivered by French President Emmanuel Macron to a Joint Meeting of Congress. Mr. Ewald, a World War II veteran, fought in the Army's 115th Infantry Division at Normandy on D-Day. President Macron highlighted Mr. Ewald’s story in his remarks. “It is my great honor to have Jack Ewald as our guest at today’s historic address by President Macron,” said Congressman Bobby Scott. “Jack’s incredible life story embodies the very best of our country. I am very pleased that more people were able to learn more about his service and sacrifice that helped free Europe from tyranny, and we are so thankful for his continued service to our community.”
April 14, 2018
Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after President Trump, in conjunction with France and the United Kingdom, launched airstrikes against the Syrian regime, following a brutal chemical weapons attack on civilians in Douma: “I am deeply disturbed by the Assad regime’s continued use of chemical weapons against innocent Syrian civilians. This and the many other crimes against humanity committed by the Assad regime, which are in violation of international law, must be addressed by the entire international community.
September 11, 2017
Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement in remembrance of the 16th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks:
“September 11th has defined a generation of Americans and has proven that the American spirit will never be extinguished. On this solemn anniversary, we honor and remember the nearly 3,000 people of all backgrounds who lost their lives in these terrible attacks and the courage of the passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 that prevented even more bloodshed. We will never forget the heroism of the first responders who ran into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon to try to save as many lives as possible. Today, we pay tribute to the Americans who did not cower in fear but instead stood united.”
August 22, 2017
Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement on President Trump’s address to the nation last night on his strategy in Afghanistan:
“For almost 16 years, the United States has been engaged in armed conflict in Afghanistan. No American wants Afghanistan to again be a safe haven for radicalism and terrorism. Unfortunately, the President made no mention of specific troop increases or a strategy for ultimate victory or withdrawal. The President also failed to articulate a clear vision on how he intends to get regional actors more involved. Without an outline for any specific strategy for victory or withdrawal, the President only appears to be committing our nation to an open-ended conflict for the foreseeable future.
August 2, 2017
Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement on President Trump’s new immigration policy announcement:
“I am deeply concerned by President Trump’s support for the so-called Reforming American Immigration for Strong Employment (RAISE) Act,” said Rep. Scott. “This legislation seeks to implement immigration policies that are ill-advised and will negatively affect our country’s economy. Immigrants play a vital role in securing our nation’s future economic growth. As the U.S. workforce expands and baby boomers begin to retire, immigrants are a crucial part of filling those vacant jobs.
June 1, 2017
Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement on President Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement: “President Trump’s decision to remove the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement is a step in the wrong direction. By withdrawing from the agreement, the President is undermining the interests of countless communities and ecosystems harmed by climate change in the United States. Unfortunately, this latest action by the Trump Administration will only further hurt Virginians and our environment. In Hampton Roads, we have already seen the signs of a changing climate through extreme weather, recurrent flooding, and higher than average temperatures.
April 7, 2017
Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement on last night’s U.S. missile strikes in response to the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad’s use of chemical weapons against Syrian civilians:
“I am deeply disturbed by the Assad regime’s continued use of chemical weapons against innocent Syrian civilians. This and the many other crimes against humanity committed by the Assad regime must be addressed by the entire international community.
“The missile strikes launched by President Trump last night appear to be a proportional and justified response to these latest atrocities.
September 28, 2016
Floor Statements
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, the terrorist attacks perpetrated against our Nation 15 years ago killed nearly 3,000 people. No one can fully fathom the grief still felt by families to lose their loved ones in such a horrific way. We understand the need to continue to seek justice against those who may have aided and abetted the individuals that orchestrated these attacks. However, this legislation is not the right way to go about achieving that justice.
JASTA abrogates a core principle in international law--foreign sovereign immunity. There are already several exceptions to this immunity recognized by our Nation and others, but JASTA goes much further than any present exception or recognized practice of any national law. Mr. Speaker, as the gentleman from Texas just suggested, one fundamental indication of fairness of legislation is not how it would work to our benefit, but what we would think if it were used against us.