International law and human rights
On the topic of international law and human rights, Republicans and Democrats are splintered into a million little pieces. There's little cohesive work here. That said, it is one of the few topics where Republicans seem more than willing to buck Trump, censuring Russia and supporting Ukraine.
"Romney Republicans" like Dave McCormick also regard four governments as enemies of the United States of America and introduce legislation that acts on that definition. The four countries? The People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
I have been surprised that that small group of Republicans has stuck to their guns, even as it has become more evident that our president has no qualms about doing business with all four. His frequent pro-Putin speeches and remarks do not seem to deter those Republicans.
Is there hope after all?
This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart. I believe strongly that cultural diplomacy, or people power, is the most direct path to peace. I thrill when I see legislation that encourages such work. And when legislators--and students and professors and regular everyday citizens--fight for basic human rights.
And I am frustrated by the MAGA Republicans who are doing everything they can to work against peace.
Note that I find it fascinating that the Trump Republican emphasis seems to be on how China is “exploiting” the United States. While the Democratic and Romney Republican faction expresses horror at China’s human rights violations.
Perhaps that best defines the great divide.
Proposed legislation:
- August 20, 2025 - September 19, 2025:
- July 17, 2025 - August 19, 2025: Republicans: Ending Lending to China Act; Res condemning the persecution of Christians in Muslim countries; Defending American Property Abroad Act; Use Sovereignty to Reduce Rx Act; Global Piracy. Democratic: Safeguarding the Integrity of the Human Rights Act; eight resolutions regarding human rights abuses. Bipartisan: Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act; Financial Technology Protection Act; OFAC Licensure; Quad Economic Security; res to ratify UN Law of the Sea; Art Market Integrity (money laundering); Transnational Repression Policy Act; Uyghur Genocide Accountability and Sanctions Act; interrnational trafficking; Supporting Ukraine Act (important bill).