Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), incoming Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, released the following statement in reaction to Egypt’s draft constitution, President Morsi’s consolidation of power, and the protests roiling Cairo.

"Egypt – at the center of the Arab world – is at a crossroads. It can follow the path of the Muslim Brotherhood and President Morsi’s consolidation of legislative and judicial power in the executive. Or it can choose the path that many Egyptians thought its revolution was leading to. One that respects – and doesn’t attempt to squash – secular and liberal voices, as well as all religions. 　

"That so many are protesting President Morsi’s power grab is an encouraging and inspiring development. Nothing less than Egypt’s strategic partnership with the United States is at stake.　

"Once seized, presidential powers are rarely yielded back willingly. The notion of ‘temporary’ executive powers give every freedom loving Egyptian great concern." 　

Rep. Ed Royce currently chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade. He will chair the full House Foreign Affairs Committee in the 113th Congress when it begins in January.