Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued this statement following President Obama’s foreign policy speech today at West Point:    

“Since President Obama took office, a series of foreign policy plans and visions have been put forward; assurances have been made.  But too often, strong words have been followed by weak actions, or no actions.  The result has been a general loss of U.S. credibility, making successful foreign policy nearly impossible.  President Obama’s diplomatic efforts cannot work if our allies lack confidence in U.S. commitments, and our opponents do not fear U.S. warnings. 

“I welcome the new focus on Syria.  This will require sustained U.S. engagement, which has been absent to date, but that this national security threat demands.  Like elsewhere around the globe, the President has been late in responding to this crisis. 

“The Obama Administration has consistently underestimated the threats we face: Iran, North Korea, al-Qaeda, and others.  In many corners of the globe, the world is growing more unstable, with a tide of militancy facing the United States and our allies.  If these challenges are to be met, the President must explain the high stakes to the American people, which demands more than a yearly speech.” 

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