“The United States is losing the information war to terrorists like ISIS and Hezbollah. Earlier this year, the administration rebranded the office responsible for counter messaging, but little seems to have changed. A strong, effective information offensive to counter the violent ideology being pushed by ISIS and other terrorists is long overdue. This hearing will give members an opportunity to press the administration’s top public diplomacy official on how the U.S. can be more effective.”

“Human rights violations are on the rise around the world. In Iran, the courts carry out public amputations and floggings. In Putin’s Russia, journalists are jailed for exposing government corruption and reporting the facts. In failed states like Syria, we’ve seen abhorrent treatment of civilians, including genocide. We’ve even seen backsliding in respect for human rights among established democracies. These are disturbing trends, and this hearing will seek answers on how the U.S. should respond.”

We have been awaiting answers to the Committee’s inquiry. But while I’ve been patient, the President has been in a rush – seemingly willing to release Guantanamo terrorists to wherever he can.

“As the leading state sponsor of terrorism, Tehran has a long and brutal record of abusing human rights – and targeting Americans. Siamak and Baquer Namazi deserve to be free and with their families, end of story. I am pleased to join Rep. Connolly in introducing this resolution, which should push President Obama to step up efforts to bring them home immediately.”

Today, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Global Food Security Act (S. 1252). Without increasing spending, this bipartisan legislation ensures that current disaster relief funding will be spent more efficiently and transparently. The bill, which is critical to U.S. efforts to respond to desperate humanitarian situations in the Middle East and Africa, now heads to President Obama’s desk.

“The world cannot accept Kim Jong Un’s gross human rights abuses or his threats of nuclear holocaust. These sanctions are an important step that can help force change – and they must be aggressively enforced.”

“President Obama’s Special Envoys for Guantanamo Bay Closure made statements to the committee about detainee releases that contradict administration assessments. Rather than explain or correct its testimony, the administration chose to ignore our formal inquiry. That’s unacceptable."

Last week, a 13-year old Israeli-American girl was stabbed to death by a Palestinian terrorist while she slept in her bed. Sadly, Hallel Ariel’s murder is only the latest brutal attack in Israel. Since October, there have been some 250 instances of Israelis being chased-down, shot or stabbed. Forty have died – including former U.S. Army officer Taylor Force, who was stabbed in March along an oceanfront boardwalk.

Today, the House of Representatives passed the Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act (H.R. 3766). The bipartisan legislation, introduced by Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX), ensures that United States foreign assistance is efficient and effective. Specifically, the legislation directs the President to establish guidelines for U.S. foreign development and economic assistance programs. The legislation now heads to the President’s desk.

Tomorrow at 10 a.m., House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) will convene a hearing to examine the challenges of Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking. The hearing, entitled “Financially Rewarding Terrorism in the West Bank,” comes before the UN General Assembly meeting in September.