America can only be great on the world stage by being good.
My experience teaching English at a rural Islamic boarding school in Malaysia as a Fulbright scholar through the U.S. State Department taught me that America’s greatest strength isn’t our military might—it’s our ability to build genuine partnerships based on mutual respect and shared values. Real security comes from diplomacy, development, and demonstrating that democracy delivers.
Congress must rein in an out-of-control Executive Branch
President Trump and his White House have now instigated a reckless and illegal war in Venezuela. This military campaign, commenced without input or authorization from Congress, threatens to plunge the United States into yet another drawn-out overseas engagement with vague objections and a dubious premise. As it has in the past, Congress must step up and reassert its Constitutional role as a strong limiting check on executive warmaking authority.
We must build a lasting Middle East Peace.
While the current ceasefire has brought desperately needed relief and the return of hostages, the work in Gaza is far from done. We need this ceasefire to become permanent, with massive and sustained humanitarian aid reaching civilians, a path to Palestinian sovereignty and dignity, and an end to the Netanyahu government’s actions that threaten stability.
The humanitarian catastrophe and civilian death toll in Gaza are unconscionable. The images and reports from Gaza are horrific—over 70,000 Palestinians killed, nearly half of them women and children, entire neighborhoods destroyed, hospitals and schools bombed.Given the devastating conduct of this military campaign and the lack of restraint shown toward civilian populations, I support conditioning U.S. military aid – particularly the transfer of any offensive weaponry – on rigorous compliance with international law and human rights standards. Real peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians requires honest leadership willing to stand up to powerful lobbies and demand accountability. This is why I am not accepting AIPAC funding or pursuing an AIPAC endorsement.
We must also address the sharp rise in antisemitism since the terror attacks of October 7th, particularly on the American political right. Hate crimes against people of Jewish descent in the United States and worldwide have spiked – just recently, in Sydney, fifteen people were killed during a Hanukkah celebration. Pete Hegseth and Elon Musk, men with strong ties to nazi groups, have been granted some of the highest positions in the United States government. And lest we forget how, after neo-Nazis marched in Charlottesville in 2017, Donald Trump said there were “very fine people on both sides.” As someone whose personal family history has been deeply shaped by antisemitism, I strongly support the Biden Administration’s U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, and I believe we must unite as a country to destroy antisemitism and ensure Jewish-Americans can proudly and openly celebrate their faith without fear of harm or persecution.
Defend Ukraine
We cannot allow Vladimir Putin to take over Ukraine. This is what U.S. diplomacy and power should be used for – to stop authoritarians. I support continued aid to Ukraine and a very strong push for peace talks to end the invasion in a way that retains Ukraine’s sovereignty.ty.
