Cotton to Mayorkas: Granting TPS to Lebanese nationals endangers Americans

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas - Flickr Image

Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today wrote a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas urging him to rescind his decision to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Lebanese nationals currently in the United States. Senator Cotton warns Mayorkas that these unvetted Lebanese nationals pose a grave risk to our national security and to the safety of our citizens. 

In part, Senator Cotton wrote:

“We have seen a dramatic increase in unvetted illegal immigrants as a result of your open-border policies. Under the Biden-Harris administration, Border Patrol has encountered thousands of illegal immigrants from countries with deep ties to terrorism, including Lebanon. In fact, Border Patrol agents apprehended a Lebanese man at the southern border earlier this year who said he belonged to Hezbollah and came to America to build a bomb.”

Full text of the letter may be found here and below.

October 18, 2024

The Honorable Alejandro Mayorkas 
Secretary
Department of Homeland Security 
Washington, D.C. 20528 

Dear Secretary Mayorkas: 

I write regarding your dangerous decision to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Lebanese nationals currently in the United States. The presence of these Lebanese nationals in the United States regardless of whether they lawfully entered poses a grave risk to our national security. 

We have seen a dramatic increase in unvetted illegal immigrants as a result of your open-border policies. Under the Biden-Harris administration, Border Patrol has encountered thousands of illegal immigrants from countries with deep ties to terrorism, including Lebanon. In fact, Border Patrol agents apprehended a Lebonese man at the southern border earlier this year who said he belonged to Hezbollah and came to America to build a bomb. 

Your department estimates that granting TPS status will protect 11,000 Lebanese nationals from deportation, which undoubtedly includes many Hezbollah terrorists. This reckless policy endangers the safety of our citizens. 

I urge you to rescind this decision before it goes into effect. For Lebanese nationals who have a legal basis to be present in the United States and who can credibly claim a risk to their lives if they return to Lebanon, your department could evaluate asylum requests on a case-by-case basis. This policy would be a far more sensible and safer course of action than a blanket TPS grant to all Lebanese nationals. 

Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter. 

Sincerely,

Tom Cotton

United States Senator                  

Cotton Reiterates the Demand for Answers Regarding Harris’ National Security Advisor’s Communications with Iranian Influence Operation

Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a second letter to Vice President Kamala Harris to express his concern about her National Security Advisor, Philip Gordon, and his connections to senior Department of Defense official Ariane Tabatabai. Ms. Tabatabai was reportedly involved in an Iranian government operation to expand Iran’s influence in the United States.

In part, Senator Cotton wrote:

Ariane Tabatabai - Flickr Image

“In social media posts since my last letter, Mr. Gordon continues to demonstrate a pattern of anti-Israel bias, which furthers Iranian interests. If he’s willing to ridicule Israel so unfairly in public, I can only imagine what he is telling you in private. I understand that it may be difficult to discern Iranian agents from the left-wing ideologies on your staff. But you have the responsibility to make these difficult distinctions and appropriately vet the people you elevate to positions of distinction and trust.”

Full text of the letter may be found here and below.

August 15, 2024

Vice President Kamala D. Harris

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20500                                                        

Dear Vice President Harris,                                    

On July 31, I sent you a letter regarding your National Security Advisor Philip Gordon’s connections to alleged Iranian spy, Ariane Tabatabai. Yet, you failed to respond by my deadline or to appropriately address this threat to national security emanating from your staff.                                                   

The presence of such an obvious security risk in your inner circle should have elicited your utmost attention. It raises the question of whether you’ve been aware of Mr. Gordon’s possible links to the Iranian regime and simply find your policies aligned enough with Tehran’s interests that ties to that regime don’t concern you.                                                 

In social media posts since our last letter, Mr. Gordon continues to demonstrate a pattern of anti- Israel bias, which furthers Iranian interests. If he’s willing to ridicule Israel so unfairly in public, we can only imagine what he is telling you in private.                                                        

I understand that it may be difficult to discern Iranian agents from the left-wing ideologues on your staff. But you have the responsibility to make these difficult distinctions and appropriately vet the people you elevate to positions of distinction and trust.                                                           

I expect you to immediately investigate Mr. Gordon’s ties to the Iranian regime and provide responses to my initial July 31 letter.                                                                     

Thank you for your belated attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Tom Cotton                                                             

United States Senator                                              

Womack votes to strengthen National Security, improve servicemember quality of life

Washington, DC—June 14, 2024…Today, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) voted to pass the H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. The annual legislation authorizes $895.2 billion for our national security, including resources to enhance military preparedness, improve quality of life for our troops and their families, deter foreign adversaries, and focus the Department of Defense on its core mission.

Congressman Womack said, “Providing for the common defense of our nation is a constitutional imperative, and supporting our troops is our moral and strategic obligation. This year’s NDAA secures Arkansas priorities, improves the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families, and makes it abundantly clear that America will stand by our allies and defend against adversarial aggression both at home and abroad. House passage of the NDAA is a step forward, but we must quickly pass full-year appropriations for the Department of Defense and fund the government to complete the mission.”

Provisions in the bill Womack strongly supports:

• Encourages Department of Defense (DOD) to continue investing in expanding Iron Dome system production capacity in the United States, namely at the Camden, Arkansas facility.

• Authorizes funding for Ebbing Air National Guard Base Academic Training Center in support of the F-35 FMS mission.

• Authorizes a 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers, along with a 4.5% pay increase for all other servicemembers.

• Expands access to childcare and employment opportunities for military families.

• Refocuses the DOD on military readiness instead of domestic social policy by gutting DEI programs, prohibiting CRT, and ending affirmative action at service academies.

• Extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI) and increases a funding authorization for new military technology to deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific region.

• Reaffirms U.S. support to Israel against Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah.

• Reaffirms U.S. support to the defense of Taiwan against CCP threats.

• Authorizes full funding for the deployment of National Guard troops at the southwest border and increases authorized funding by $20 million for DOD counternarcotics activities.

• Blocks the Biden Administration’s plan to reduce the number of U.S. Special Forces, warfighting aircraft, and defense missiles.

Cosponsored Amendments:

• Hot Springs, AR Army-Navy Hospital: Provides the state of Arkansas three years to request permanent ownership of the former Army-Navy Hospital in Hot Springs, AR, and in the event of this request, would extinguish any reversionary interest in the property by the United States.

• National Digital Reserve Corps: Creates a National Digital Reserve Corps to help federal agencies address cyber-attacks and critical workforce gaps as needed.

• Expansion of National Guard State Partnership Program: Directs the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, to assess and report on the feasibility and benefits of expanding the National Guard State Partnership Program in the Pacific Islands.

• Assessment of U.S. Coast Guard Involvement in State Partnership Program: Directs the DOD to conduct a study on how to more actively consider and support the U.S. Coast Guard’s involvement in the State Partnership Program in the Pacific.

The FY25 NDAA will now advance to the Senate before a conference committee is established to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate versions.

Womack votes to strengthen national security, defend democracy abroad

Washington, DC—April 20, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) released the following statement after voting for the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024; the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024; the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024; and the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act—all of which passed the U.S. House of Representatives today.

Congressman Womack said, “The security of America is a constitutional imperative. America is safer when our allies and partners are safe. Providing these nations with necessary and timely resources to defend against aggression is essential to American security. This is not the time to demonstrate weakness. The packages we approved today will not only help America, but a significant amount of these resources will be spent right here in Arkansas, where a number of the munitions and weapons are made. I am grateful to Speaker Mike Johnson for his courage and leadership in bringing these measures to a vote.”

Before the vote, Congressman Womack spoke on the House floor urging his colleagues to vote YES on the foreign aid legislation. Click HERE to watch his remarks.

Bill breakdowns

The Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024: The bill totals $26.38 billion to support Israel in its effort to defend itself against Iran and its proxies, and to reimburse U.S. military operations in response to recent attacks.

• $4 billion to replenish Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defense systems.

• $1.2 billion for the Iron Beam defense system to counter short-range rockets and mortar threats.

• $3.5 billion for the procurement of advanced weapons systems, defense articles, and defense services through the Foreign Military Financing Program.

• $1 billion to enhance the production and development of artillery and critical munitions.

• $4.4 billion to replenish defense articles and defense services provided to Israel.

• $2.4 billion for current U.S. military operations in the region in response to recent attacks. 

• Provides additional flexibility for transfers of defense articles to Israel from U.S. stockpiles held abroad.

• Prohibits funds to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

The Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024: The bill totals $60.84 billion to address the conflict in Ukraine and assist our regional partners as they counter Russia, $23.2 billion of which will be used for replenishment of U.S. weapons, stocks, and facilities. 

• $23.2 billion to replenish defense articles and defense services provided to Ukraine. 

• $11.3 billion for current U.S. military operations in the region.

• $13.8 billion for the procurement of advanced weapons systems, defense articles, and defense services.

• $26 million to continue oversight and accountability of aid and equipment provided to Ukraine.

• Bolsters oversight through in-person monitoring requirements.

• Requires partners and allies to pay their fair share through cost-matching requirements.

• Mandates agreement on repayment for economic support by the government of Ukraine. 

• Increases the fiscal limits on several Presidential drawdown authorities.  

The Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024: The bill totals $8.12 billion to continue efforts to counter communist China and ensure a strong deterrence in the region. 

• $3.3 billion to develop submarine infrastructure, including investments in dry dock construction. 

• $2 billion in Foreign Military Financing Program for Taiwan and other key allies and security partners in the Indo-Pacific confronting Chinese aggression.

• $1.9 billion to replenish defense articles and defense services provided to Taiwan and regional partners. 

• $542 million to strengthen U.S. military capabilities in the region.

• $133 million to enhance the production and development of artillery and critical munitions.

• Provides additional flexibility for Foreign Military Financing loans and loan guarantees.

The 21st Century Peace Through Strength Act:

• Imposes sanctions on Iranian infrastructure and high-ranking officials to weaken Iran’s energy exports, weapons development, and technology transfers.

• Places additional sanctions on China and Russian oligarchs.

• Forces the sale of TikTok unless divested from China and protects Americans’ data from China.

• Authorizes the REPO Act to seize roughly $5 billion of Russian sovereign assets under US jurisdiction and repurposes those funds to Ukraine.

• Includes the FEND OFF Fentanyl Act, to implement sanctions on drug cartels and criminal organizations to hamper fentanyl distribution in the United States and crack down on money laundering associated with fentanyl trafficking.

Boozman, colleagues urge Senate leadership to advance legislation to protect National Security and support Marshallese and all COFA citizens

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY) in calling on Senate leadership to support legislation renewing the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) with the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau. 

Boozman is a long-time advocate for restoring access to federal benefits for COFA citizens legally living in the U.S. The largest population of Marshallese in the continental U.S. resides in Springdale, Arkansas.

Last year, the senator introduced the Compact Impact Fairness Act, legislation to renew eligibility for COFA citizens to receive public benefits they are entitled to.  

Congress has built on the foundation of the Boozman-backed legislation and negotiated a plan to renew the agreement, protect U.S. interests in the Pacific and block the People’s Republic of China’s efforts to expand its corrupting influence in the region.  

Boozman, Manchin, Barrasso and a bipartisan group of senators wrote a letter to Senate leaders urging them to advance the legislation. 

In addition to Boozman, Manchin and Barrasso, the letter is signed by Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Todd Young (R-IN), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Gary Peters (D-MI), Rick Scott (R-FL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). 

Full text of the letter is available here and below: 

Dear Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Chair Murray and Ranking Member Collins:

We write in support of legislation to renew the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) with the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau, including in any legislative vehicle.

Our COFA partnerships are critical to U.S. national security. Failure to pass the renegotiated Compacts as soon as possible imperils our relationships with the Freely Associated States and the entire Pacific Island region, who view the COFA as a barometer of the U.S. commitment to the region. They ensure that we, rather than a nation hostile to U.S. interests, maintain strategic control of the Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and the Philippines.

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is engaged in active efforts to undermine Pacific Island nations’ confidence in the United States. Failure to act on COFA opens the door to more corrupting influence and funding by the PRC in the region. The PRC is pursuing military basing and policing agreements in the region and working to undermine recognition of Taiwan, and exerting corrupting influence in several other countries. Without the COFA agreements, these trends would accelerate.

These unique bilateral agreements are the product of nearly four years of negotiations under two Presidential Administrations, and year-long negotiations across eight primary committees of jurisdiction in the House and Senate and multiple others. The resulting bicameral, bipartisan legislation will secure U.S. national security in the Indo-Pacific for the next two decades.

We ask for your support in moving the COFA package forward with the urgency it requires. Thank you for your attention to this matter.