State of Montana Archives: on Foreign Policy

Steve Daines: Congressional support for Israel is bipartisan & strong

[Returning from a trip to Israel], Daines said the PLO wants a Palestinian state, while Israel is insisting that the Palestinians recognize the legitimacy of the Jewish state of Israel. He said there's some optimism that the latest peace talks could move toward resolving the issues, but Daines said "it's also couched in historical reality, that we are still a long ways away from that solution."

"The main issue for Israel is their security as well as the recognition of Israel," Daines said.

Sam Rankin: Actively engage and assist European nations through NATO

A strong and correct foreign policy depends on a blend of good and clear goals in defense, global trade and in defining our national interest.
1. We must maintain and keep ahead in programs and products beneficial to U.S. militarily, i.e. armaments and personnel.
2. I support our alliance with Israel and steps to bring a lasting peace to that region; and believe that Palestinians need to have a stronger role in peace negotiations.
3. We must actively engage and assist, when appropriate, European nations through NATO.
4. We must have an ongoing dialogue with Russia and China regarding nuclear proliferation as we need them in support of sanctions against Iran for its failure to ratify the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.