Foreign Policy and National Security

The United States can and should be a driving force around the world for freedom, human rights, and peace. This does not mean we should turn first to war and violence. Too many times, our first response to a foreign policy problem has been military action. Unilateral military interventions are counterproductive to our strategic goals and prolong violence and suffering. I support working together with the international community to find thoughtful diplomatic solutions for the complex issues facing our world.

I opposed the invasion of Iraq in 2003, and I continue to oppose the broad authorization of military force that has operated as a blank check for military use for 15 years. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I will push for diplomatic solutions, increased foreign assistance, and the need to conduct robust congressional oversight. I support innovative responses to 21st century national security threats.

Click here to learn more about the bills that I introduced and cosponsored.

Read my op-ed in The New York Times on U.S. involvement in the unconstitutional war in Yemen.

Read my op-ed in The Los Angeles Times on developing a 21st century foreign policy.

More on Foreign Policy and National Security

Rep. Khanna Introduces the Illegal War Refund Act
September 17, 2026
Press Release

Today, Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17) introduced the Illegal War Refund Act, legislation that would require the federal government to refund Americans for the economic costs they have borne as a result of the Trump Administration’s illegal and unauthorized war in Iran. The bill would require the federal government to calculate the war’s economic impact on American taxpayers and cut the Department of Defense budget by that amount, returning the money directly to American tax filers and their dependents.

Issues: Equality and Social Justice , Foreign Policy and National Security , Government Reform
Democrat Ro Khanna to introduce bill to stop US gasoline exports amid Iran war
April 15, 2026
In The News

By Dharna Noor

The Guardian

Amid historic jumps in gas prices triggered by the US-Israeli war on Iran, the California congressman Ro Khanna is to introduce legislation on Tuesday that would ban the export of gasoline during price spikes.

“The country is crying out for a new energy policy,” said Khanna in an interview with the Guardian, “that doesn’t have us subject to the whims of the profits of big oil companies.”

Issues: Economy , Energy and Environment , Foreign Policy and National Security , Government Reform
Beyond The Epstein Class: A New Economic Patriotism
April 14, 2026
Press Release

BEYOND THE EPSTEIN CLASS:
A NEW ECONOMIC PATRIOTISM
Rep. Ro Khanna's Speech at the National Press Club April 14, 2026


We meet at a time of crisis in self-government.

Cynicism, and even nihilism, has taken hold in many corners of our nation. People are losing faith that liberal democracy has the strength to deliver.

The American Dream is out of reach for many of our fellow citizens.

Powerful economic forces of globalization and automation seem beyond their control, shaping their destinies while their struggles go unnoticed.

Issues: Equality and Social Justice , Foreign Policy and National Security , Government Reform
Khanna: Removing Trump from office gaining traction in the House
April 10, 2026
In The News
KRON4

(KRON) — On Tuesday, Bay Area Congressional Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Santa Clara), called for President Donald Trump’s removal from office by invoking the 25th Amendment. 

“How can you be in office when you are threatening to wipe out a civilization? How can you be in office when you’re threatening genocide that goes against every value Americans have,” Khanna asked. “How can you be in office when you’ve engaged in so much corruption?”

Issues: Foreign Policy and National Security , Government Reform
Release: Rep. Ro Khanna Requests Meeting with King Charles and Epstein Survivors During Upcoming Visit to the U.S
March 30, 2026
Press Release

Washington, DC –– Today, Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17), the co-author of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, sent the following letter to King Charles III requesting a private meeting with survivors of Epstein’s abuse during his upcoming visit to the U.S. the week of April 27th. 

Issues: Equality and Social Justice , Foreign Policy and National Security , Government Reform
REPS RO KHANNA AND SUMMER LEE INTRODUCE RESOLUTION CONDEMNING HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS BY BHUTAN
March 18, 2026
Press Release

Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) alongside Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12) introduced the Bhutan Oppression Resolution that recognizes the Kingdom of Bhutan’s responsibility for the oppression and forced eviction of more than 100,000 Nepali-speaking Lhotshampas and Sharchops during the late 1980s and 1990s, and urging long-overdue steps toward justice, repatriation, and reconciliation.

Issues: Equality and Social Justice , Foreign Policy and National Security
Top House Dems to force vote on reining in Trump's Iran war powers
February 27, 2026
In The News

By Andrew Solender

Axios

House Democratic leadership on Thursday announced plans to force a vote next week on a resolution that would require President Trump to seek congressional authorization to use military force in Iran.

Issues: Foreign Policy and National Security , Government Reform
Rep. Ro Khanna’s Statement on the Arrest of Former Prince Andrew
February 19, 2026
Press Release

Washington, DC — Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17), author of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, released the following statement on the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor: 

"Even princes are not above the law. Rep. Thomas Massie and I forced the release of an email showing former Prince Andrew allegedly shared state information with Epstein. On February 9th, I called on King Charles to investigate and answer questions. Andrew is being held accountable because of the survivors, like Virginia Giuffre, who bravely spoke up.  

Issues: Equality and Social Justice , Foreign Policy and National Security , Government Reform
REP. RO KHANNA INTRODUCES 10-POINT PLAN TO END ICE ABUSE
February 2, 2026
Press Release

Washington, DC — Today, Representative Ro Khanna introduced the End ICE Abuse Resolution to assert Congress’s constitutional authority over immigration enforcement funding, conduct oversight, and enact reforms to ensure Federal agencies act in accordance with the law and public interest. 

Issues: Equality and Social Justice , Foreign Policy and National Security , Government Reform , Immigration
Khanna, Welch Lead 74 Bicameral Lawmakers in Urging Stronger Response from Trump Admin on Israel’s Efforts to Annex the West Bank
January 20, 2026
Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA-17) led 74 bicameral colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to push back against Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Israeli Government’s efforts to annex the West Bank, which have accelerated in recent weeks.  

Issues: Equality and Social Justice , Foreign Policy and National Security
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