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

RELEASE: Rep. Khanna, Sen. Markey Lead Bicameral Bill to Take War with North Korea Off the Table
April 28, 2020
Press Release

Washington, DC – Today, Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) announced the introduction of legislation that bars President Donald Trump from waging an unauthorized armed conflict against North Korea. The introduction of the No Unconstitutional War with North Korea Act of 2020 comes on the heels of conflicting press reports regarding the health of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the possibility of a contested succession of power.

Issues: Foreign Policy and National Security
STATEMENT: Sanders and Khanna Welcome Yemen Ceasefire, Call for U.S. Humanitarian, Not Military, Support
March 26, 2020
Press Release

Washington, DC – Responding to news that the warring parties in Yemen agreed to a nationwide ceasefire, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) issued the following joint statement:

Issues: Equality and Social Justice , Foreign Policy and National Security
RELEASE: Rep. Khanna Calls for Two-Week Mandatory Nationwide Shelter in Place
March 24, 2020
Press Release

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17), joined by 19 Democratic U.S. Representatives, called for a national shelter-in-place order to combat the spread of COVID-19 across the United States of America. As the infection rate climbs and the strain on the American health care system worsens, the federal government cannot continue to slow-walk its response.

Issues: Economy , Foreign Policy and National Security , Health Care and the Social Safety Net ,
RELEASE: Khanna, Cohen, Eshoo Lead Letter Urging Administration to Oppose the Displacement of Palestinian Families and Ensure U.S. Equipment is Not Used in West Bank Home Demolitions
March 16, 2020
Press Release

Washington, DC – Today, Reps. Khanna, Eshoo, and Cohen penned a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo with more than 60 Members of Congress urging the Trump administration to take immediate action to oppose the Israeli government's acceleration of home demolitions and displacement of Palestinian communities in the West Bank. Writing to Secretary Pompeo, the letter requests the State Department to examine Israeli compliance with the requirements applied by the Arms Export Control Act in order to ensure that U.S.-supplied equipment is not being used to destroy Palestinian homes.

Issues: Equality and Social Justice , Foreign Policy and National Security
House Democrats press Trump administration on US equipment used by Israel to demolish homes
March 16, 2020
In The News

Ron Kampeas

Jewish Telegraphic Agency / Times of Israel

More than 60 Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives want the Trump administration to press Israel not to use American military equipment to demolish Palestinian homes.

Issues: Equality and Social Justice , Foreign Policy and National Security , Government Reform
RELEASE: Rep. Khanna, Sen. Wyden Introduce Legislation to Protect Whistleblowers, Ensure Journalists Aren’t Targeted for Publishing Classified Information
March 5, 2020
Press Release

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) introduced legislation to amend the Espionage Act of 1917 to better protect journalists and whistleblowers under attack in the modern era. Rep. Khanna's legislation reaffirms First Amendment protections for journalists who publish classified information, in addition to ensuring whistleblowers can safely come forward to report waste, fraud and abuse to Congress. Senator Ron Wyden (OR) will introduce the companion bill in the Senate.

Issues: Foreign Policy and National Security , Government Reform
RELEASE: Rep. Khanna introduces legislation to add a third gender onto U.S. Passports
February 25, 2020
Press Release

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) introduced legislation instructing the U.S. Department of State to add an additional "(X), Unspecified" sex marker category for U.S. passports, passport cards, or Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, allowing applicants whose genders are neither male nor female a third gender marker option.

Issues: Equality and Social Justice , Foreign Policy and National Security
STATEMENT: As House Passes No War Against Iran Act, Sanders and Khanna Call for a Senate Vote
January 31, 2020
Press Release

Washington, DC -- Yesterday, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement after the House passed by a 228-vote majority the No War Against Iran Act, introduced by both of the lawmakers to prevent any money from being used for unauthorized military action against Iran:

Issues: Foreign Policy and National Security
Congress has been missing in action on war and peace. It’s time to change that
January 31, 2020
Ro's Op-Eds

San Francisco Chronicle


The United States has been at war in the Middle East for almost 20 years. We've spent trillions of dollars, lost thousands of service members and innocent civilians, all while neglecting our constitutional duty to debate and vote on matters of war and peace. And while there has been no military solution in the Middle East — our military presence has increased dramatically under President Trump.

Issues: Foreign Policy and National Security
Statement: House passes Khanna Iran Bill with Bipartisan Support
January 30, 2020
Press Release

Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Rep. Khanna's bill to prevent taxpayer funding from being used to take military action against Iran without congressional authorization. Following the successful vote of 228 Yeas to 175 Nays, Rep. Khanna issued the following statement:

Issues: Foreign Policy and National Security
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