House Foreign Affairs Committee

Zimbabwe's Parliament approved a constitutional amendment extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term until 2030. US politicians criticized the move, with Sen. Jim Risch and Rep. Gregory Meeks accusing Mnangagwa of consolidating power and citing concerns over corruption. Mnangagwa faces existing US sanctions over corruption and human rights abuses.

US Assistant Secretary of State Michael DeSombre reaffirmed Washington's commitment to Taiwan's 'Six Assurances' despite President Trump's previous dismissal of the policy. However, no timeline was provided for the delayed $14 billion arms package to Taiwan.

Democrats on the US House Foreign Affairs Committee criticized President Donald Trump's decision to grant sanctions relief to Iran, arguing that Tehran received economic concessions before addressing key issues like its nuclear program and regional allies. The committee stated the administration's actions were inconsistent with prior claims that sanctions relief would be tied to progress on these matters.

Congress is advancing bipartisan legislation to authorize sanctions on Sudan’s warring factions, with the House Foreign Affairs Committee passing a bill and the Senate introducing a similar measure. The bills aim to pressure the Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces, address humanitarian aid blockages, and extend the Special Envoy to Sudan role. The conflict in Sudan continues, with both sides accused of atrocities against civilians.

Democrats split on a resolution by Rep. Rashida Tlaib to block U.S. assistance to Israel's war against Hezbollah, a U.S.-designated terrorist group. The measure failed 92-324 as Republicans criticized its omission of Hezbollah and argued it could hinder U.S. military operations in Lebanon. Over half of House Democrats joined Republicans in opposing the resolution, which would require President Donald Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from Lebanon.

Marco Rubio used Kanye West lyrics to describe the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon. The reference was made in the context of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

A heated exchange occurred on the House floor after Rep. Max Miller accused Rep. Rashida Tlaib of ties to Hezbollah during a debate on a resolution to withdraw U.S. forces from Lebanon. Tlaib’s resolution, which does not mention Hezbollah, faced Republican criticism for potentially aiding the group, leading to procedural actions against Miller’s remarks and bipartisan opposition to the measure.

Marco Rubio called a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing 'a circus' after Rep. Sara Jacobs questioned him about shoes received from Donald Trump. The exchange occurred during a contentious hearing where Democratic lawmakers challenged Rubio on Trump's foreign policy decisions, including Iran. Rubio denied Trump's financial interests influenced military actions and criticized the hearing's tone.

Marco Rubio called a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing 'a circus' after Rep. Sara Jacobs questioned him about shoes received from Donald Trump. Rubio dismissed the question as irrelevant while Democrats challenged him on Trump administration foreign policy decisions, including Iran conflict handling and potential financial influence on military actions.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied during a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing that President Donald Trump considered personal financial interests in decisions related to the recent conflict with Iran, calling the claim 'completely false.' Democratic Rep. Gregory Meeks pressed Rubio about potential conflicts of interest tied to Trump's stock holdings, but Rubio stated he was unaware of the president's stock purchases and dismissed the allegations.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied during a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing that President Donald Trump considered personal financial interests in Iran-related decisions, calling the claim 'completely false.' Rep. Gregory Meeks questioned Rubio about potential conflicts of interest linked to Trump's stock holdings, but Rubio stated he was unaware of the president's financial details and dismissed the allegations.

Rep. Ted Lieu questioned State Secretary Marco Rubio about President Trump's health during a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, showing video of Trump appearing asleep in meetings and inquiring about his health following repeated medical visits.

Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro asked State Secretary Marco Rubio about Israel's nuclear capacities during a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, but Rubio declined to discuss the topic publicly. The hearing took place amid ongoing conflict with Iran and Israeli military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Marco Rubio testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee regarding Bill Pulte's intelligence credentials following his appointment as acting director of national intelligence by President Trump. The hearing focused on evaluating Pulte's qualifications for the role.

Rep. Gregory Meeks questioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio about warnings to President Trump before the Iran war and Trump's stock investments potentially linked to companies involved in U.S. military infrastructure. Rep. Michael McCaul allowed Rubio to address these questions during a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing.

Two influential Republican congressional staffers on US-Africa policy, John Tomaszewski and Joe Foltz, are departing Capitol Hill this month. Tomaszewski is joining the National Endowment for Democracy while Foltz is moving to logistics company Zipline. Their simultaneous departures occur as Frank Garcia is confirmed as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, potentially weakening Capitol Hill advocacy for Africa policy during critical regional conflicts.

Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., has missed over 50 votes due to an unspecified health issue, straining House Republicans' slim majority as critical legislation is debated. Democrats criticize his lack of transparency about his absence and personal stock trades, while Speaker Mike Johnson expresses confidence in his recovery.

The Pentagon is declassifying materials from the Biden administration's 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal to assess accountability, including interviews with military leaders and troops. The review aims to address prior criticisms of overclassification and lack of transparency, with Pentagon adviser Stu Scheller emphasizing public access to all findings.

The Pentagon is conducting a new review of the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, declassifying materials from prior investigations to assess key decisions and accountability. The effort includes interviews with military leaders and troops, addressing criticisms that earlier reviews failed to validate service members' experiences or assign responsibility.

Former Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.), who chaired the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has died at 79. He represented parts of New York City and its suburbs for over three decades.

Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) stated House Democrats lack the votes to impeach President Trump. Meeks criticized Trump's handling of the Iran war, calling him 'incompetent.'