WASHINGTON, DC – With the humanitarian crisis in Haiti underscoring the importance of multilateral cooperation to address global challenges, Congressmen Russ Carnahan (D-MO) and Anh “Joseph” Cao (R-LA) today announced the formation of the American Engagement Caucus.  The bipartisan panel intends to demonstrate how American leadership and a willingness to partner with other countries and institutions are strategies that clearly serve our nation’s best interests.

“We live in a world that is increasingly interconnected. America’s security, economic and moral interests are directly tied to our relationships around the globe,” said Congressman Carnahan, the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight.  “With so many challenges facing us – terrorism, an international economic recession , climate change, humanitarian crises – we must find creative approaches for working together to create a safer, more peaceful and prosperous world.”

“It is an honor to co-chair this caucus with Rep. Carnahan. With bi-partisan support, we will tackle the issues of human trafficking, airport security, and rescue efforts for victims of natural disasters,” said Congressman Cao, a member of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission.
“Caucus members will cooperate with other nations to present new ideas, and real solutions to some of the most challenging issues facing our world.”

The American Engagement Caucus plans to provide a forum where Members can explore promising new approaches that highlight success stories of countries partnering together to address transnational problems.  Members will discuss the benefits and challenges of working multilaterally with other nations and international bodies like the United Nations, European Union, African Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and will work to promote engagement as a fundamental component of American foreign policy.

Carnahan and Cao will serve as bipartisan co-chairs of the caucus, which also includes Representatives Bill Delahunt (MA-10), Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30), Dave Loebsack (IA-02), Brad Miller (NC-13), Laura Richardson (CA-37) and Joe Sestak (PA-07).