Rep. Mast to Chair House Foreign Affairs Committee
House Republicans have chosen Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., to chair the House Foreign Affairs Committee in the next Congress.
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"Congressman Mast has been a staunch advocate for freedom and democracy, a strong voice confronting regimes such as Communist China, Russia, Cuba, Venezuela, North Korea, and Iran, while supporting our allies, including Israel and Taiwan," Reps. Mario Díaz-Balart, R-Fla., and Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, said in a statement Dec. 10.
Mast co-introduced a bill in May that would sanction International Criminal Court (ICC) officials if they issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials over the war in Gaza (see 2405090034). The bill received House approval in June but stalled in the Senate (see 2406050037). The ICC proceeded to issue arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (see 2411210039).
Mast co-authored a March letter asking the Biden administration to describe how Iran has spent money that was made available to the country through a recent U.S. sanctions waiver (see 2403140010).
Mast, who currently chairs the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Accountability, will replace full committee Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, who is term-limited (see 2411150062).