Foreign Policy and International Diplomacy

Background

As a special education teacher, Lauren’s daily work is rooted in a simple truth: you cannot build a successful future without first creating a safe, supportive foundation for everyone. When we look at foreign policy, the same logic applies. True national security is not just about military strength. It is about fostering global stability through diplomacy such as investments in human infrastructure, specifically education, healthcare, and sustainable development. Just as a chaotic environment hinders a student's ability to learn, global instability, poverty, hunger, and systemic inequality threaten our safety at home. Moreover, Lauren views issues of war through a disability justice lens, and sees how international conflict can deepen harm and trauma for disabled individuals. As a country, we must lead in protecting civilians from disasters of war, ethnic and religious hatred, and human rights abuses and aim to engage in international relations that prioritizes diplomacy and everyone’s human rights.

Lauren’s Priorities in Congress

• Lead with a foreign policy approach not bought by lobbyists: Lauren's foreign policy isn't for sale. She takes no corporate PAC money, including the lobbying money that shapes so many Washington votes. The incumbent has built a career on it: deep ties to fossil fuel interests that profit off Gulf drilling policy, and substantial support from pro-Israel PACs like AIPAC.
• Recommit the United States to participation in international organizations and global health agreements including the United Nations, World Health Organization (WHO), and Paris Climate Agreement
• Support restoring war powers oversights to make sure Congress votes before we get involved in forever wars. The Constitution gives Congress– not the president– the power to declare war. This legislative authority has eroded over the decades and with past administrations. As a result our troops have been committed and aggressive tactics have been ordered, all without congressional approval like what we are experiencing in Iran. Americans deserve representatives who have actual debates and votes before sending our sons, daughters, grandchildren, and family members into any combat or war.
• Oppose sending U.S. military aid, weapons, and tax dollars to fund foreign conflicts and violence like we see in Gaza and instead redirect our domestic taxpayer funds toward the basic needs of children and people at home
• Restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Before the embargo, Cuba was Louisiana’s largest single foreign trading partner with roughly a third of all exports leaving the Port of New Orleans destined for Cuba. In a process started in 2005, Louisiana has managed to become the number one state in US exports to Cuba (cumulatively at $1.4 billion). However relations should not be restored simply due to economic and trade opportunities. The newest US sanctions of fuel procurement is creating a humanitarian crisis disproportionately affecting women, children, and the elderly. These sanctions are causing prolonged blackouts, disrupting health care services, critical shortages of medicines and cancer-treatment capacity, and food shortages.
• Self determination for Puerto Rico. The islands of Puerto Rico and the Philippines became territories of the United States as a result of the 1898 Spanish-American War. Whereas the Philippines were granted independence (1946), Puerto Rico was not. The people of Puerto Rico deserve a say in determining their future. I will support the Puerto Rico Self Determination Act and any legislation that grants a statehood referendum that gives the Puerto Rican people the power to decide its future.
• Advocate for sovereignty and freedom of Ukraine and oppose peace settlements that reward Russian aggression