Senator Chris Dodd, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Chairman of its Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Peace Corps, and Narcotics Affairs, released the following statement today on the Bolivian government’s decision to expel United States Ambassador Philip Goldberg.

“I condemn the Bolivian government’s decision to expel U.S. Ambassador Goldberg from La Paz.  This action is unjustified and only serves to further undermine the relationship between the United States and Bolivia.  
 
“I have urged – and continue to urge – Bolivians on all sides of current tensions to “lower the temperature” and restrain from undemocratic, destabilizing actions of any kind.  We do not condone illegal acts by either side, including the violent attacks against economic targets this week.
 
“The United States, including our Embassy in La Paz, is committed to working closely and constructively with all members of Bolivian society on stemming the illegal production and flow of narcotics and other matters of mutual interest.”

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) released the following statement today in remembrance of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.  Today, Dodd will attend the dedication of the Pentagon Memorial to victims of the 9/11 attacks.

“Today, Jackie and I have the victims and family members of the innocent Americans who lost their lives in the attacks of September 11^th in our thoughts and our prayers.  We will never forget that dreadful day and the unfathomable loss that our country suffered.

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) made the following opening statement at today’s Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on protocols making Croatia and Albania members of NATO. Dodd, who is a senior member of the Foreign Relations Committee and Chairman of its Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Peace Corps, and Narcotics Affairs, chaired the hearing at the request of Chairman Joe Biden (D-DE)

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Chairman of its Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Peace Corps, and Narcotics Affairs, released the following statement today on the devastating storms that have swept through the Caribbean in recent days:

“My thoughts and prayers are with those throughout the Caribbean, particularly in Haiti and Cuba, whose lives have been devastated by the multiple blows of Tropical Storms Fay and Hanna and Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.  Preliminary estimates indicate that well over a million people have been evacuated and many more are without power, food or shelter.  The death toll in Haiti is already in the hundreds and is certain to rise.

Senator Chris Dodd, senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on the resignation of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf:

“The resignation of Pakistan President Musharraf – nine years after the military coup that brought him to power – is welcome news.  Though it may deepen Pakistan’s political challenges in the short term, it is essential to Pakistan’s long-term stability and return to a durable democracy. 

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Richard Shelby (R-AL), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today announced that the Committee passed “The Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2008” by a vote of 19 to 2.  The Banking Committee exercises jurisdiction over virtually all aspects of U.S financial and economic sanctions policy toward Iran, including the U.S. trade and investment ban administered by the Treasury Department; sanctions against foreign companies that invest substantially in the energy sector; and targeted financial measures, including freezing the assets of individuals involved in proliferation.

Senator Chris Dodd, senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee released the following statement today after the Senate passed the Global HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization bill 80 to 16.

“Of all the global challenges we face, few are more daunting in scope or immediate in need than the scourge of HIV/AIDS.  In so many parts of the world, the global HIV/AIDS pandemic threatens to undermine all of our other efforts to bring stability and prosperity to the world. With tonight’s vote, we have shown the world our sustained commitment to the treatment, prevention, and care of HIV/AIDS globally.”

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Richard Shelby (R-AL), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today announced that they have reached a bipartisan agreement on legislation that will expand U.S. sanctions on Iran with respect to weapons proliferation, support for terrorism, and the destabilization of its neighbors in the Middle East.  The Banking Committee will consider the legislation on Thursday.

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) released the following statement today after President Bush signed the FISA Amendments Act into law.

“With one stroke of his pen, the President has ensured that the truth behind his unprecedented domestic spying regime will never see the light of day. But the fight must go on. I will continue to stand up for the rule of law and the civil liberties of all Americans at every opportunity, and will strongly support efforts to challenge the constitutionality of this decision in the courts.  I can only hope that the courts will be able to correct the mistake the Congress and President have made.”

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) made the following statement today after the Senate voted to pass the FISA Amendments Act:

“Today, the United States Senate faced a very fundamental question that has been asked for generations: Does America stand for the rule of law, or the rule of men?  But by passing FISA legislation that grants retroactive immunity to the telecom companies that allegedly participated in President Bush’s warrantless wiretapping program, we gave the wrong answer.