WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement after the United States threatened to veto a resolution in the UN Security Council that condemns the use of rape as a weapon of war unless language concerning health services was removed. 

“This move by the Trump Administration is absolutely outrageous and an affront to American values. Women who have survived rape and sexual assault deserve our unwavering support. Instead, this Administration watered down a measure that would support comprehensive health services for survivors and hold their attackers accountable.

“This is yet another instance of the Trump Administration using the levers of diplomacy to restrict women’s rights around the world. In doing so, the United States is standing with Russia and China against the international community. It’s a dangerous and deeply troubling trend we are seeing in the way this Administration conducts foreign policy.  The House Foreign Affairs Committee will be investigating this matter and continuing our work to support women around the world."