Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) has been appointed as the chair of a key subcommittee on Middle East affairs, where he plans to focus on strengthening the US-Israel alliance, expanding the Abraham Accords, and addressing regional energy, economic, and security issues. He aims to work with President Trump and his colleagues to deter Iran and reduce the terror threat in the region. The subcommittee, overseen by Sen. Lindsey Graham in the last Trump administration, focuses on various aspects such as terrorism, non-proliferation, and promotion of US trade.
Throughout President Biden’s term, Iran and its proxies have escalated conflicts in the region, leading to incidents such as the deadly October 2023 massacre in Israel by Hamas. The US has had to respond with increased troop deployments, airstrikes, and security measures to prevent further violence. McCormick has criticized Biden and his policies for being weak in the face of Iranian aggression, especially the decision to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan and support the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
On the campaign trail, McCormick frequently slammed his opponent, three-term Sen. Bob Casey, and Biden for their handling of global conflicts and for supporting the Iran nuclear deal. He has also been a staunch supporter of Israel, advocating for eradicating Hamas and combatting antisemitism. His military background as a retired Army captain has influenced his tough stance on terrorism and security threats, potentially contributing to his appeal to Jewish voters in Pennsylvania.
Following his visit to Israel with his wife, Dina Powell, McCormick emphasized the importance of eradicating terrorist organizations like Hamas. He praised the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab countries during the Trump administration. McCormick will also serve on other subcommittees related to East Asia, cybersecurity policy, and international economic and environmental policy, showcasing his broad range of interests and responsibilities.
McCormick has expressed a willingness to work across the aisle with Democratic senators like John Fetterman on issues such as fighting antisemitism, supporting Israel, and addressing the opioid epidemic. He has also indicated a desire to confirm some of Trump’s nominees, including Rep. Elise Stefanik as US ambassador to the UN, who has been critical of the international body. Before entering politics, McCormick was the CEO of Bridgewater Associates and brings a wealth of experience to his new role as the chair of the Middle East affairs subcommittee.
With a focus on promoting US interests in the Middle East, combating terrorism, and strengthening alliances in the region, Sen. Dave McCormick has taken on a key leadership role in the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee. His background in the military, business, and foreign policy makes him well-suited to address the complex challenges facing the Middle East. As he works to advance US interests abroad and address security threats, McCormick aims to prioritize issues such as Israel’s security, regional stability, and countering Iran’s influence in the region.
