Rep. Sherrill Attends Munich Security Conference 

Congresswoman shows strong support for European and Pacific allies amid Russian and Chinese aggression

Washington, DC– Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) participated in the Munich Security Conference (MSC) to engage with top officials from key allies and partners. The annual MSC is the world’s leading forum for international security policy.

“I have just returned from the Munich Security Conference where we worked to address the world’s greatest security challenges and position democracies on a path toward greater prosperity and security. This conference comes at a time when democracies across the world face an accelerating confrontation with authoritarianism.

“Russian troops first invaded Ukraine nearly one year ago, and the aftermath of that invasion has resulted in stronger alignment with our NATO allies. There is also greater engagement in promoting the global rules-based order developed by democracies in the aftermath of WWII. This has resulted in the greatest period of economic prosperity and peace the world has ever seen.

“The year-long war has also been accompanied by horrible human rights violations and war crimes committed by the Russian military. The Biden Administration formally declared that members of Russia’s forces and other Russian officials committed crimes against humanity in Ukraine. The U.S. and our Western allies have a newfound resolve to continue to provide significant support to Ukraine, including security, humanitarian, and economic assistance.

“As a member of the new House Select Committee on Strategic Competition with the CCP, I spoke to key diplomatic leaders to create solutions regarding how we can address the failure of Beijing to adhere to an international, rules-based geopolitical order, which helps countries settle differences peacefully, effectively organize multilateral efforts, and engage in international commerce. I also met with innovators to discuss how we can strategically outcompete China by investing in a strong industrial and R&D sector.

“The West is more united than any time since the end of the Cold War, with a renewed sense of purpose to defend, fight for, and strengthen our democratic institutions. We are leading with our democratic values and strengthening our alliances to meet the demands of today’s security environment.”

Congressman Sherrill met with multiple leaders in national security policy, including former United States Secretary of Defense James Mattis; former Director of Central Intelligence Agency David Petraeus; General Christopher G. Caviló, Supreme Allied Commander Europe; and Michael E. Langley, the commander of U.S. Africa Command. Lastly, Representative Sherrill met with key business leaders to highlight New Jersey and attract companies to come expand in the state.

This year’s delegation to the Munich Security Conference was the largest coalition the United States has ever sent, showing resounding support for Ukraine and our Western allies. Representative Sherrill was joined by Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai, New Jersey Governor and former German Ambassador Phil Murphy, Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee Mike Turner, Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee Michael McCaul, Ranking Member of Foreign Affairs Committee Gregory Meeks, Ranking Member of Armed Services Committee Adam Smith, Ranking Member of Budget Committee Branden Boyle, and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.

Congresswoman Sherrill is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and served in the Navy for almost 10 years as a helicopter pilot and Russian policy officer. As a Russian policy officer, she worked on implementing our nuclear treaty obligations and oversaw the relationship between the US Navy and Russian Federation Navy. She now serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the new House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

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