GOP Senator caught reading talking points from foreign government lobbyists

We appear to be experiencing a sudden issue with members of Congress acting on behalf of foreign countries.

If you recall, Senator Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) was convicted for being an Egyptian agent, and now the GOP may have the same problem.

What is a Foreign Agent

Foreign agents are permitted to operate in this country, but they must be registered with our government.

This would be someone who “engages within the United States in political activities, such as intending to influence any U.S. Government official or the American public regarding U.S. domestic or foreign policy or the political or public interests of a foreign government or foreign political party.”

It would also be someone who “acts within the United States as a public relations counsel, publicity agent, information service employee, or political consultant.”

When you have a U.S. senator doing this, however, it brings up some serious concerns.

Menendez Acting on Behalf of Egypt

When you have someone in Congress openly advocating for another country, putting the policies or welfare of that country ahead of the United States, we have a problem, but that is what Menendez did with Egypt, as well as taking bribes.

He, of course, says he did nothing wrong, stating, “I have never violated my public oath. I have never been anything but a patriot of my country and for my country. I have never, ever been a foreign agent.”

A jury of his peers disagreed, finding Menendez guilty.

After Menendez was found guilty, the Democrat Party looked to distance itself as quickly as possible, with Senator Schumer (D-N.Y.) stating, “In light of this guilty verdict, Senator Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign.”

GOP Foreign Agent

That brings us to Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS), who was allegedly reading direct talking points by Qatari lobbyists during a congressional hearing.

Marshall was questioning a witness about Qatari’s role in rescuing American hostages held by Hamas. After asking the question, he cut the witness off before he could answer, stating, “I’ll answer the question for you: so, the Qataris were vastly responsible for the freeing of American hostages and many others.” He later stated, “Qatar was so important. Of the 120,000 people evacuated from Afghanistan in our moment of need, Qatar stood beside us. And of the 120,000 removed, 60,000 of them came through Qatar.”

A Qatari agent had been in contact with Marshall’s office on several occasions, having previously written, “As you may know, Qatar worked closely with President Trump and his team on the latest ceasefire and hostage release. They will continue to work with the Administration to push Hamas to adhere to the truce. Just this morning, another 8 hostages were freed.”

If the allegations against Marshall are true, he should be immediately removed from his seat. Regardless, Senate Majority Leader Thune (R-S.D.) should remove Marshall from all committee assignments until this has been fully investigated. If he is found guilty, he should be removed from the Senate and prosecuted.