Rep. Brian Mast Named Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee

The US House Republicans' Steering Committee has officially announced the selection of Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) as the next chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Mast, a staunch advocate for Israel and a former Army veteran, brings his strong political views to the role, including his opposition to continued U.S. support for Ukraine.

Mast, who currently serves on the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Oversight and Accountability, was a surprising pick for many, with Axios referring to him as the “dark horse” choice.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, Mast lost both of his legs during a 2010 bomb blast while serving in the Joint Special Forces Special Operations Command. His military service and personal journey have heavily influenced his political views, especially his support for Israel. Mast has said that his commitment to Israel began during his time at Harvard, where he witnessed anti-Israel protests that shaped his resolve to stand by the Jewish state.

Additionally, in 2015 Mast volunteered with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), an experience he credits with deepening his understanding of Israel’s security challenges. His unwavering support for Israel has been a key part of his political identity, and he has made waves with his strong pro-Israel stances in Congress. For example, he made headlines by wearing his IDF volunteer uniform to Capitol Hill after Hamas declared a “Global Day of Rage” in October 2023, symbolizing his solidarity with Israel.

Mast has also made controversial remarks about Palestinian civilians, claiming that "innocent Palestinians" should not be so freely invoked in the context of ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts. His stances on foreign aid and policy, particularly regarding the UNRWA, have put him at odds with many Democrats. In early 2024, Mast co-introduced the “Stop Support for UNRWA Act,” which aimed to end U.S. funding to any humanitarian agency linked to terrorism.

Mast’s new role as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee places him at the center of U.S. foreign policy, especially in a time of heightened global tensions. Fellow Republicans, including Rep. Mike McCaul, praised his selection, emphasizing his military background and his experience in the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Mast’s leadership is expected to impact U.S. foreign policy in significant ways, particularly with regard to the Middle East and U.S. involvement in Ukraine.