Egyptian Protests 'Inspiring,' Royce Says

Congressman Ed Royce, who will chair the House Foreign Affairs Committee in the next Congress, issued a statement Wednesday in reaction to Egypt's draft constitution, the protests in Cairo and President Mohamed Morsi’s extension of power.

"Egypt—at the center of the Arab world—is at a crossroads," began the statement by the Republican congressman, whose 40th District includes Los Alamitos.

"It can follow the path of the Muslim Brotherhood and President Morsi’s consolidation of legislative and judicial power in the executive. Or it can choose the path that many Egyptians thought its revolution was leading to. One that respects—and doesn’t attempt to squash—secular and liberal voices, as well as all religions.

"That so many are protesting President Morsi’s power grab is an encouraging and inspiring development. Nothing less than Egypt’s strategic partnership with the United States is at stake.

"Once seized, presidential powers are rarely yielded back willingly. The notion of 'temporary' executive powers give every freedom loving Egyptian great concern."  

Royce chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade.  His new duties begin in January.