The Foreign Service Journal, June 2013

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 25 talk with recipients. After a sobering day of learning about the heartrending crisis and witnessing its devastating effects, we were driven back to the runway for the return to Kismayo, Kenya. In Kenya and Egypt, the delegation met with other entities organizing humanitarian relief for Somalia to gain a broader perspective. The meetings in both countries included representatives of other African governments, the United Nations, European countries, the U.S. embassy and USAID (and the U.S. military in Kenya), as well as international nongovernmental organizations and Somali refugees. On our return to Washington, we met with President George H.W. Bush and President-elect Bill Clinton, both of whom concurred with the congressional delegation’s find- ings and recommendations. The Bush administration quickly made a significant troop contribution to a United Nations effort to create a secure environment for humanitarian relief in Somalia. A December 1992 Security Council resolution led to creation of the first U.N. mission to provide humanitarian relief and help restore order in the country. That two-year effort guaranteed the delivery of humanitarian relief, saving an estimated 100,000 lives. Building and Maintaining Partnerships I tell this story more than 20 years later to exemplify how Congress and the executive branch can work together to address overseas crises. USAID’s initial briefings on the Somali crisis helped motivate Capitol Hill to send a delegation, and its report was the catalyst for the president and Capitol Hill to work with the international community on a response. The sustained support over the years by many members of Congress for U.S. humanitarian relief overseas is, in large part, the result of USAID maintaining a flow of information on overseas disasters and U.S. efforts in response to the crises. A well-informed legislative branch is a good partner for U.S. foreign policy and foreign assistance programs. Anne Wenikoff Careful preparation can make meetings and hearings on the Hill as successful as possible.