The Foreign Service Journal, September 2019

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | SEPTEMBER 2019 17 Bipartisan State Authorization Act I am very pleased this committee came together to pass the first comprehensive Department of State authorization bill in six years. Its passage reasserts our constitutional Article I authority to provide direction to the State Department. Not only is it our commit- tee’s responsibility to provide robust and con- tinued oversight of the department, but we owe it to our diplomats to ensure they have the best tools possible in an ever-evolving international landscape. This reauthorization streamlines and improves the department, provides cost saving measures in embassy construction while maintaining security, and eliminates duplicative programs and outdated reports. —Ranking Member Michael McCaul (R-Texas), opening statement at the House Foreign Affairs Committee markup of the State Department Authorization Act, June 26. Critical Tools for Advancing National Security Diplomacy and development are critical tools for advancing American foreign policy and national security. Today’s bipar- tisan legislation gets us back on the right track to strengthen and support the important work that America’s diplomats carry out every day on behalf of our country. …We are proud that today is the first step in making a State Department authorization a regular part of Congress’s business. —Chairman Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.), opening statement at the House Foreign Affairs Committee markup of the State Department Authorization Act, June 26. State Department’s Vital Work As a former national security officer who has served overseas, I can attest to the vital work of the State Department and its workforce. Our diplomatic corps, our Civil Service officers, and the contractors and local staff who support them, ensure that U.S. interests and values are upheld around the world. They ensure we pursue diplomatic solutions and prevent conflicts before they start. They ensure we have strong allies and partners who will stand with us in times of crisis. And they ensure we have economic opportunities for American businesses and a safe, secure world for our children. This bill is the first step in doing our part to ensure those officers who represent us at home and abroad are represented here in Congress and have the resources, guidance and support they need to do their job. —Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.), opening statement at the House Foreign Affairs Committee markup of the State Department Authorization Act, June 26. We Support You Every member of the committee knows just how crucial the State Department is to our national security. The department is the face of America abroad. Through its work, the United States secures its interests across the globe and helps our allies and partners improve their own capabilities and face their own threats on a better footing. I’m grateful to have met some of our diplomats and State Department person- nel both here in Washington and abroad. They are some of America’s finest, and by passing the State Authorization bill the committee sends them a clear message: we support and appreciate you. —Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), in the House Foreign Affairs Committee press release ahead of the vote on the State Department Authorization Act, July 23. Unsung Heroes As a veteran, I understand the need for strong American lead- ership on the world stage, both militarily and diplomatically. I firmly believe that our Foreign Service agencies, like State Department and USAID, are the unsung heroes of conflict mitigation. I have seen firsthand how their work supports our allies by reducing poverty, promoting democracy and main- taining regional stability. —Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), in the HFAC press release, July 23. Commitment to State’s Mission We must ensure we are providing our diplomats with the resources necessary to represent America’s interests abroad, and to maintain peace and security throughout the world. This reauthorization demonstrates our committee’s commit- ment to supporting the State Department and their important mission. —Rep. Greg Pence (R-Ind.), in the HFAC press release, July 23. Heard on the Hill JOSH