U.S. Rep. Meeks Statement on Committee’s Authorization of State Department Funding

U.S. Rep. Meeks Statement on Committee’s Authorization of State Department Funding

Washington, D.C.—Representative Gregory W. Meeks, senior member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding the Committee’s mark-up and passage of the Department of State Operations Authorization and Embassy Security Act (S. 1635):

“Today, the House Foreign Affairs Committee authorized important improvements to the work and operations of the U.S. State Department. The Department will be strengthened by enhancements to embassy security, streamlining of its bureaucracy, and provisions to deepen its commitment to retaining a diverse workforce. Having a strong diplomatic corps that reflects the myriad facets of the American people is one of the best ways to advance our nation’s interests abroad, and make the world a safer place.

“I was particularly gratified to support the provisions that will expand the Rangel, Pickering, and Payne fellowships. I host a Rangel Fellow in my office every year, and I have seen these bright, young diplomats make America proud in their service around the world. I know from personal experience what an excellent job these programs do in developing young people of enormous potential from underrepresented communities, and I know that America is better off as a result.”