Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, announced that he will convene a hearing on Wednesday, March 20 entitled, “Crisis in Syria: The U.S. Response.”

U.S. Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford and other State Department and USAID officials will testify at the hearing.

Chairman Royce said:  “Unfortunately, we are watching conditions in Syria continue to deteriorate precipitously.  The Assad regime has killed tens of thousands of Syrians.  Millions more have been displaced or have fled to neighboring countries increasingly strained by their influx.  This is a regional crisis. 

“It’s time for the Obama Administration, which has struggled on Syria, to present and defend its policy on all fronts, including its humanitarian efforts.  The Committee will focus on how the U.S. can best protect its vital national interests and effectively promote a stable and peaceful Syria.”

Wednesday, March 20

Hearing:  Crisis in Syria: The U.S. Response
9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, March 20 in 2172 Rayburn House Office Building

Committee on Foreign Affairs
Rep. Ed Royce, Chairman

Invited witnesses include:

The Honorable Robert S. Ford
American Ambassador to Syria

The Honorable Anne C. Richard
Assistant Secretary
Bureau for Population, Refugees, and Migration
U.S. Department of State

The Honorable Nancy E. Lindborg
Assistant Administrator
Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance
United States Agency for International Development

***See foreignaffairs.house.gov for updates. 

***Coverage note:  All Foreign Affairs Committee proceedings are webcast live at foreignaffairs.house.gov/live-video-feed.