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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe Chairman Keith Self delivered opening remarks at subcommittee hearing titled, “Arms Control, International Security, & U.S. Assistance to Europe: Reforms for the State Department.”

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-Remarks-

I want to begin by welcoming both members and witnesses to the Subcommittee on Europe’s first hearing on State Department reauthorization. Under the leadership of Chairman Mast, each subcommittee has been assigned different bureaus from across the State Department in order to conduct oversight, explore potential reforms, and to ultimately authorize the bureaus into law. It has been a while since reauthorization was accomplished, and I look forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we move through this important process. It is essential that Congress takes up its responsibility to authorize a State Department that is fully able to execute the mission of making the United States a safer, stronger, and more prosperous country.

As this is our first hearing on this subject, I am going to provide a brief introduction for the State Department bureaus this subcommittee will be overseeing in the 119th Congress.

The Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability, also known as ADS, is responsible for diplomatic efforts to increase stability, reduce the risk of unintentional escalation, and prevent conflict. This includes promoting the stability and control of emerging military technologies, including AI and quantum computing, and upholding bans on chemical and biological weapons. ADS also leads negotiations on nuclear arms control and represents the United States in multilateral forums addressing WMD challenges. Originally created as the Bureau of Verification and Compliance in 1999, the bureau’s position of Assistant Secretary of State is authorized in statute, and only that one position.

Next, we have the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, or ISN, which has the mission of preventing the spread of WMD, delivery systems, and advanced conventional weapons capabilities. Additionally, ISN works to protect U.S. critical and emerging technology; and promotes the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, science, and technology. The bureau was formed in 2005 by then Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice through an agency reorganization effort that combined the Bureau of Non-Proliferation and the Bureau of Arms Control. The Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation is currently not authorized in statute by Congress.

The Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, or EUR for short, is responsible for developing and implementing U.S. foreign policy in Europe and Eurasia. The bureau promotes U.S. interests in the region on issues such as international security, NATO, cooperation with the European Union and other regional organizations, support for democracy, human rights, civil society, economic prosperity, nonproliferation, and counterterrorism. One of the key missions of the bureau is the planning, coordination, and delivery of assistance to the region. As members of Congress, it is our duty to ensure that every tax dollar spent abroad is achieving U.S. strategic objectives. Like ISN, the Bureau for European and Eurasian Affairs is not authorized in statute.

And finally, I want to note that the subcommittee has jurisdiction over the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy as well as the Export–Import Bank, but these will not be the subject of today’s hearing.

Out of the three bureaus we are discussing today, only one is explicitly authorized, and that’s only partially. Without clear and concise instruction from Congress through a State Department reauthorization, the legislative branch of government invites the executive to have broad powers to shape the structures, personnel, and mission of agencies. It is my belief that a stronger State Department requires clear legislative guidance from the Congress.

As the committee moves through this reauthorization process, the experience and insights from our witnesses today will help guide us in working to build a more efficient and effective State Department. I look forward to hearing your testimony and recommendations.

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