Washington, D.C. – House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) today announced he will introduce legislation to reauthorize the State Department and better support our diplomats. The bipartisan Department of State Authorization Act of 2018 will be marked by the full committee next Thursday, April 26.

“A strong State Department is essential to advancing America’s many interests overseas,” Chairman Royce said. “Our diplomats serve on the front lines in the most dangerous parts of the world, working to prevent armed conflict, combat terrorism, empower women and open new markets to U.S. job creators. This bipartisan bill will help ensure our diplomats have the tools to tackle today’s challenges – including North Korean nuclear threats and Iranian aggression. It will improve diplomat training, bolster embassy security and protect the department’s information technology systems.

“The Foreign Affairs Committee takes its responsibility to oversee and authorize the State Department seriously. By effectively investing in diplomacy and development, we can make America more prosperous and secure.”

Specifically, the Department of State Authorization Act:

  • Ensures a strong diplomatic presence overseas, in coordination with U.S. military and economic influence, to advance American interests; 
  • Improves the effectiveness of our diplomats in the field by mandating more rigorous training and competitive recruitment and encourages recruitment of military veterans;
  • Realizes key efficiencies across the Department, including more timely construction of safer embassies at reduced cost to taxpayers;
  • Improves coordination across the U.S. Government to combat public corruption and promote good governance overseas; and
  • Advances U.S. interests in cyberspace by hardening the Department’s information technology systems and bolstering U.S. leadership on international cyberspace policy.

A section-by-section summary of the legislation is available HERE.

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