Recent news
July 2011
Senator Kerry introduces bill to support the US Department of State and US diplomacy
July 28, 2011 -- Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair John Kerry (D-MA) has introduced the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for fiscal years 2012-2013. The bill would authorize programs and initiatives to support key diplomatic and foreign policy priorities around the world and demonstrate Congress’ strong commitment to supporting the US Foreign Service Corps and development professionals. The legislation would provide resources to support all aspects of the US Department of State’s (State Department) diplomatic mission, strengthen accountability and oversight of US diplomatic and development programs, enhance US public diplomacy, and offer a renewed commitment to global development efforts. The legislation was introduced just one week after the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed its own State Department authorizing bill, which slashed support for several key initiatives.
“We face tremendous foreign policy and national security challenges worldwide, from helping countries manage peaceful, democratic transitions in the Middle East, to preventing violence, conflict, and terrorism from engulfing key partners, and to leading humanitarian responses to forestall drought, famine, and natural disasters,” Kerry said. “We are only able to achieve these aims with a strong State Department and [ US Agency for International Development] USAID. This legislation demonstrates our commitment to building our nation’s civilian capacity and providing our diplomatic corps with the essential tools, authorities, and resources to succeed in the demanding jobs we continually require of them.” See the link below for more information.
- Foreign Relations Authorization Act (271 KB PDF)
- Global Health Technologies Coalition news story on the House Foreign Affairs Committee State Department authorizing bill
