Castro Statement on House Passage of FY2017 State Department Reauthorization
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, today issued the following statement after voting in favor of the Department of State Authorities Act for Fiscal Year 2017:
“Today’s State Department reauthorization legislation strengthens the United States’ diplomatic corps, provides increased safety protections for our diplomats and embassies abroad, and ensures Congress maintains sufficient oversight of the State Department in the years to come.
“I’m pleased that the legislation includes the text of the Foreign Affairs Inclusion Reporting (FAIR) Act, legislation I introduced with Rep. Karen Bass (CA-37) to increase the diversity of Department of State and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) personnel. A variety of views, backgrounds, and experiences contribute to more creative thinking and efficient problem solving, both of which play critical roles in our nation’s diplomatic efforts. By expanding our diplomatic corps’ diversity, the FAIR Act aims to enhance America’s potential for success in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. The provision’s inclusion in the State Department’s reauthorization bill makes the legislation stronger.
“Smart, effective diplomacy is essential for peace. This legislation provides the State Department with resources and capabilities that will improve its ability to achieve our nation’s diplomatic goals and create a more stable, secure world.”
The Department of State Authorities Act for Fiscal Year 2017(S. 1635) passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 374 to 16.
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