Should Congress approve new State Department policies?
The Department of State Policy Provisions Act sets new policies for the State Department, focusing on diplomacy, security, trade, and management. It restricts the use of buildings tied to China, promotes trade with Africa, and develops a security plan for 13 Caribbean countries. It also helps foreign nations guard against risky investments, builds a disaster response workforce, and leverages U.S. sporting events to strengthen diplomacy. In addition, it authorizes U.S. assistance to other countries to fight terrorism and grants certain diplomatic protections to the Pacific Islands Forum.
Sponsor: Rep. Brian Mast (Republican, Florida, District 21)
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Opponents say
• "Let me be clear: Democrats want to partner with Republicans to strengthen America’s diplomatic and development capabilities, but we will not rubber stamp an administration’s efforts to diminish U.S. diplomacy and soft power. We will not defer to the Executive Branch without scrutiny. And we will not simply go along to get along with a bill that ignores the damage this Administration is doing to American diplomacy. If this Committee’s leadership is serious about our responsibility to authorize the State Department in a way that strengthens American diplomacy and protects Americans around the world, and I believe you are Mr. Chairman, then I urge you—as the first Chairman in two decades to successfully pass a State authorization into law—change course, and let’s work together." Source: Gregory Meeks (Democrat, New York, District 5)
Proponents say
• "My bill, H.R. 5300, requires all global health assistance to be conducted through a global health compact agreement, the America First Global Health Strategy promotes truly bilateral agreements. It establishes key metrics and planning on the front end for countries to take ownership of their own health systems and staffing over time, and it requires partner countries to pull their own weight with financial contributions. This America First Global Health Strategy operates in tandem with our state authorization bill. I look forward to working closely with the State Department to support their vital work ensuring every taxpayer dollar goes towards U.S. interests and that health security threats are stopped before they arrive in the United States. I applaud the excellent work being done by Secretary Rubio and his team. " Source: Rep. Brian Mast (Republican, Florida, District 21)
• "The Department of State grew into a massive bureaucracy where nearly 80% of the agency has been operating without proper Congressional authorization. Under Chairman Mast's bold leadership, Congress is once again asserting its responsibility over the reauthorization of the Department of State,” said Congressman Self. “These important measures will streamline the Department and empower Secretary Rubio to operate more effectively and help give President Trump the necessary tools to assert peace through strength." Source: Rep. Keith Self (Republican, Texas, District 3)
- Chairman Mast on America First Global Health Strategy (Press Release)
- GOP lawmaker pulls measure to allow Marco Rubio to revoke US passports (The Guardian)
- How America’s Trade Program with Africa Bolsters Security and Peace (United States Institute of Peace)
- Members of Congress Seek to Expand Sports Diplomacy (New York Times)
- Rep. Brian Mast’s Largest Donors (OpenSecrets)
