[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 116 (Wednesday, August 1, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1381]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       INTRODUCTION OF COMMISSION ON AMERICANS LIVING ABROAD ACT

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 1, 2012

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, U.S. citizens who live and work abroad 
serve as American's informal ambassadors, helping to strengthen the 
United States economy and promoting American influence around the 
globe. For years I have worked to ensure overseas Americans are able to 
exercise their right to vote and have access to banking services. Five 
years ago I formed the Congressional Americans Abroad Caucus to focus 
and bring awareness to the concerns of the 4-6 million U.S. citizens 
residing abroad. Because they're scattered across the world, it can be 
hard for Americans living abroad to get the attention of Congress. U.S. 
citizens remain Americans wherever they are in the world and should not 
be ignored.
  Americans living and working outside the U.S. continue to voice 
concerns regarding the impact of federal policies on voting, access to 
financial institutions, immigration, and taxation. Given that these and 
other federal policies affecting Americans abroad cover an array of 
agencies, we should study the full impact of these policies on the 
overseas community. That is why today I am introducing the Commission 
on Americans Living Abroad Act, creating an Executive Commission 
expressly charged with examining the concerns of U.S. citizens living 
and working abroad. This new legislation creates a 15 member panel to 
study the impact of U.S. laws and Executive actions on the overseas 
Americans community. The study would then be used to make 
recommendations for actions Congress and the Executive Branch could 
take to improve collaboration and communication of policies impacting 
this community. Through this study we can better ensure awareness, 
coordination, and integration of the activities of the federal 
government relating to Americans abroad. Thanks to original cosponsors 
Reps. Michael Honda and Charles Rangel for their support of the bill 
and their advocacy on behalf of overseas Americans.
  It is time we take a systemic look at all the issues affecting our 
citizens living abroad. Through this bipartisan Commission we can 
establish the state of policies and rules affecting Americans abroad so 
we can better serve their needs as they live and work in our global 
economy. I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

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