[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 193 (Thursday, December 6, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1602-E1603]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               SUPPORTING THE WORK OF AMERICA'S DIPLOMATS

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. EDWARD R. ROYCE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 6, 2018

  Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my gratitude 
for the service and sacrifice of America's diplomats and to stress that 
a robust American diplomatic presence around the world is in our 
nation's interests, especially as our adversaries gain commercial, 
economic, and political ground. There is no substitute for brave, 
dedicated people in the field, and I would like to see us strengthen 
that key asset.
  We are one of the few nations on earth with a truly global diplomatic 
presence. Since the founding of our country, our diplomats have 
advanced American interests in some of the most difficult and dangerous 
places on earth. These professionals defend our national security, 
enforce our laws, and protect our fellow citizens overseas, often at 
great risk to themselves. Our embassies and consulates are platforms of 
U.S. influence and vigilance and our diplomats are often the first to 
spot threats to our national security.
  Their work abroad benefits Americans at home. Consider that an 
emergency investment in West Africa's health stopped cold what would 
have been an emerging Ebola pandemic a few years ago. Elsewhere, 
Foreign Service Officers work alongside the military to keep weapons of 
mass destruction out of the hands of terrorists. A strong diplomatic 
footprint is also necessary for U.S. businesses to be able to compete 
successfully in challenging and complex markets. It is no surprise that 
the business community has written to the Secretary of State to say it 
counts on American diplomats around the world to compete in the global 
marketplace--and to urge the State Department to send more diplomats to 
the field with the mission of advancing America's commercial interests.
  I commend Secretary Pompeo for announcing his vision of putting 
America's diplomats in ``every corner, every stretch of the world'' and 
urge him to continue the work he has initiated to enhance America's 
diplomatic strength.
  But above all, I want to thank the men and women of the Department of 
State and United States Agency for International Development for their 
faithful service to our nation. I have been honored to meet so many of 
our nation's diplomats and their family members in every corner of the 
globe in my 26 years in Congress, including six years as Chairman of 
the Committee on Foreign Affairs. I have seen firsthand the positive 
and lasting impact their

[[Page E1603]]

work has on all Americans and I am personally grateful for the 
sacrifice they make each day in the service of our nation.
  Mr. Speaker, no matter the day or time, the men and women of the 
United States Foreign Service are promoting our interests and defending 
our security around the globe. Let us commit ourselves to supporting 
the crucial work they do on behalf of all Americans.

                          ____________________