Foreign Relations Authorization Gets Bipartisan Support
For the first time in five years, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed a State Department Authorization bill. After yesterday’s bipartisan vote in support of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2010-11, S.2971, Chairman Kerry said, “It provides our diplomats and development experts the tools and guidance needed to advance our interests and national security priorities both now and in the future.” Among other provisions, the bill authorizes 2,200 additional foreign service officers for the State Dept and USAID. The House passed its version of the bill (H.R. 2410) last June by a vote of 235 – 187. During debate on the measure, Kerry also reiterated his hope Congress would pass the President’s full $58.8 billion request for the International Affairs Budget.
