David Valadao: “I oppose my friend's amendment because I do not believe all the good the Congressional Office for International…”

“I oppose my friend's amendment because I do not believe all the good the Congressional Office for International Leadership has done for Congress over the last 25 years should be negated by one embassy programming selection. The Congressional Office for International Leadership links Members of Congress to leaders in Eurasia and Asia and is an instrument for Americans engaged in citizen diplomacy. COIL's place as the only regularized international exchange program in the legislative branch provides opportunities for Members of Congress and their constituents to engage with their peers from countries of strategic importance to the United States. COIL convenes congressional leadership and its constituents to provide foreign visitors with a multilevel State, Federal, and local introduction to American democratic governing systems and accountable governance. This is the next generation of government and civic leaders where they begin, in the Halls of the most powerful legislative body in the world, the United States Congress. The exchange establishes a personal and profound connection between leaders from around the world, providing unique and meaningful insights and experiences while fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. Thousands of Americans across the country benefit from hosting COIL participants in their homes and communities. The agency provides an important service for a very modest amount of money. Mr.…”