Bill Keating: “I thank my two colleagues from California. Mr. Chairman, I am here rising in support of my amendment to H.R. 6237. The…”

“I thank my two colleagues from California. Mr. Chairman, I am here rising in support of my amendment to H.R. 6237. The underlying bill requires all members of the Foreign Service to serve three consecutive terms if they have received language training in certain languages. My amendment adds the Russian language to that list. Extending Foreign Service officers' length of service in these positions is vital to our foreign policy and national security objectives. Through this continuity of service, they can develop and deploy their cultural and language expertise to make the most of our diplomatic efforts in-country. Putin has become one of the greatest antagonists of the United States. He attacked our elections and those of our allies, and he is behind a number of cyber-related incidents recently. He has invaded sovereign nations when they looked toward strengthening ties with the West. His government and government- controlled entities spread lies and misinformation about the United States--not only in Russia, but here in the U.S. as well--through fake social media accounts that attempt to sow division among all Americans. He seeks to undermine all aspects of civil society and a free political process that challenge him and his control over the Russian Government and its people. Putin presents a serious security threat to the United States and our interests.…”