Political Quotes

“I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3352, the Department of State Authorization Act of 2019. This legislation helps put our diplomacy and development missions on firm footing by updating long- neglected authorities to reflect facts on the ground and strengthening the State Department's operations and workforce. Diversity is a unique source of that strength and for our economy and national security. We must ensure that our Federal workforce reflects the American people it serves. That is why I am grateful that this bill includes the bulk of my National Security Diversity and Inclusion Workforce Act, H.R. 2979, promoting diversity in Federal national security offices. That bill and the authorization bill before us today require regular reporting on demographic data related to State Department's workforce and diversity efforts and encourages State to expand recruitment and retention programs to facilitate a diverse workforce that looks like America. I want to thank the chairman, in particular, and the ranking member for including this amendment as part of the bill to incentivize senior leaders to foster an inclusive environment and offer a career advancement program for senior positions, also encouraging a diverse participation. I have collaborated with Federal employee groups to promote diversity within Federal agencies, and I welcome the opportunity to take a comprehensive approach in this bill. Mr.…”