Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2010 And 2011

Floor Speech

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for H.R. 2410, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011. I want to commend my colleague, Mr. Berman of California, for his leadership in moving this important bill through the Committee on Foreign Affairs and bringing it to the Floor today. This important legislation represents an opportunity for the U.S. Congress to assert its proper advisory role in shaping civilian elements of our national security infrastructure.

This legislation firmly launches the U.S. on an effort to invigorate our frontline defense: Diplomatic and development capabilities at the heart of our vast global engagements. Of course, diplomacy is effective only if backed by a robust military, but we know even heroic efforts by our military forces in Iraq and Afghanistan won't secure stable victories without complementary civilian efforts.

This bill reinvests in our ability to build global consensus that favors U.S. interests. It increases Peace Corps programs and expands public diplomacy, broadcasting, and educational exchanges that will forge lasting bonds and build allies. Finally, this bill removes our arrearages to the United Nations, boosting our credibility in this key forum that lends legitimacy and effectiveness to so many of our multilateral endeavors. It also seeks to realign U.S. policies on controlled exports, streamlining licensing to help protect U.S. jobs and preserve the competitive edge of U.S. businesses while preserving nonproliferation goals.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill that represents a significant step towards restoring diplomacy as our Nation's first line of defense. By expanding dialogue, diplomacy, and development today, we will avoid the far greater costs of solving crises that instead would emerge from our indifference.

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