Ayotte Appointed to Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe

Press Release

Helsinki Commission Aims To Protect American Interests Abroad, Preserve Transatlantic Alliance

U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) announced today that she has been appointed to serve as a member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, formally known as the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Established during the Cold War, this independent U.S. government agency aims to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Europe.

"The Helsinki Commission provides a valuable opportunity for our country to maintain and build relationships with our closest allies, which is so critical to the transatlantic alliance and the protection of U.S. interests abroad," said Ayotte. "Given my interest in shaping policy that keeps Americans safe, I am particularly interested in the panel's efforts related to the threat of global terrorism."

Ayotte's membership on the Helsinki Commission will help support her work on the Senate Armed Services, Commerce, and Small Business Committees, putting her in a strong position to influence U.S. policy relating to defense, security, and economic interests.

She joins Senators Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Roger Wicker (R-MS), as incoming Republican members of the Helsinki Commission. The panel consists of nine members from the U.S. Senate, nine members from the U.S. House of Representatives, and one member each from the Departments of Defense, State, and Commerce.

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