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Hearing More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State and Commerce
house East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee · Jul 14, 2026 · Transcript · 44 transcript matches
THE HONORABLE CALEB ORR "Thank you, Chairwoman Kim and Chairman Huizenga for inviting me to this hearing today, and thank you to the subcommittee for your focus on commercial diplomacy. The State Department acknowledges and appreciates your ongoing support for the U.S. government's commercial diplomacy efforts. President Trump's national security strategy articulates the fundamental relationship between economic security and national security, recognizing the United States' economic strength as the foundation for our global leadership and military power, and our commercial presence in strategic infrastructure and key..."
Hearing Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026 · Transcript · 23 transcript matches
KIM, YOUNG "Once again commerce is putting the interest of the agency ahead of American businesses But commerce doesn't support this bill maybe because they view it as encroaching on their turf Their objection is territorial not policy ask State Department about this bill when undersecretary Evans testified before this committee in March he said our econ officers in the past have been trained to do economic reporting and Now we're shifting to a situation where commercial diplomacy is our policy So we're working very closely With our econ officers to make sure they have the skill sets to go out there and..."
Hearing U.S. Economic Security and Investment Abroad: Assessing Economic Security Zones
house Oversight and Intelligence Subcommittee · Jul 14, 2026 · Transcript · 6 transcript matches
MR. PAUL SULLIVAN "The broader point is that American firms increasingly compete not only against foreign companies but against foreign systems. That is why U.S. government support matters. ACRO uses U.S. government resources in a range of ways to identify partners locally, identify or, excuse me, understand local markets, engage with public sector customers, support meetings with high-level decision-makers, and encourage fair and transparent procurement. U.S. ambassadors, embassy teams, the departments of state and commerce, and commercial diplomacy more broadly can open doors and reinforce that American..."
CRS Report
International Trade Administration: Overview and Issues
Resources · Jun 30, 2025
The International Trade Administration (ITA), a unit of the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce), plays a key role in U.S. trade policy efforts to advance U.S. commercial interests. ITA’s stated...
CRS Report
National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology: Final Report and Options for Congress
Posts · Apr 17, 2025
Section 1091 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (P.L. 117-81) established the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) as an independent commission...
Hearing Helping American Businesses Win Abroad: Strengthening U.S. Commercial Diplomacy
house East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee · Apr 15, 2026 · Request transcript
Hearing Advancing National Security through Commercial Diplomacy
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Feb 24, 2026 · Request transcript
Hearing Advancing National Security through Commercial Diplomacy
house East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee · Dec 17, 2025 · Request transcript
Hearing Hearings to examine maritime security in Africa, focusing on assessing threats to United States commercial diplomacy and national security interests.
senate Africa and Global Health Policy Subcommittee · Dec 10, 2025 · Request transcript
Testimony THE HONORABLE CALEB ORR
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"Thank you, Chairwoman Kim and Chairman Huizenga for inviting me to this hearing today, and thank you to the subcommittee for your focus on commercial diplomacy. The State Department acknowledges and appreciates your ongoing support for the U.S. government's commercial diplomacy efforts. President Trump's national security strategy articulates the fundamental relationship between economic security and national security, recognizing the United States' economic strength as the foundation for our..."
Testimony THE HONORABLE CALEB ORR
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"So while commerce has the tools and the advocacy center to work on individual business transactions, the State Department, in addition to lending support to those transactions where it's in our foreign policy interest to do so, the State Department also focuses our economic officers on addressing and changing the policies of foreign governments so that they are more conducive to American exports and helping foreign governments really understand the benefits of changing those policies so that..."
Testimony KIM, YOUNG
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"Good. Under Secretary Helberg's social media, routinely spotlights his meetings with foreign dignitaries and business leaders where he uses the term, quote, unquote, commercial diplomacy to describe the work he's doing, and the Department even uses the hashtag commercial diplomacy in many of his social media posts regarding the work of Undersecretary Helberg. So you can understand why it might be a little bit confusing if Commerce is supposedly the lead agency here, but State Department is..."
Testimony KIM, YOUNG
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Once again commerce is putting the interest of the agency ahead of American businesses But commerce doesn't support this bill maybe because they view it as encroaching on their turf Their objection is territorial not policy ask State Department about this bill when undersecretary Evans testified before this committee in March he said our econ officers in the past have been trained to do economic reporting and Now we're shifting to a situation where commercial diplomacy is our policy So we're..."
Testimony THE HONORABLE DAVID FOGEL
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"You know, it's been more limited than in the past. We're very sensitive to it. Of course, you know, travel is very important as well. I mean, we need to go to some of these countries and interact with them, showing up as part of diplomacy and commercial diplomacy. But we're always mindful of budget dollars, and we want to be careful where we spend"
CRS Report
Sri Lanka: Background and Issues for Congress
InFocus · May 19, 2026
The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a constitutional democracy situated off the southeastern tip of India. A democracy since its independence from the United Kingdom in 1948, Sri Lanka...
Hearing Hearings to examine the nominations of Juan Segura, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Western Hemisphere Affairs) and to be a...
senate Foreign Relations Committee · Jun 18, 2026 · Transcript · 2 transcript matches
SPEAKER_01 "on the influence of global adversaries and malign actors in the region. The Trump administration is aggressively implementing the strategy with regional partners, expanding cooperation bilaterally, as well as enlisting partners in new initiatives including the Shields of the America, the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, and a critical minerals ministerial to build secure and resilient supply chains. As a former Virginia Secretary of Commerce, I'm particularly enthusiastic about the Trump administration's prioritization of commercial diplomacy in the Western Hemisphere. If confirmed, I look..."
Testimony KIM, YOUNG
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Let's not pretend that shoveling a bunch of money to Commerce is going to improve what we all know to be true. Our commercial diplomacy enterprise needs to change. And this is not duplicative or wasteful. That statement is false. The State Department is already doing commercial diplomacy in places where the Foreign Commercial Service does not exist. The State Department is already doing commercial diplomacy in places where the Foreign Commercial Service does not"
Testimony MEEKS, GREGORY W.
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"And finding number eight from this bill notes that, and I quote, cuts to the Foreign Commercial Service are inconsistent with the priorities articulated by President Trump and contrary to the commercial diplomacy goals and objectives of the United States of America. At the committee's April hearing on commercial diplomacy, all three witnesses that agreed that they would like to see the Foreign Commercial Service be fully funded, unfortunately, instead of expanding the FCS and authorizing more..."
Testimony THE HONORABLE CALEB ORR
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"State has many tools that it uses to support U.S. companies and trusted providers, ranging from visa issuances and denials, anti-corruption sanctions, to foreign assistance. The CDE integrates commercial diplomacy into the Department's core functions at post in our regional bureaus, identifying and developing strategic commercial opportunities using the full suite of State Department and interagency tools, ensuring the U.S. competes where it matters most. As a result, since January 20th, 2025,..."
Testimony KIM, YOUNG
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"The Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific and the Subcommittee on South and Central Asia will come to order. This joint hearing will examine the division of labor between state and commerce to determine if our commercial diplomacy enterprise is as effective and efficient as intended and to examine how these two agencies coordinate in the field. Let me now recognize myself for an opening statement. Good afternoon and welcome to today's joint hearing, More Bang for the Buck, Aligning..."
Testimony KIM, YOUNG
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"However, with only about 200 personnel and coverage in roughly one-third of U.S. posts, the burden of commercial diplomacy often falls on State Department economic officers who lack dedicated training. This produces gaps, unclear responsibilities, and missed opportunities for U.S. companies. Congress must evaluate whether the current decades-old structure remains optimal. This hearing focuses on improving coordination, workforce expertise, and incentives so the"
Testimony KIM, YOUNG
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"with the right skills deliver results at post. In May, I introduced H.R. 9062, the BOOST American Business Act that provides targeted commercial diplomacy training to State Department personnel who are already performing this work where FCS is absent. It established a foreign service specialization to build portable expertise without duplicating FCS efforts or displacing commerce personnel. The aim is simple. Equip those doing the job today to do it better while respecting FCS contributions...."
Testimony KIM, YOUNG
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"If we are serious about helping American businesses succeed amid strategic competition, we need a coordinated, expert-driven commercial diplomacy model. So, I want to thank you, Assistant Secretary Orr and Assistant Secretary Fogel for joining us"
Testimony BERA, AMI
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"At a time of intensifying global competition, it is critical that the United States leverage every tool at our disposal to support American workers, innovators, and entrepreneurs while advancing our strategic interests. One of the most important and often overlooked tools we have is commercial diplomacy. Today's hearing is an opportunity to take a hard look at what is working and what is not and what Congress can do to ensure that both the State Department and Commerce Department are positioned..."
Testimony BERA, AMI
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"declined as a result of deferred retirements and hiring freezes. That means fewer experts on the ground in key markets, fewer advocates for American companies abroad, and fewer eyes and ears identifying opportunities and challenges in real time. Competitors like China are aggressively supporting their firms overseas with coordinated government backing, financing, and market access strategies. If we fail to match that level of commitment, we risk ceding both economic and ground. Commercial..."
Testimony BERA, AMI
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"and project American values. When they are absent, our competitors fill the void. I am proud to have worked with Chairwoman Kim on the Dominance Act, which passed the House last month. The bill codifies FORGE, formerly the Mineral Securities Partnership, a commercial diplomacy initiative that allows the U.S. to coordinate with partners and allies to diversify supply chains from PRC control. The Dominance Act also strengthens interagency coordination through energy security pacts and builds the..."
Testimony MOSKOWITZ, JARED
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"Foreign Commercial Service is tasked with serving as America's business advocates on the ground, providing everything from business intelligence to ensuring that American businesses are fairly considered and helping companies navigate the global regulatory landscape. It's essential for our commercial diplomacy efforts that the FCS and the State Department coordinate closely to ensure 24-7 around-the-world support for American businesses. A key pillar of our economic promotion strategy is the..."
Testimony THE HONORABLE CALEB ORR
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"Similarly, in Venezuela, the Trump administration is focused on economic recovery as a key component of our strategy, which has become all the more urgent after the devastating June 24th In support of these objectives worldwide, earlier this year, the State Department launched the Commercial Diplomacy Enterprise, or CDE, the most significant reorganization of states' economic statecraft capacity in years. The CDE has organized and systematized the State Department's commercial diplomacy..."
Testimony THE HONORABLE CALEB ORR
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"a significant increase from the $2.98 billion in wins in fiscal 2024. Under Secretary Rubio's leadership, State will continue to leverage commercial diplomacy in coordination with our interagency partners to help American companies succeed around the world, delivering for American workers and strengthening our economic and national"
Testimony KIM, YOUNG
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"Let me start with a very short question, and hopefully it will be a very short answer. Both Secretaries, between State and Commerce, which is the lead agency when it comes to international commercial diplomacy? Let me ask you why I ask the question. When I look at the State Department's social media posts, I see Assistant Secretaries work at the FedEx Global Legal and Security Conference touting, quote, market access wins, and"
Testimony KIM, YOUNG
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"This chart shows that global market staffing is now at its lowest level since 2007, I believe it's 2007, 2017. Given these sustained personnel losses, how can Commerce credibly argue that it has the capacity to meet the growing demand for commercial diplomacy and effectively support American businesses overseas? Like I said, this is in no way criticism of the work that you're doing, which I believe is no way criticism of the work that you are doing which I believe it's doing a great great job..."
Testimony THE HONORABLE DAVID FOGEL
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"Look at the first year and a half of the Trump administration. So with the reductions that you mentioned, which are fairly modest, especially on the foreign commercial service team, frankly, we've delivered record results, and I give a lot of the credit to President Trump, Secretary Laudnick, Secretary Rubio, because they've really led the way in emphasizing commercial diplomacy, and we welcome states' participation. I welcome those posts. I follow both of the leaders that you mentioned, my..."
Testimony KIM, YOUNG
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"Given these sustained personnel losses, how can Commerce credibly argue that it has the capacity to meet the growing demand for commercial diplomacy and effectively support American businesses overseas? Like I said, this is in no way criticism of the work that you're doing, which I believe is no way criticism of the work that you are doing which I believe it's doing a great great job but I just wanted to make sure that you know you are supporting our efforts to strengthen the commercial..."
Testimony OLSZEWSKI, JOHNNY
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"And to be clear, I agree, these tools absolutely matter. And commercial diplomacy is essential if we want our private sector to compete and win abroad. But I also just wanna make the point that commercial diplomacy does not operate in a vacuum. American businesses are far more likely to invest and succeed in countries with stable institutions, But I also just wanna make the point that commercial diplomacy does not operate in a vacuum. American businesses are far more likely to invest and..."
Testimony OLSZEWSKI, JOHNNY
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"Great, thank you. Mr. Fogle, I'll follow up with a written question about the relationship between commercial diplomacy and the development assistance programs, just because I have limited time. So, I apologize, I won't have time for that. But just because it came up again on the critical"
Testimony OLSZEWSKI, JOHNNY
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"and after an investment in the same company by Trump's sons and their partners. The Trump family investment was not disclosed to the public until a New York Times story just over two weeks ago. For either of you, can you just walk us through the guardrails that State and Commerce have to ensure commercial diplomacy is not being used to enrich any member of, the family member of anyone in power, including the"
Testimony MOYLAN, JAMES C.
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"Thank you, Madam Chair. And I'm proud to have introduced the USTDA Modernization Act of 2026, which recognizes the agency's critical role in advancing United States' commercial infrastructure interest and priority emerging markets, like those in the Pacific Islands. However, outdated policies could restrict US commercial diplomacy in nations classified as high-income, due to their small population. So, Mr. Rohrer, how can the future of commercial diplomacy assist countries with small population..."
Testimony MOYLAN, JAMES C.
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"So, Mr. Rohrer, how can the future of commercial diplomacy assist countries with small population to obtain early-stage project preparation and technical assistance to strengthen American interests abroad? Thank you. Mr. Forgel, how can we encourage commercial diplomacy to become more competitive in exports, investment attractions, supply chain resilience, technological leadership, and geopolitical influence, considering our adversarial actors and their investments in strategies"
Testimony GALLAGHER, JAMES
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"But we often, you know, these are small, medium-sized businesses, producers, who are often having to navigate against foreign governments who heavily subsidize their growers and have many trade barriers that have been imposed. So my question to you, maybe starting with Mr. Orr, is, like, in what ways can we use commercial diplomacy and what are maybe some of the strategies that you guys are working on to battle against some of those trade barriers that we're experiencing right now and, you..."
Testimony BIGGS, SHERI
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"But we stand to lose access to that market if South Korea is successful in pushing American companies out of their domestic market altogether. As we think about commercial diplomacy, I'd like to ask each of you, what role do your agencies play in pushing back against this kind of unfair playing field when it's imposed by a foreign government? Thank"
Testimony BURCHETT, TIM
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"Thank you, gentlemen. Do y'all think that having multiple commercial diplomacy initiatives, that they've resulted in overlapping efforts or a duplication? Would you say that's how y'all made sure that you aren't spending time and taxpayer dollars on the same"
Testimony BURCHETT, TIM
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"That's interesting, I've never heard that before. What's your plan to ensure that the taxpayers' dollars are used responsibly in our commercial diplomacy efforts? Do you think we ought to consolidate our commercial diplomacy under one"
Testimony BURCHETT, TIM
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"What's your plan to ensure that the taxpayers' dollars are used responsibly in our commercial diplomacy efforts? Do you think we ought to consolidate our commercial diplomacy under one department? Thank"
Testimony THE HONORABLE CALEB ORR
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"But in a situation like that where there is no U.S. company, the State Department, as a matter of foreign policy, will still, in some cases, do advocacy for the foreign company in order to block out an adversary from attaining that contract. We work well with the Department of Commerce and coordinating on commercial diplomacy cases. Congresswoman, we work very closely with the interim authorities in Venezuela to"
Testimony BARR, ANDY
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"So we want them to import more Kentucky bourbon whiskey and maybe less of that Scotch whiskey. Well, I've run out of time, but I do hope that you will address the duplicities between the Foreign Commercial Service and the new commercial diplomacy enterprise at State and how you're handling that. Would the gentlelady"
Testimony KIM, YOUNG
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"This is amazing. We want to be able to do better, and then we want to be able to strengthen commercial diplomacy training at the State if we can do this where Commerce FCS is not present. Do you understand what I'm trying to say? Because I understand. You mentioned, Secretary Fogel, there is no need to consolidate commercial diplomacy or move FCS to State. That's not what we're advocating"
Testimony KIM, YOUNG
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Economic vitality, growth, and prosperity at home is absolutely necessary for American power and influence abroad. An American first foreign policy demands that we prioritize commercial diplomacy. Commercial diplomacy helps American businesses gain market access abroad, levels the playing from predatory actors who threaten our national security. Commercial diplomacy helps American businesses gain market access abroad, levels the playing from predatory actors who threaten our national security...."
Testimony KIM, YOUNG
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"It's clear that commerce does not see the foreign commercial service as core to its mission. With the FCS absent from most overseas posts, the commercial diplomacy role falls to the State Department's econ officers, who typically receive little or no relevant"
Testimony KIM, YOUNG
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"The BOOST Act offers a simple solution. Provide targeted commercial diplomacy training to State Department personnel who are already performing this work in the field. Some would argue this bill is duplicative with commerce. The State Department is already handling commercial diplomacy in nearly 60% of overseas"
Testimony KIM, YOUNG
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"But why invest more in an agency that has shown no sustained interest in the mission? H.R. 9062 creates a specialization within the foreign service dedicated to commercial diplomacy. It acknowledges the external economic challenges we face and the structural limits of our current"
Testimony MEEKS, GREGORY W.
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Unfortunately, unfortunately, I must oppose this measure. H.R. 9062, I'm sure Representative Kim wanted to elevate commercial diplomacy at the State Department. And that is a very important goal of which I share. But we should be honest about the risks that, as drafted, this bill could create policy confusion, duplication, inefficiency, while failing to solve the number one roadblock to effective commercial diplomacy, and that's"
Testimony MEEKS, GREGORY W.
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"In addition, creating a new cadre of commercial diplomatic officers without an authorization of appropriations risks cutting into states' already limited resources, meaning fewer staff already limited resources, meaning fewer staff and resources for the remaining Foreign Service cones. This is why the American Foreign Service Association also opposes this bill. The best way to enhance commercial diplomacy would be to fully fund and resource FCS. The Commerce Department is best positioned to..."
Testimony KIM, YOUNG
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Through this effort that we're trying to do through this legislation But let's be real honest here The current system is not serving American businesses as well as we would like and I addressed that in my opening statement I hear that from the businesses in my district and I know Others hear the same concerns from your district whenever you go home This bill does not remove commerce from any post and it does not say the foreign commercial service is not needed or welcome This bill simply says..."
Testimony KIM, YOUNG
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Thank You. Mr. Mix, you know, it is true that State Department Does not have the expertise or the culture to do the commercial diplomacy, but that's the problem with the status quo Today the State Department is being asked to fulfill the role of commercial diplomat in the overwhelming majority of our post"
Testimony KAMLAGER-DOVE, SYDNEY
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Miss come logger dove you're recognized. Thank You. Mr. Chair. I appreciate Representative Kim's focus on commercial diplomacy and her dedication to bolstering this important foreign policy tool At the same time I'm concerned that this administration has increasingly weaponized commercial diplomacy to advance a pay-to-play model of US foreign policy and to Facilitate investments that directly or indirectly enrich Trump his family members or his key advisors increasingly weaponized commercial..."
Testimony KAMLAGER-DOVE, SYDNEY
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"bribery by the DOJ and employees, a single, a senior trader who contributed $6 million to Trump's campaign. This shady behavior seems to be present wherever the administration is engaging in commercial diplomacy, including in South and Central Asia. For months, Secretary Lutnick, Secretary Rubio, and President Trump worked to secure a tungsten mining deal for an American company in Kazakhstan, announcing the deal during the C5-plus-1 Leaders Summit in"
Testimony KAMLAGER-DOVE, SYDNEY
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Given the administration's extensive pattern of corruption and graft, I think it's imperative that Congress impose guardrails to ensure that commercial diplomacy resources are not converted into a personal deal team for senior administration officials. And that's what my amendment"
Testimony MEEKS, GREGORY W.
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"should support. It simply makes sure that the State Department, I mean, let's just listen to this, the language is clear, it simply makes sure that the State Department is not engaging in commercial diplomacy on behalf of companies that are majority owned by any president or other senior U.S."
Testimony MEEKS, GREGORY W.
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"It should not be an issue or a question, because I think that if you talk to anyone, you take whoever the current president is out of this, this should be something that every member of Congress can support to say that whoever the president is, they should not be using the State Department to engage in commercial diplomacy on behalf of the companies that they have the majority of stock in. That's all it says. And it just makes sure that there's ethics requirements in that regards for the office..."
Testimony DANIEL TRAVIS
Hearings to examine the nominations of Peter McCoy, of South Carolina,...
senate Foreign Relations Committee · Aug 5, 2026
"That is the basis of a productive relationship and is the approach I will bring to Freetown. If confirmed, the welfare of American citizens, our commercial diplomacy, and our development investments in Sierra Leone, particularly in public health, will be my top priorities. I will work to close transformational deals, open doors for American companies, and ensure that Sierra Leone's energy, infrastructure, and mineral sectors are shaped by an American investment, not by our competitors who play..."
Testimony MR. PAUL SULLIVAN
U.S. Economic Security and Investment Abroad: Assessing Economic Secur...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"The broader point is that American firms increasingly compete not only against foreign companies but against foreign systems. That is why U.S. government support matters. ACRO uses U.S. government resources in a range of ways to identify partners locally, identify or, excuse me, understand local markets, engage with public sector customers, support meetings with high-level decision-makers, and encourage fair and transparent procurement. U.S. ambassadors, embassy teams, the departments of state..."
Testimony MR. PAUL SULLIVAN
U.S. Economic Security and Investment Abroad: Assessing Economic Secur...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"all in support of the American worker. Thank you for your opportunity to testify. I think ACRA's position on this certainly would encourage greater STEM training, but I think greater commercial diplomacy training in general is very welcome. If we're going to implement a whole-of-government approach where all the various agencies and departments, state, commerce, USTDA, Ex-Im Bank, DFC, if they're all to work in coordination properly, you need diplomats who understand the deal cycle, what it..."
Testimony MR. PAUL SULLIVAN
U.S. Economic Security and Investment Abroad: Assessing Economic Secur...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"and other parts of emerging and frontier markets. But to do so, we've got to have those tools. And without those tools, which means seasoned, skilled diplomats who understand that their job is commercial diplomacy, first and foremost, helping American companies, because what does that do? It's helping American workers. And they also have to understand the deal cycle, how things start from preliminary inquiries all the way through to project"
Testimony MR. PAUL SULLIVAN
U.S. Economic Security and Investment Abroad: Assessing Economic Secur...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"This is, again, American jobs supporting American families to live the lives that they hope to lead. To do that, you need economic leadership. To do that with your embassies, you need commercial diplomacy that employs or at least fully understands the sharp tools that we actually have. And we need to scale these. It's not just the tools themselves, but it's the federal government employees who serve those institutions at EXIM and"
Testimony MR. PAUL SULLIVAN
U.S. Economic Security and Investment Abroad: Assessing Economic Secur...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"I'll go back to this and I don't want to sound too demanding, but it's their job. And I think this administration has been very clear in saying that diplomats are to lead in commercial diplomacy, move forward, support American companies, support American jobs. We have seen it across the world in supporting Acro's business, which supports our factory in Pennsylvania. However, to your point, the commitment to that is uneven. Others have embraced this turn that's about a decade long of commercial..."
Testimony KIM, YOUNG
Implementing an America First Approach in the East Asia and Pacific Re...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 25, 2026
"Good afternoon. Good morning. Welcome to East Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee hearing on Implementing an America First Approach in the East Asia and the Pacific Region. We are pleased to welcome the Honorable Michael DeSombre, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. Mr. DeSombre, thank you so much for joining us. Since October, you have led one of the State Department's most critical bureaus at a time when U.S. policy in the Indo-Pacific must prioritize American..."
Testimony SPEAKER_05
Hearings to examine the nominations of Barbera Thornhill, of North Car...
senate Foreign Relations Committee · Jun 25, 2026
"sacrifices, including during my time in uniform. I could not be here without their unwavering support, as well as the Department of War and State Department family that sits behind me, too. They're supporting me today. I am from a North Carolina family of educators, farmers, first responders and military members who served from World War Two through the Gulf War. I served first in the military and continue that service at the State Department, where I have the privilege to advance U. S...."
Testimony SPEAKER_01
Hearings to examine the nominations of Juan Segura, of Virginia, to be...
senate Foreign Relations Committee · Jun 18, 2026
"on the influence of global adversaries and malign actors in the region. The Trump administration is aggressively implementing the strategy with regional partners, expanding cooperation bilaterally, as well as enlisting partners in new initiatives including the Shields of the America, the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, and a critical minerals ministerial to build secure and resilient supply chains. As a former Virginia Secretary of Commerce, I'm particularly enthusiastic about the Trump..."
Testimony SPEAKER_01
Hearings to examine the nominations of Juan Segura, of Virginia, to be...
senate Foreign Relations Committee · Jun 18, 2026
"there was a time where American companies weren't showing up. And so a big part of the restructure under the secretary's leadership that I commend is the fact that we are leading with commercial diplomacy. Our posts in these different"
Hearing Hearings to examine the nominations of Peter McCoy, of South Carolina, to be Ambassador to Montenegro, Daniel Travis, of California, a Career...
senate Foreign Relations Committee · Aug 5, 2026 · Transcript
DANIEL TRAVIS "That is the basis of a productive relationship and is the approach I will bring to Freetown. If confirmed, the welfare of American citizens, our commercial diplomacy, and our development investments in Sierra Leone, particularly in public health, will be my top priorities. I will work to close transformational deals, open doors for American companies, and ensure that Sierra Leone's energy, infrastructure, and mineral sectors are shaped by an American investment, not by our competitors who play by their own rules. I will use the full range of U.S. government tools available, including MCC..."
Hearing Implementing an America First Approach in the East Asia and Pacific Region
house East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee · Jun 25, 2026 · Transcript
KIM, YOUNG "Good afternoon. Good morning. Welcome to East Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee hearing on Implementing an America First Approach in the East Asia and the Pacific Region. We are pleased to welcome the Honorable Michael DeSombre, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. Mr. DeSombre, thank you so much for joining us. Since October, you have led one of the State Department's most critical bureaus at a time when U.S. policy in the Indo-Pacific must prioritize American strength, prosperity, and security while racing ahead of the Chinese Communist Party. During your Senate..."
Hearing Hearings to examine the nominations of Barbera Thornhill, of North Carolina, to be Director of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking, with...
senate Foreign Relations Committee · Jun 25, 2026 · Transcript
SPEAKER_05 "sacrifices, including during my time in uniform. I could not be here without their unwavering support, as well as the Department of War and State Department family that sits behind me, too. They're supporting me today. I am from a North Carolina family of educators, farmers, first responders and military members who served from World War Two through the Gulf War. I served first in the military and continue that service at the State Department, where I have the privilege to advance U. S. national security priorities. I spent my military career in civil service in challenging environments,..."
CRS Report
Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: FY2024 Budget and Appropriations
Reports · Jul 16, 2024
Each year, Congress considers 12 distinct appropriations measures to fund federal programs and activities. One of these is the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS)...
Testimony THE HONORABLE DAVID FOGEL
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"thank you for the opportunity to come before you today. I consider it the honor of my life to be serving President Trump and Secretary Lutnick as the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service. This administration is determined to deliver concrete commercial outcomes that create opportunities for American businesses, support American workers, and strengthen communities across the country. The Global Markets Business Unit..."
CRS Report
Middle East and North Africa-China Relations
Reports · Mar 23, 2023
The People’s Republic of China (PRC, or China) has been expanding and strengthening its diplomatic, security, commercial, and cultural ties with countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)...
CRS Report
Information Access for Congressional Advisory Commissions
Reports · Jul 7, 2022
Advisory commissions assist Congress with the development of public policy. Congressional advisory commissions are formal groups, usually composed of policy experts, that provide independent advice,...
CRS Report
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
Resources · May 4, 2023
In October 2013, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Bali, Indonesia, China proposed creating a new multilateral development bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). As...
CRS Report
Natural Gas Discoveries in the Eastern Mediterranean
Reports · Aug 15, 2016
Since 2009, a series of large natural gas discoveries in the Levant Basin have altered the dynamics of the Eastern Mediterranean region. Israel’s discovery of the Tamar Field and subsequent discovery...
CRS Report
China and Sub-Saharan Africa
Resources · Jan 31, 2025
The People’s Republic of China (PRC, or China) maintains bilateral diplomatic ties with all countries in sub-Saharan African (hereinafter “Africa”) except Eswatini, Taiwan’s sole diplomatic partner...
CRS Report
U.S.-Iran Ceasefire and Negotiations: Assessment and Issues for Congress
Legal Sidebar · Apr 9, 2026
An April 8 ceasefire between the United States and Iran remains in place but is on “life support,” per President Donald Trump, amid intermittent fighting since May 4 that highlights the potential for...
CRS Report
Artificial Intelligence and National Security
Reports · Nov 10, 2020
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing field of technology with potentially significant implications for national security. As such, the United States and other nations are developing AI...
CRS Report
Supreme Court Considers Whether the United States Can Prosecute a Foreign-State-Owned Bank
Posts · Mar 6, 2023
The Supreme Court may soon decide whether the United States can prosecute foreign countries and their agencies and instrumentalities in U.S. courts. The United States has accused Türkiye Halk Bankasi...
CRS Report
Transfer of Defense Articles: U.S. Sale and Export of U.S.-Made Arms to Foreign Entities
Reports · Mar 23, 2023
An extensive set of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures govern the sale and export of U.S.-origin weapons to foreign countries (“defense articles and defense services,” officially). Congress...
CRS Report
Intellectual Property Violations and China: Legal Remedies
Reports · Sep 17, 2020
Concerns that the government of the People’s Republic of China (China) fails to protect and enforce intellectual property (IP) rights, and thus harms U.S. IP rights holders, have been one of the key...
CRS Report
Presidential Appointments to Full-Time Positions in Executive Departments During the 113th Congress
Reports · Jul 15, 2015
The President makes appointments to positions within the federal government, either using the authorities granted by law to the President alone, or with the advice and consent of the Senate. There...