WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding the President’s signing into law the Department of State Authorities Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (S.1635):

“The President’s signature on this important measure is great news.

“It’s been 14 years since a State Department Authorization bill has made it into law.  The legislation the President signed today will help to bring our diplomatic efforts into the 21^st century.  This law focuses on keeping our diplomats safe so they can do their jobs, and it will help to build a stronger, more diverse workforce at the State Department and USAID. 

“I’m also pleased that this law included my bipartisan measure to create an independent Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission to take a fresh look at drug policy in the Americas.

“I’m proud of the work we did to get this effort across the finish line, and I’m grateful to Senators Corker and Cardin and Chairman Ed Royce for their partnership.”

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