Washington—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Representative Michael McCaul, Lead Republican of the Committee, today made the following statement:

“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the State Department employee who has been lost to COVID-19. They have our deepest condolences, as does the entire State Department family spread out around the world. We know that diplomacy can be dangerous work, but that knowledge does nothing to soften the blow when tragedy strikes. State Department personnel are on the front lines of this crisis. They are working around the clock to ensure the safety of Americans and with other governments as we all rally together to grapple with this challenge. As that work continues and as we mourn this loss, these brave men and women and their families have our unwavering support”

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