I voted Yes on H.R. 2848, the Department of State Operations and Embassy Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014.

This bill would provide fiscally responsible funding levels for the Department of State that reflect the priorities of the Department’s modern day missions.  The funding authorized through this legislation would enhance security standards and structures by prioritizing the improvement of facilities in high risk areas and requiring the State Department to develop a list of high-risk, high-threat posts that would remain sufficiently funded and receive enhanced emergency contingency planning and training.  Further, this bill would also provide funding for an additional 156 Marine Corps Security Guards and authorize the construction of 26 new Marine-operated access points at high-risk, high-threat posts.

The work and missions carried out by our Foreign Service Officers and State Department staff is of vital importance to fostering diplomacy and advancing and protecting U.S. interests, values, and citizens around the world.  This bill would allow their operations to continue by providing a safer environment and fostering successful programs in a fiscally responsible manner.

The bill was approved by a vote of 384 – 37.