REPS LIEU AND WILSON APPLAUD STATE DEPARTMENT'S NEW SUBNATIONAL DIPLOMACY OFFICE

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) and Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) issued the following statement after Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that Ambassador Nina Hachigian would serve as the first Special Representative for Subnational Diplomacy. In the role, Ambassador Hachigian will also lead a newly established Unit for Subnational Diplomacy. Congressmen Lieu and Wilson have been championing this issue in Congress, having introduced the City and State Diplomacy Act in the last two Congresses. Their bipartisan legislation would enshrine an Office of City and State Diplomacy at the State Department, which would coordinate overall U.S. policy and programs in support of city and state engagement with foreign governments and officials.

"We applaud the State Department for creating a new Special Representative for Subnational Diplomacy and recognizing the important role that our cities and states play on the international stage. For too long, the federal government has missed an opportunity to empower our state and local leaders who are promoting U.S. interests and relationships abroad in innovative ways. From bilateral agreements on science and technology cooperation to sharing best practices for public health and safety, our subnational officials have already demonstrated success in engaging with their foreign counterparts to support our communities. It's time for the federal government to unlock its expertise and resources to help them succeed.

"Throughout her tenure as both a U.S. diplomat and as Deputy Mayor of Los Angeles for International Affairs, Amb. Nina Hachigian has been a champion for subnational diplomacy. We are confident that she brings the experience and gravitas to make this new role and office a success. As the sponsors of the City and State Diplomacy Act, we look forward to working with the Department on this new line of effort and ensuring it is appropriately resourced to support our state and local leaders."

Read: Subnational Diplomacy: The Key to Strengthening U.S. International Relations – by Congressman Ted Lieu in the Harvard Law School Journal on Legislation

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