Bureau of Legislative Affairs
The Bureau of Legislative Affairs (H) coordinates legislative activity for the Department of State and advises the Secretary, the Deputy, as well as the Under Secretaries and Assistant Secretaries on legislative strategy. H facilitates effective communication between State Department officials and the Members of Congress and their staffs. H works closely with authorizing, appropriations, and oversight committees of the House and Senate, as well as with individual Members that have an interest in State Department or foreign policy issues. H manages Department testimony before House and Senate hearings, organizes Member and staff briefings, and facilitates Congressional travel to overseas posts for Members and staff throughout the year. H reviews proposed legislation and coordinates Statements of Administration Policy on legislation affecting the conduct of U.S. foreign policy. The H staff advises individual Bureaus of the Department on legislative and outreach strategies and coordinates those strategies with the Secretary's priorities.
The Secretary of State is the principal Congressional Relations Officer of the Department. H supports the Secretary by ensuring that the administration's foreign policy priorities are reflected throughout the legislative process. H coordinates the annual testimony provided by the Secretary to Congressional committees with jurisdiction over State programs to explain Department priorities and budget requirements. The bureau succeeds in its overall mission by seeking passage of relevant foreign policy legislation and appropriations, obtaining advice and consent to treaties, as well as confirmation of the President's Departmental and Ambassadorial nominees by the Senate.
The Assistant Secretary, advises the Secretary of State on legislative matters, directs the Bureau of Legislative Affairs, and acts as the Department's principal liaison with the Congress.
Contact Information:
Phone: (202) 647-4204
FAX: (202) 647-2762
U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Legislative Affairs
Washington, DC 20520
Current Events
U.S., China Create Platform for Climate Policy Cooperation
Secretary Clinton remarks at the signing ceremony for the U.S.-China Memorandum of Understanding to Enhance Cooperation in Climate Change, Energy, and the Environment (pictured above at the table, National Development and Reform Commission Vice Chairman Zhang Xiaoqiang, left, and Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs and Policy David Sandalow, right) July 28, Washington, D.C.: "This memorandum builds on past efforts, including the Ten Year Framework for Energy Environment Cooperation, and highlights the importance of climate change in our bilateral relationship by creating a platform for climate policy dialogue and cooperation." Full Text / Fact Sheet / More
Secretary Travels to Africa, August 4-14, 2009
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will begin a sevennation trip to Africa at the 8th U.S. – Sub-Saharan African Growth and Opportunity Act Forum (known as the AGOA Forum) in Nairobi, Kenya. This trip will highlight the Obama administration’s commitment to making Africa a priority in U.S. foreign policy. This will be the earliest in any U.S. administration that both the President and the Secretary of State have visited Africa. Full Text / Bureau of African Affairs / Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Johnnie Carson Trip Briefing
Secretary Clinton in remarks with Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, August 3, Washington, D.C.: "We will continue to work together in areas ranging from assistance with education, healthcare, and water programs, to border security, good governance, and regional security. And I look forward particularly to continuing to work closely with Foreign Minister Judeh as our two nations deepen and strengthen our partnership and that partnership then continues to demonstrate the way forward on a comprehensive, two-state solution for the Israelis and the Palestinians."
Full Text / Video / Jordan Country Info
FY 2009 Budget in Brief
The annual Function 150 (International Affairs Budget Request) Summary and Highlights provides an overview of the total funding requested in four appropriations bills for the programs and activities of the International Affairs budget. PDF Version Fact Sheet
The Budget in Brief describes funding requested in one appropriations bill (that covering the Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Agencies) for the worldwide operations of the State Department and selected other international programs and activities.
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