AFF/STATE DEPT.: IMPACT EVIDENCE

EXCELLENT DIPLOMATS AND FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICERS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR PREVENTIN CRISES AND STOPPING ESCALATION

Lee H. Hamilton, director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars April 30, 2001 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 11A HEADLINE: U.S. had better get on the ball and fortify State Department //VT2002acsln

Our nation's diplomats and foreign and civil service officers are our front-line defense against many dangerous threats -- from terrorism and deadly diseases to drug trafficking and festering conflicts. They are America's eyes and ears, letting us know when trouble is brewing somewhere and detecting political and economic opportunities for the United States. They often help prevent crises - - such as the recent standoff with China -- from escalating or turning into wars.

WE NEED INVESTMENT IN OUR DIPLOMATIC INFRASTRUCTURE TO COMBAT MULTIPLE DISASTER SCENARIOS

Lee H. Hamilton, director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars April 30, 2001 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 11A HEADLINE: U.S. had better get on the ball and fortify State Department //VT2002acsln

I am aware that asking for more money for diplomacy is a hard sell with the American people. But suppose you are a tourist abroad who runs into trouble, an exporter in need of commercial assistance or a U.S. crew member detained by a foreign government.

Or suppose an environmental disaster in Mexico threatens the Southwest, a Russian nuclear scientist shows up in Iran or diseased cattle enter the U.S. without warning. Our diplomats need adequate resources to prevent and solve all of these problems.

The U.S. needs a secure, modern and productive diplomatic corps to advance its many interests around the world. The State Department should make reforms, and Congress should provide sufficient funds, to ensure that our diplomats can meet the challenges of the new world that is coming.