Press Releases

Today, Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) and Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04) introduced the bipartisan Partners in Diplomacy Act.  This legislation would enable the State Department to facilitate co-location agreements with trusted partners in overseas facilities, like embassies and consulates. Trusted partners would only include our NATO allies and major non-NATO allies. 

The benefits for allowing the State Department to enter into these agreements are clear. First, there are significant cost savings associated with co-locations, especially in smaller posts with smaller staffs. This authority would also be a key tool for establishing a greater American presence in certain locations, such as the Pacific Islands. Further, co-locating would allow our government to deepen relations with allies and more easily align outreach and engagement opportunities at these posts.

"Strengthening our relations with key partners and allies has been my top objective as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee," said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17)." It's why I fought to secure crucial aid to Israel, introduced the Indo-Pacific Treaty Organization Act earlier this year, and just today introduced the Partners in Diplomacy Act. This legislation will have the double effect of reducing costs for diplomatic office space and deepening diplomatic ties with key strategic partners and allies. That's a win-win for the forces of freedom."

"Deepening relationships with American allies is a key function of the State Department — and granting them the authority to co-locate with trusted partners will facilitate their critical work as they represent our Democracy abroad," Representative Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04) said. "The Partners in Diplomacy Act will expand our capacity to work alongside key allies while potentially reducing costs. I’m grateful to work with Congressman Lawler on this commonsense adjustment to State Department policy."

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of the 118th Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.