Today, the House Foreign Affairs Committee marked up and passed the Department of State Operations and Embassy Security Authorization Act. Included in the Department of State Authorization is language from Congressman Trey Radel’s (FL-19) Protecting Americans Abroad Act, which authorizes the State Department to use the “best-value” contracting award method in high-risk, high-threat areas around the world ensuring the safety of American men and woman serving our country abroad. Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22), also a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is the lead co-sponsor on the Protecting Americans Abroad Act.

“Best value contracting gives the State Department the flexibility and tools they need to keep those who serve us  abroad safe from harm,” said Rep. Radel. “The State Department Authorization Bill, passed out of committee today with our language, ensures taxpayer money is being used effectively and that what happed in Benghazi doesn’t happen again.”

“The attack on our embassy in Benghazi was a tragic reminder of the security environment in which many of our diplomats serve,” Frankel said. “It is our responsibility to do everything in our power to protect Americans in our embassies overseas. This bipartisan bill would give our diplomats the protection they need by allowing the State Department to consider factors beyond only price in making security contracts.”