The House passed the bipartisan Department of State Operations and Embassy Security Authorization Act. Included in the bill is language from the Protecting Americans Abroad Act, whose lead Democratic sponsor is Congresswoman Lois Frankel and is sponsored by Republican Congressman Trey Radel (FL-19), both members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The provision evolved out of a hearing concerning the September 11, 2012 attack on the American mission in Benghazi during which Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans were killed. Then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton testified that the State Department should use the “best-value” contracting award method in high-risk, high-threat areas around the world, allowing the State Department to consider factors beyond only price in making security contracts to help protect American men and women serving in our diplomatic outposts overseas.

“This bill is an example of the good work Congress can do when colleagues work together in a bi-partisan spirit,” Frankel said “Keeping our diplomats secure is imperative for our national security.” 

Frankel spoke about the Frankel-Radel provision in the Department of State Operations and Embassy Security Authorization Act on Saturday on the House floor. To watch her speech, please click here.

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