Van Hollen, Sullivan Lead Discussion with Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), co-chairs of the bipartisan Foreign Service Caucus, hosted Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan for a discussion with their Senate colleagues. The Senators talked about U.S. foreign policy, the State Department's reorganization and management, and challenges confronting our diplomats at home and abroad. Senators Van Hollen and Sullivan were joined by a bipartisan group of 15 Senators.

"Across the world and here at home, the members of our State Department work on the frontlines of diplomacy and foreign policy. I appreciate Deputy Secretary Sullivan taking the time to provide us with an update on current issues, in addition to the needs of the Department," said Senator Van Hollen. "It's crucial that the State Department has the resources it needs to fulfill its diplomatic mission around the world. I will continue working to ensure our State Department is fully equipped to represent the United States abroad."

"Senator Van Hollen and I launched the Senate Foreign Service Caucus with the goal of strengthening the bond between the Department of State, members of the Foreign Service, and the Senate. In much the same way as the Senate Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Caucuses support the missions of the brave men and women who serve our country in uniform, we wanted to do the same for those individuals who serve as the lynchpin of American diplomacy abroad," said Senator Sullivan. "yesterday's meeting was a constructive opportunity for Members to hear from Deputy Secretary Sullivan and I thank him for his insight and his time. I look forward to continuing the discussion with leadership at the department, as we advance America's interests around the globe."