Arms Control, International Security, & U.S. Assistance to Europe: Reforms for the State Department

Europe

2025-03-11

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Source: Congress.gov

Summary

This hearing of the Subcommittee on Europe was convened to discuss the State Department's reauthorization process, focusing on the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR), the Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence and Stability (ADS), and the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN). Members emphasized the importance of congressional oversight and potential reforms to ensure the State Department effectively executes its mission for U.S. safety, strength, and prosperity.

Themes

State Department Reauthorization and Oversight

Congress is undertaking the reauthorization of the State Department, a process that has not been comprehensively completed in a significant period. The subcommittee is specifically reviewing the ADS, ISN, and EUR bureaus, noting that only ADS is partially authorized by statute, while ISN and EUR are not. The need for clear legislative guidance is highlighted as essential for a stronger State Department, with a focus on ensuring tax dollars achieve U.S. strategic objectives.

U.S. Foreign Policy and Great Power Competition

The discussion frequently revolved around the imperative for the U.S. to compete effectively against Russia and China in a changed global landscape[ 00:21:41 ]

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. Foreign assistance to Europe, exemplified by historical initiatives like the Marshall Plan, is seen as crucial for maintaining U.S. influence and solidifying transatlantic alliances[ 00:11:11-00:11:16 ]

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. Concerns were raised that reductions in foreign assistance could cede influence to adversaries and undermine U.S. national security.

Effectiveness and Reform of State Department Bureaus

Witnesses presented recommendations for streamlining and optimizing the State Department's bureaus, particularly the T family (arms control and international security), to align with current and future threats. Suggestions included reducing redundancy, eliminating superfluous offices, and focusing on hands-on expertise rather than policy and messaging experts. The need for clear guidance and leadership on agenda and priorities was emphasized to improve efficiency.

Concerns about Foreign Aid and Domestic Impact

A significant point of contention was the purpose and impact of foreign aid, particularly USAID. Some speakers questioned whether USAID primarily benefits American interests or fulfills its international development mandate, and voiced concerns about the lack of accountability for appropriated funds[ 00:33:27 ]

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. The freezing of foreign aid was criticized for undermining U.S. credibility, abandoning allies, and disrupting critical programs in democracy promotion, energy security, and anti-corruption efforts[ 00:58:51-00:59:35 ]

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Impact of Staff Reductions and Political Interference

Strong opposition was voiced regarding proposed layoffs and forced resignations within the State Department, particularly within the ISN and ADS bureaus. These actions were described as willful and malicious, threatening national security by removing experienced civil servants essential for critical functions like nuclear arms control and preventing international arms trafficking[ 00:47:41-00:49:40 ]

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. The lack of administrative engagement with Congress and attempts to conceal information were also highlighted as detrimental[ 00:44:43-00:44:45 ]

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Tone of the Meeting

The tone of the meeting was largely critical and contentious, particularly concerning the administration's foreign policy decisions and internal State Department management. There was a clear divide between members who advocated for continued robust foreign aid and engagement, and those who questioned its effectiveness and demanded greater accountability. The meeting concluded abruptly after a tense exchange regarding the introduction of a representative.

Participants

Transcript

The Subcommittee on Europe will come to order.  The purpose of this hearing is to discuss the Subcommittee's areas of jurisdiction for State Department reauthorization, which includes the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, the Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence and Stability, and the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation.  I now recognize myself for an opening statement.   I want to begin by welcoming both members and witnesses to the Subcommittee on Europe's first hearing on State Department reauthorization.  Under the leadership of Chairman Mast, each subcommittee has been assigned different bureaus from across the State Department in order to conduct oversight, explore potential reforms, and to ultimately authorize the bureaus into law.   It has been a while since reauthorization was accomplished, and I look forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we move through this important process.  It is essential that Congress takes up its responsibility to authorize a State Department that is fully able to execute the mission of making the United States a safer, stronger, and more prosperous country.   As this is our first hearing on this subject, I'm going to provide a brief introduction to the State Department bureaus this subcommittee will be overseeing in the 119th Congress.  The Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence and Stability,   also known as ADS, is responsible for diplomatic efforts to increase stability, reduce the risk of unintentional escalation, and prevent conflict.  This includes promoting the stability and control of emerging military technologies, including AI and quantum computing, and upholding bans on chemical and biological weapons.
ADS also leads negotiations on nuclear arms control and represents the United States in multilateral forums addressing WND challenges.  Originally created as the Bureau of Verification and Compliance in 1999, the Bureau's position of Assistant Secretary of State is authorized in statute in only that one position.   Next, we have the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, or INS, ISN, excuse me, which is the mission of preventing the spread of WMD delivery systems and advanced conventional weapons capability.  Additionally, ISN works to protect U.S.  critical and emerging technology and promotes the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, science, and technology.   The Bureau was formed in 2005 by then Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice through an agency reorganization effort that combined the Bureau of Nonproliferation and the Bureau of Arms Control.  The Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation is currently not authorized in statute by Congress.   The Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, or EUR for short, is responsible for developing and implementing US foreign policy in Europe and Eurasia.  The Bureau promotes US interest in the region on issues such as international security, NATO, cooperation with the European Union,   and other regional organizations, support for democracy, human rights, civil society, economic prosperity, nonproliferation, and counterterrorism.  One of the key missions of the Bureau is the planning, coordination, and delivery of assistance to the region.  As members of Congress, it is our duty to ensure that every tax dollar spent abroad is achieving U.S.  strategic objectives.  Like ISN, the Bureau for European and Eurasian Affairs is not authorized in statute.   Finally, I want to note that the subcommittee also has jurisdiction over the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, as well as the Export-Import Bank, but these will not be the subject of today's hearing.
One of the three bureaus we are discussing today, only one is explicitly authorized, and that only partially, without clear and concise instruction from Congress through a State Department reauthorization.   The legislative branch of government invites the executive to have broad powers to shape the structures, personnel, and mission of agencies.  It is my belief that a stronger State Department requires clear legislative guidance from the Congress   As the committee moves through this reauthorization process, the experience and insights from our witnesses today will help guide us in working to build a more efficient and effective State Department.  I look forward to hearing your testimony and recommendations   The chair now recognizes the ranking member, the gentleman from Massachusetts, Mr. Keating, for any statement he may have.
Thank you, Chairman Self, and thank you for our witnesses being here today.  The arms control, nonproliferation, the U.S.
foreign assistance to Europe has been at the heart of U.S.-led world order since the end of the Second World War, beginning with President Truman,
In 1948, the Marshall Plan brought more than $13 billion in investments to European economies, provided the U.S.  with significant influence in Europe, and solidified the transatlantic alliance that we all benefit from today.   Also born out of the triumph of the Second World War, a modern day arms control and nonproliferation regimen that's enabled the United States and its adversaries such as the then Soviet Union to work together and reduce the risk posed by nuclear weapons.  I remember a time where every American feared for their lives during the Cold War   and literally when I had a neighbor a couple of streets over who built a bomb shelter in his yard.  The Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation as well as the Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence and Stability are critical to ensuring Americans never again live with this fear.   But we didn't come here today to discuss history.  We came here today to talk about the future, the future of arms control, international security, and foreign assistance to Europe.  The Trump administration has said it's pursuing a foreign assistance agenda to make America stronger, safer, and more prosperous.  Ostensibly, this includes countering the malign influence of Russia and China.  A foreign assistance to Europe does that.   In Europe, countries like Moldova, Georgia, Kosovo, and Armenia are seeking greater U.S.  economic cooperation and assistance in bolstering democratic efforts in those areas.  In Ukraine, the United States has rebuilt Ukraine's energy grid following the Russian attacks, allowing Ukraine to repel them on the battlefield.  Sadly, some of those efforts cut with the cuts to USAID.

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