— U.S. Representatives and House Foreign Affairs Committee Members August Pfluger (TX-11) and Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) announce the introduction of their bi-partisan bill, H.R. 1311, The Energy Diplomacy Act, which establishes an Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources within the U.S. State Department, ensuring that American energy is a top priority of U.S. foreign policy. The bill was included as part of H.R. 1157, the Department of State Authorization Act, that passed through the House Foreign Affairs Committee today.

Rep. August Pfluger: “Our nation is blessed with abundance of natural resources and strong innovative spirit that has dramatically re-shaped the global energy landscape and made the United States a world-leading energy producer. This position will ensure energy security remains at the forefront of U.S. foreign policy, and help to promote economic and resource development that will bolster our allies and interests abroad. By ensuring that we are working in tandem with our partners across the globe to advance smart energy policies that promote trade, spur technology development, and advance an all-of-the-above energy strategy, we can better insulate ourselves and our allies from the malign efforts of Russia, Venezuela, and Iran.”

Rep. Vicente Gonzalez: “Energy is a key component of our foreign policy and national security. Faced with the impending climate crisis and increased threats from foreign adversaries, the State Department must play an active role in U.S. energy security, development, and distribution across the world. I am proud to dedicate this legislation to our former partner and colleague, Congressman Ron Wright, who tragically passed away and was a fellow advocate for Texas energy and a foreign policy that embraces an all-of-the-above energy strategy.”

H.R. 1311 establishes an Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources within the U.S. State Department, ensuring that American energy is a top priority of U.S. foreign policy. The Assistant Secretary will support the development of energy resources, promote the availability of diversified energy supplies in the global market, resolve international disputes related to energy, and champion American energy security on the global stage.