House subcommittee examines State Department administrative failures, reserve corps proposal

The House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa held a hearing to examine the State Department’s administrative services and consider reforms, including a proposal for a 1,000‑person diplomatic reserve corps.

Chairman Mike Lawler opened the hearing by saying Congress will “use a microscope to examine the efficacy of the State Department” and pursue the first comprehensive authorization of the department in more than two decades; he noted the last comprehensive authorization occurred in 2002. Lawler said the review aims to ensure “every dollar and every diplomat is working in alignment with American foreign policy and its interests.”

Ranking member Representative Sheila Cherfilus‑McCormick stressed caution in pursuing efficiency. “The State Department is not a business. We cannot afford to move fast and break things,” she said, arguing reforms must not jeopardize Americans overseas or cede advantage to adversaries.

Witnesses described operational responsibilities, technical shortfalls, and reform ideas. Carrie Shabaka, who said…