1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

The proposed cuts to the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor at the State Department are deeply concerning. This bureau plays a vital role in upholding American values of human rights and democracy abroad, which enhances our nation's global influence and "soft power." Undermining this core institution would cripple the United States' ability to challenge authoritarianism, support democratic movements, and independently assess human rights conditions around the world. This would weaken America's standing internationally and empower authoritarian regimes like Russia and China to promote their own transactional models unchecked. The bureau's human rights reports, policy engagement, and preventive measures against funding abusive foreign security forces are essential for maintaining principled U.S. foreign policy priorities. I urge you to protect the integrity and resources of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor to preserve this crucial element of America's soft power diplomacy.