On February 8, just before Overseas Americans Week 2013, Representative Carolyn Maloney, longstanding champion of overseas Americans, introduced HR 597, a bill to create a bipartisan federal commission to look at the issues facing Americans overseas, including the military, and make concrete recommendations to Congress for solutions. Members of the Commission are to include members of organizations that represent United States citizens living in foreign countries.
HR 597 turns a spotlight on the everyday problems of most concern to Americans living abroad. In the best of all worlds, it would have at least 250 co-sponsors, people who understand the importance of America’s global population. It does not (yet). See the list of co-sponsors: and, if your Representative is one of them, write to say “thank you!”. If he or she is not, forward and urge him/her to sign on as a co-sponsor.
Click here for more information on HR 597 and here to find the website of your Congressperson.