Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today led House Democrats in denouncing the State Department’s recent downgrade of the European Union’s diplomatic status.

In a letter to Secretary Pompeo, the Members demanded information on the decision and decried the message this action sends to our allies and partners in Europe.

“At a time when the Trump Administration is seeking to win trade concessions from the EU, build consensus to contain Iran’s nuclear ambitions, counter widespread international Chinese cyber theft and trade cheating, and maintain sanctions on Russia for a range of malign actions, showing disrespect to our closest partners reduces the influence and credibility of the United States.

NATO and the EU are the cornerstones of the transatlantic relationship, based in our common values and a shared vision for Europe, and should be treated as such,” the Members wrote.

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