Rhode Island Federal Delegation News: Congressman Gabe Amo to Serve as Vice Ranking Member of House Committee on Foreign Affairs
In a move that signaled his increasing influence on Capitol Hill, and within the Foreign Policy Community, Rhode Island Congressman Gabe Amo was elected to the office of Vice Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, for the 119th Congress. And at a time many look to the corresponding committee in the United States Senate, House Foreign Affairs remains a potent driver of policy, particularly given the House Foreign Affairs jurisdiction.
Interesting Reading: Newly elected House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Republican Brian Mast & Ranking Democratic Representative Gregory Meeks participated in a conversation moderated by Atlantic Council President & CEO Frederick Kempe at Passing the Baton 2025: Securing America’s Future in an Era of Strategic Competition The event, held every 4 years, during the transfer of power, is sponsored by the United States Institute of Peace
From the Office of Rhode Island Congressman Gabe Amo (D1):
In new leadership role, Congressman will continue advocating for a United States committed to the power of diplomacy and strong alliances to counter our adversaries
Today, Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) announced his new leadership role as the Vice Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs for the 119th Congress.
“I’m humbled by the opportunity to serve as Vice Ranking Member on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs this Congress,” said Vice Ranking Member Gabe Amo. “I look forward to building on our Committee’s work to support diplomacy, democracy, and human rights by supporting initiatives that strengthen our economic diplomacy and humanitarian assistance programs to meet the challenges of a new era in international affairs and our national security goals. I thank Ranking Member Gregory Meeks and Democrats on our committee for placing their trust in me and look forward to advancing our shared interests in protecting America’s competitive edge, supporting our alliances, addressing the challenges posed by adversaries, and fighting back against proposals that go against our values around the world.”
“I congratulate Congressman Gabe Amo on his new role as Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. His dedication to diplomacy, global engagement, and public service will strengthen our Committee’s work. I look forward to his partnership to promote American leadership abroad and address the critical challenges facing our nation and the world,” said Ranking Member Gregory Meeks.
“Congressman Gabe Amo will be an excellent Vice Ranking Member of the esteemed House Foreign Affairs Committee in the 119th Congress, and his well-deserved appointment is a reflection of his exceptional talents and strong leadership in Rhode Island and beyond. Collaborating closely with Ranking Member Gregory Meeks, this committee will address critical challenges and advance meaningful initiatives for the American people. I look forward to witnessing all that Congressman Amo will achieve in this vital role,” said Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse.
BACKGROUND
On November 13, 2023, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced that Congressman Amo would serve on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs:
“As the son of Liberian and Ghanaian immigrants and an experienced former Biden-Harris administration official, Congressman Amo will bring a unique perspective to this important committee during a pivotal time for America’s relationships around the world,” said Leader Jeffries in his announcement. “Gabe is an extraordinary public servant who has made history as the first Black Member of Congress from Rhode Island. I know he will be a powerful advocate for the Ocean State and I am proud to welcome him to the House Democratic Caucus family.”
During his tenure on the committee, Congressman Amo has advocated for:
- Rhode Island manufacturers producing defense articles for the Australia-United Kingdom-United States security pact
- Ocean State non-profit organizations working to end acute malnutrition and famine in areas of humanitarian need
- Urgent and collective responses to the rise in global antisemitism and Islamophobia
- Reaffirming America’s commitment to international institutions like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
- Standing up for American diplomats and slamming the sham Republican investigation into the Afghanistan withdrawal
- Bipartisan measures to strengthen the U.S.-Armenia security partnership
