U.S. Department of State Fiscal Year 2019 Agency Financial Report

7. We help in times of crisis. From natural disasters to famine to epidemics, our dedicated emergency professionals deliver assistance to those who need it most. 8. We promote the rule of law and protect human dignity. We help people in other countries find freedom and shape their own destinies. We advocate for the release of prisoners of conscience, prevent political activists from suffering abuse, train police officers to combat sex trafficking, and equip journalists to hold their governments accountable. 9. We help Americans see the world. The Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs supports and protects the American public. In 2019, we issued 20.7 million passports and passport cards for Americans to travel abroad. We facilitate the lawful travel of international students, tourists, and business people to the United States, adding greatly to our economy. We provide information to help U.S. citizens assess risks of international travel and learn about steps to take to ensure their safety when traveling abroad. 10. We are the face of America overseas. Our diplomats, development experts, and the programs they implement are the source of American leadership around the world. They are the embodiments of our American values abroad and a force for good in the world. Secretary Pompeo poses with the 152nd Foreign Service Specialist Class after their swearing-in ceremony in Washington, D.C., May 17, 2019. Department of State U.S. firms, protecting intellectual property, negotiating new U.S. airline routes worldwide, and helping American companies compete for foreign government and private contracts. 3. We promote democracy and foster stability around the world. Stable democracies are less likely to pose a threat to their neighbors or to the United States. We partner with the public and private sectors in countries in conflict to foster democracy and peace. 4. We help to make the world a safer place. Under the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, we are reducing the number of deployed nuclear weapons to levels not seen since the 1950s. The Department has helped over 40 post-conflict countries clear millions of square meters of landmines and unexploded ordnance. We also work with foreign partners to strengthen international aviation and maritime safety and security. 5. We save lives. Strong bipartisan support for U.S. global health investments has led to worldwide progress against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and polio. Better health abroad reduces the risk of instability and enhances our national security. 6. We help countries feed themselves. We help other countries plant the right seeds in the right way and get crops to markets to feed more people. Strong agricultural sectors lead to more stable countries. 2019 A gency F inancial R eport U nited S tates D epartment of S tate | 9 ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS