Washington, June 2 -- Congressman Michael Baumgartner issued the following press release:
Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) and Spokane native Ambassador Ryan Crocker today published a joint op-ed calling for a reinvigorated American diplomatic corps capable of operating effectively in difficult environments and responding rapidly to emerging crises.
"To practice diplomacy, you need diplomats," Baumgartner and Crocker write. "While America's ability to surge military power remains unmatched, our ability to surge diplomatic capability and political understanding must keep pace."
"Ambassador Crocker is one of the most distinguished diplomats our country has ever produced, and Eastern Washington should be proud that his remarkable car...