Cohen Reappointed to Helsinki Commission

[WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) this week was reappointed by the Speaker of the House to the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission. The Commission is an independent U.S. Government agency created in 1976 to monitor and encourage compliance with the Helsinki Final Act and other Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) commitments in 57 participating States across Europe, Central Asia and North America.

When Congressman Cohen was first appointed to the Helsinki Commission in 2011, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said:“Congressman Steve Cohen is a leader in promoting civil rights and opportunity of all Americans, and he brings this same passion to the promotion of human rights and democracy around the world. The Helsinki Commission is a focal point for security and cooperation among nations and leaders, and Congressman Cohen’s voice is sure to strengthen and advance the commission’s work.”

“It is a privilege and an honor to serve on the Helsinki Commission,” said Congressman Cohen. “The Commission has a long influential history when it comes to international affairs, human rights and promoting democracy. I look forward to continuing my work of helping the Commission improve relations among countries across the world.”

The Commission consists of nine members from the United States Senate, nine members from the U.S. House of Representatives, and one member each from the Departments of State, Defense, and Commerce. The positions of Chair and Co-Chair are shared by the House and Senate and rotate every two years, when a new Congress convenes. A professional staff assists the Commissioners in their work.

The Commission convenes public hearings and briefings with expert witnesses on OSCE-related issues including democratization and human rights developments as well as energy, economic and security objectives in OSCE States. The Commission issues public reports concerning implementation of OSCE commitments in OSCE States and organizes official delegations to participating States and OSCE meetings to address and assess OSCE initiatives firsthand. Through this work and regular contact with parliamentarians, government officials, NGOs, and private individuals from OSCE States, the Commission also contributes to the formulation and execution of U.S. policy on the OSCE.