Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Mar 19: Lawmakers in the United States clashed over the US State Department’s handling of the ongoing Middle East conflict, with Democrats criticising its preparedness and officials defending their response.

During a congressional hearing, Gregory Meeks accused the department of being “caught flat-footed,” pointing to delays in issuing travel advisories and organising evacuations. He argued that these lapses reflected a failure to adequately protect American citizens abroad.

Several Democratic lawmakers linked the issues to staffing reductions, claiming the department’s capacity and credibility had been weakened over time.

Responding to the criticism, Undersecretary of State for Management Jason Evans maintained that the system was functioning effectively. He said personnel were working round the clock across global task forces and had assisted tens of thousands of Americans in recent weeks.

Evans emphasised that efforts to secure US missions and evacuate citizens were ongoing, with teams coordinating movements through available routes despite logistical challenges.

Concerns were also raised about the timing and clarity of travel advisories. Some lawmakers noted that countries facing attacks were still listed under “reconsider travel,” which they argued could create confusion. Evans countered that advisories are regularly updated to reflect evolving conditions and include warnings about active conflict zones.

Questions about preparedness prior to the crisis were also raised, though Evans declined to discuss internal deliberations. He stressed that all US embassies maintain emergency action plans to respond to such situations.

Critics argued that warnings came too late, by which time commercial flight options had become limited, complicating evacuation efforts. Evans said the department relied on its alert systems to reach citizens and facilitate departures wherever possible.

The hearing also highlighted concerns over vacant ambassadorial positions and broader staffing issues. While lawmakers warned that workforce reductions had weakened operations, Evans defended the changes as part of efforts to improve efficiency and sharpen mission focus. He added that senior diplomats were effectively managing missions where ambassador posts remain unfilled.

The debate underscored a widening divide in Congress over the department’s performance, as the US navigates rising tensions abroad while managing nearly 280 diplomatic missions worldwide.