Bacon Appointed by House Leadership to International Leadership Office

 Washington – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) has been appointed by Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise to the Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL), which administers the Open World program. Open World is a ten-day program where members of Congress engage with their constituents in diplomacy with political and civic leaders from around the world. During this program, participants learn to strengthen mutual understanding and share best practices in accountable governance, civil society, private sector, and the rule of law.

The Open World Leadership Center is the first and only international exchange agency in the U.S. Legislative Branch. Congress established the Center in 2000 to administer the Open World program.

 “UNMC is a hosting organization for COIL and our office recently participated in a visit by a healthcare delegation from Ukraine,” said Bacon. “Their program theme was ‘Treating Battlefield Injuries.’  The delegates had a nine-day stay in Omaha, marked by visits with healthcare professionals at UNMC, the Omaha VA, Lutheran Family Services, and government personnel in Lincoln.  UNMC refers to delegates they host as Ben Nelson Fellows.”

COIL also coordinated a visit from Latvia and renewed Lithuania program earlier in the year which fits with the Congressman’s legislative expertise as Chair of the House Baltic Caucus. 

 “Rep. Bacon is a strong voice on foreign policy who has demonstrated dedicated leadership and service both in the military and in the House of Representatives,” said Leader Scalise. “I’m honored to appoint him to the Congressional Office for International Leadership and have every confidence he will excel in this new role and strengthen the United States’ relationships with world leaders.” 

 “I thank Speaker Johnson and Leader Scalise for entrusting me with this important mission,” added Bacon.

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