[20200513]IF11548_在2019冠状病毒疾病大流行和其他国际危机期间帮助海外美国公民：国务院的作用.pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov May 13, 2020Helping U.S. Citizens Abroad During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Other International Crises: Role of the Department of StateThe U.S. Department of State (DOS) has long provided consular services to American citizens around the world pursuant to laws passed by Congress. Such services include disseminating information regarding any major disaster or incident abroad affecting the safety of U.S. citizens and, when their lives are endangered by such crises, facilitating their safe and efficient evacuation. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has required DOS to scale up consular services in response to unprecedented demand. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress has conducted oversight of DOSs consular services and passed two supplemental appropriations laws that include additional funds for DOS to maintain consular operations and carry out evacuations. Some Members of Congress have also introduced legislation seeking to adjust or eliminate the statutory requirement that private U.S. citizens evacuated by DOS reimburse the department for a portion of the expenses associated with their evacuation. Relevant Authorities and State Depart