Senate Bill Designates U.S. Embassy Building In Pristina, Kosovo As The “Eliot L. Engel Building,” Honoring Engel’s Decades Of Foreign Policy Leadership And His Advocacy For Kosovo & Its People
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer introduced legislation to designate the Chancery building of the United States Embassy in Pristina, Kosovo, as the “Eliot L. Engel Building.” Engel, Chairman of the powerful House Foreign Affairs Committee from 2019 to 2021, was Congress’s leading advocate for Albanian human rights and U.S. recognition of Kosovo’s independence and maintained deep ties to the Albanian American community throughout his three decades in Congress. Companion bipartisan legislation was introduced in the House in April by Congressman Ritchie Torres.
“Congressman Eliot Engel was a true public servant who delivered for the people of his beloved Bronx and Westchester County for 30 years,” said Senator Schumer. “Beyond his district, Eliot rose to chair the powerful House Foreign Affairs Committee and worked to safeguard democracies and protect human rights for millions across the globe. He was one of Congress’s biggest champions for Kosovo and its people, and his heroic leadership helped shape the enduring partnership between the United States and Kosovo. His legacy will be felt for generations, and naming the U.S. Embassy Chancery in Kosovo in his honor is a fitting tribute to his extraordinary service and lasting impact.”
“Eliot Engel was not only a champion for his home state of New York, but also a strong advocate for the people of Kosovo,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Representative Engel voiced his support for Kosovan independence and was an advocate for human rights worldwide by helping bring about the Harkin-Engel Protocol, which combats child labor abuses globally. I am happy to support the naming of the Kosovan Embassy in his honor so we can remember his dedication to Kosovo and America.”
“Eliot Engel was not merely a Member of Congress; he was a hero to many,” said Rep. Torres. “The lives of hundreds of thousands were saved by his unwavering advocacy. He played a pivotal role in protecting Kosovo Albanians from ethnic cleansing and genocide at the hands of the murderous regime of Slobodan Milošević. For decades, he was an institution in the Bronx and a ferocious fighter for the independence of the world’s youngest democracy: Kosovo. The legacy he leaves behind will endure for generations to come and this legislation will ensure his work is rightfully forever honored.”
Schumer introduced the legislation yesterday with Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) as co-lead and Senator Gillibrand as an original cosponsor.