House Picks Gallegly as Delegate to U.N.

Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley) has been chosen to serve as one of two congressional delegates to the 52nd annual session of the U.N. General Assembly, the U.S. House of Representatives announced Thursday. Gallegly will begin his yearlong post Sept. 24.

“It presents a tremendous opportunity to meet with the U.S. mission and other U.N. officials to discuss our role in the United Nations and the need to reform the organization,” Gallegly said.

The delegates’ responsibilities will include meeting with U.N. officials and attending briefings on current issues in the organization.

Gallegly may also participate in any of the seven primary U.N. committee sessions, which include disarmament and related security issues, environmental issues, human rights and cultural issues, decolonization, budget, legal affairs and peacekeeping and relief operations.

Selection for the post is based on seniority, with congressional delegates alternating each year between the House and the Senate. Gallegly holds a senior position on the House International Relations Committee in addition to chairing the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee.

He was nominated by Rep. Benjamin Gilman (R-New York), chairman of the House International Relations Committee, and will be serving with Rep. Howard Berman (D-Mission Hills).