McGovern, Jacobs, Omar Ask Secretary Rubio to Preserve Global Criminal Justice Office Functions

Today, Representative James P. McGovern (D-MA), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and Representatives Sara Jacobs (D-CA) and Ilhan Omar (D-MN) wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing concern over the State Department's decision to eliminate the Office of Global Criminal Justice (GCJ). The Members urged the Secretary to clarify where GCJ's critical responsibilities-including accountability for mass atrocities, support for transitional justice, and engagement with survivors-will be housed under the Department's reorganization.

***Text of Letter Here (PDF)***

"The activities of the Office of the Global Criminal Justice, led by the Ambassador-at-Large, have played a critical role in advancing U.S. foreign policy interests, including promoting accountability for mass atrocities, supporting international and transitional justice, raising the voices of survivors of atrocities, and reinforcing the rule of law globally." wrote the lawmakers in their letter. "We hope you agree that this vital work should continue-work that has long had bipartisan support in Congress-even if it is housed in other bureaus within the Department."

On May 29, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio notified Congress about a sweeping reorganization of the State Department that eliminated the GCJ. While the Department has stated that GCJ's statutory functions will be realigned to the Office of the Legal Adviser, it has not provided details on whether the rest of GCJ's broader responsibilities will continue or be reassigned within the new organizational structure.

The Members urged Secretary Rubio to provide Congress with a plan detailing how the State Department will continue GCJ's functions so that these essential responsibilities can continue without interruption.