Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs

United States
Assistant Secretary of State
for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs
Seal of the United States Department of State
Incumbent
Jennifer R. Littlejohn (Acting)
since May 1, 2023
StyleThe Honorable
Reports toUnder Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment
NominatorPresident of the United States
Inaugural holderDixy Lee Ray
Formation1975
WebsiteOfficial Website

The Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs is the head of the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs in the United States Department of State. The Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs reports to the Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment. President Donald Trump appointed Andrew Lawler to the post as Acting Assistant Secretary and nominated him to the Senate-confirmed post on September 8, 2020.[1] His nomination was returned to the President by the United States Senate on January 3, 2021. President Joe Biden nominated Monica Medina as Assistant Secretary on April 27, 2021.[2] Medina was confirmed by the Senate on September 28, 2021, by a vote of 61–36.[3]

The goal of the agency is to "advance America's security and prosperity through international leadership on oceans, environment, science, space, and health".[4]

  1. ^ "PN2202—Nomination of Andrew John Lawler for Department of State, 116th Congress (2019–2020)". January 3, 2021.
  2. ^ "President Biden Announces 12 Key Climate and Infrastructure Administration Nominations". The White House. April 22, 2021. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
  3. ^ "On the Nomination (Confirmation: Monica P. Medina, of Maryland, to be Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs)". US Senate. Retrieved October 24, 2021.
  4. ^ "Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved October 24, 2021.