Max Williamson (’22)

As a member of Senator Coons’ foreign policy team, I had the opportunity to assist the Senator in his work on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and as the Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds foreign assistance. Throughout the summer, I tackled efforts to ensure global cobalt supply chain resiliency, combat the targeting of Chinese American academics in espionage cases, and increase USAID funding for neglected surgical conditions abroad. I was also frequently tasked with conducting research and writing memos for the Senator, as well as attending meetings with advocacy groups, ambassadors, and administration officials. At the same time, I was able to observe the unique relationship Congress shares with the Executive branch in shaping American foreign policy. While Members of Congress can seldom unilaterally drive foreign policy, our team was able to make substantive progress on key international issues through Senator Coons’ strong working relationship with the Biden administration.