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The world is on fire, with our adversaries growing more aggressive each day and seeking to damage America's reputation on the world stage.
As chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I sign off on all weapons sales and believe it's crucial we maintain U.S. "hard power" — our military might. But there are also other tools at our disposal to promote American leadership and global peace.
Two years ago, my Peace Through Music Diplomacy Act became law. As a guitar player and a music lover, I believe music has a powerful and inexplicable ability to transcend cultures and bring people together. That's why I introduced this bill — to leverage the unique power of music as another tool to advance U.S. foreign policy goals.
In the spirit of that bill, the State Department now presents the Peace Through Music Award to one musician each year whose music has promoted peace and represented the United States well across the globe. This year's award winner was country music legend Dolly Parton.
Dolly Parton wears her heart on her sleeve and embodies everything this bill stands for. I look forward to seeing how she and other musicians will continue using their gifts to promote American ideals and preserve the promise of freedom and democracy.
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