Reps. Torres, Meeks, McCaul, And Mast Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Name U.S. Embassy Chancery In Kosovo After Former Rep. Eliot Engel

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15), and Representatives Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Michael McCaul (TX-10), and Brian Mast (FL-21), who each succeeded Rep. Eliot Engel as chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, introduced legislation to designate the building of the United States Embassy Chancery in Pristina, Kosovo as the “Eliot L. Engel Building.” The bipartisan effort is meant to honor Rep. Engel’s legacy of support for the people of Kosovo.

“We are grateful to the Members of Congress for sponsoring legislation to rename the American Embassy building,” said the Engel Family. “We watched as his efforts made a difference for millions of Kosovars and we are honored that the embassy for which he cut the ribbon may bear his name. It is a fitting tribute to his commitment to strengthening the strong bonds between the Kosovar people and our nation.”

“Eliot Engel was not merely a Member of Congress; he was a hero to many,” said Rep. Torres. “The lives of hundreds of thousands were saved by his unwavering advocacy. He played a pivotal role in protecting Kosovo Albanians from ethnic cleansing and genocide at the hands of the murderous regime of Slobodan Milošević. For decades, he was an institution in the Bronx and a ferocious fighter for the independence of the world’s youngest democracy: Kosovo. The legacy he leaves behind will endure for generations to come and this legislation will ensure his work is rightfully forever honored.” 

“Throughout his tenure in Congress, and as chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Eliot Engel was a steadfast champion for Kosovo,” said Ranking Member Meeks. “From raising early awareness of atrocities to advocating for NATO action and supporting Kosovo’s independence, his leadership helped shape a strong and enduring U.S.–Kosovo relationship. His legacy is one of moral clarity, principled diplomacy, and an unwavering commitment to human rights. I’m proud to join Representative Torres and my fellow HFAC Chairs in introducing this legislation to ensure that Eliot’s legacy will live on not only at home in New York and the United States, but in Kosovo and around the world.”

“Eliot Engel was a devoted public servant, a steadfast friend, and an exceptionally effective chairman who championed democracy and human rights around the world — especially in the burgeoning democracy of Kosovo,” said Rep. McCaul. “A pillar of Congress who consistently earned respect across party lines, he led the Foreign Affairs Committee with the conviction that ‘partisanship stops at the water’s edge.’ I’m proud to co-lead this bill to ensure the embassy in Kosovo stands as an enduring testament to his remarkable legacy of principled leadership, moral clarity, and unwavering commitment to freedom.”

“There isn’t a more fitting way to honor Eliot Engel’s legacy,” said Chairman Mast. “As Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he was a staunch defender of freedom and democracy in Kosovo and throughout the world. This legislation would etch that legacy into history for generations to come.”

Former Rep. Engel represented New York’s 16th, 17th and 19th Congressional Districts over his three decades and served as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee from 2019 to 2021. He was the leading voice in Congress for U.S. recognition of Kosovo’s independence and maintained deep ties to the Albanian-American community throughout his tenure.

The bill has been referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

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