Secretary of State Colin L. Powell Colin L. Powell became the 65th Secretary of State on January 20, 2001. As he stated at his confirmation hearing, the guiding principle of U.S. foreign policy during his tenure will be that "America stands ready to help any country that wishes to join the democratic world." Secretary Powell brought extensive experience with him to his office. Before becoming Secretary of State, Colin Powell had served as a key aid …showed first 75 words of 547 total…

…showed last 75 words of 547 total…focus on what inspires us, on what brings the good people of the world together. We've got to fight for the positive -- for liberty, for freedom, for democracy." Indeed, in testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Secretary Powell affirmed that our main purpose is to extend democracy, prosperity, and freedom to every corner of the world. It is a process that is establishing a balance of power that favors freedom across the globe.