; (D) consular services to support the welfare and well-being of United States citizens and to provide for the expeditious processing of visa applications; (E) institutional memory on a wide range of embassy engagements on bilateral issues; and (F) enduring connections to host country contacts, both inside and outside the host government, including within media, civil society, the business community, academia, the armed forces, and elsewhere; and (2) locally employed staff make important contributions that should warrant the United States Government to give due consideration for their security and safety when diplomatic missions face emergency situations. (b) Authorization to provide emergency support In emergency situations, in addition to other authorities that may be available in emergencies or other exigent circumstances, the Secretary is authorized to use funds made available to the Department to provide support to ensure the safety and security of locally employed staff and their immediate family members, including for— (1) providing transport or relocating locally employed staff and their immediate family members to a safe and secure environment; (2) providing short-term housing or lodging for up to six months for locally employed staff and their immediate family members