CNN: First on CNN: Tillerson moves to ditch special envoys
“…In a letter obtained by CNN and written to Senator Bob Corker, the Tennessee Republican who heads the foreign relations committee, [Secretary of State Rex] Tillerson said he would end or transfer as many as three dozen special envoy positions. … Special envoys for Syria, Sudan and South Sudan, and the Arctic will be eliminated. … One area of oversight — the Office of Global Food Security — would be moved to USAID. Three offices would be expanded — those dealing with religious freedom, HIV/AIDS, and Holocaust issues…” (Labott et al., 8/29).

The Hill: Tillerson moves to eliminate special envoy posts at State Dept.: report
“…Tillerson’s letter claimed that many of the nearly 70 State Department special envoys, who are appointed to address important diplomatic needs, continue to serve even though the underlying issues for their positions have been resolved…” (Beavers, 8/28).

POLITICO: Tillerson looking to eliminate dozens of special envoy posts
“…Tillerson’s attempts to reduce the number of special envoys has broad support within the State Department, where many diplomats nonetheless cringe at Trump’s proposal to cut their budget by 30 percent. The general feeling is that the envoy positions have proliferated to the point where they are undermining existing State Department regional bureaus and other divisions that do similar work. … In a statement, Corker said he looked forward to going through Tillerson’s proposals in detail…” (Toosi, 8/28).

Wall Street Journal: Tillerson Wants to Shed Many U.S. Special Envoy Posts
“…The move is part of a broader effort by Mr. Tillerson to reorganize the State Department. The State Department is expected to present a plan to do so to the Office of Management and Budget by Sept. 15…” (Schwartz, 8/28).