III
118th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. RES. 678
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 8, 2024
Mr. Sullivan (for himself and Mr. Van Hollen) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
RESOLUTION
Designating May 3, 2024, as United States Foreign Service Day
in recognition of the men and women who have served, or are presently serving, in the Foreign Service of the United States, and honoring the members of the Foreign Service who have given their lives in the line of duty.
Whereas the Foreign Service of the United States (referred to in this preamble as the Foreign Service
) was established through the enactment of the Act entitled An Act for the reorganization and improvement of the Foreign Service of the United States, and for other purposes.
, approved May 24, 1924 (43 Stat. 140, chapter 182) (commonly known as the Rogers Act of 1924
), and is now celebrating its 100th anniversary;
Whereas the Rogers Act of 1924 established a career organization based on competitive examination and merit promotion;
Whereas, in 2024, nearly 16,000 men and women of the Foreign Service are serving at home and abroad;
Whereas Foreign Service personnel are supported by more than 60,000 locally engaged staff in nearly 300 embassies and consulates, who provide unique expertise and crucial links to host countries;
Whereas Foreign Service personnel comprise employees from the Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development, the Foreign Commercial Service, the Foreign Agricultural Service, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and the United States Agency for Global Media;
Whereas the diplomatic, consular, communications, trade, development, security, public diplomacy, and numerous other functions that Foreign Service personnel perform constitute the first and most cost-effective instrument of the United States to protect and promote United States interests abroad;
Whereas the men and women of the Foreign Service and their families are increasingly exposed to risks and danger, even in times of peace, and many have died in the service of the United States;
Whereas employees of the Foreign Service work daily—
to ensure the national security of the United States;
to provide assistance to United States citizens overseas;
to preserve peace, freedom, and economic prosperity around the world;
to promote the ideals and values of the United States, human rights, freedom, equal opportunities for women and girls, rule of law, and democracy;
to promote transparency, provide accurate information, and combat disinformation;
to cultivate new markets for United States products and services and develop new investment opportunities that create jobs in the United States and promote prosperity;
to promote economic development, reduce poverty, end hunger and malnutrition, fight disease, combat international crime and illegal drugs, and address environmental degradation; and
to provide emergency and humanitarian assistance to respond to crises around the world;
Whereas the foreign affairs agencies and the American Foreign Service Association have observed Foreign Service Day in May for many years; and
Whereas it is both appropriate and just for the United States as a whole to recognize the dedication of the men and women of the Foreign Service and to honor the members of the Foreign Service who have given their lives in the loyal pursuit of their duties and responsibilities representing the interests of the United States and of its citizens: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate—
honors the men and women who have served, or are presently serving, in the Foreign Service of the United States for their dedicated and important service to the United States;
calls on the people of the United States to reflect on the service and sacrifice of past, present, and future employees of the Foreign Service of the United States, wherever they serve, with appropriate ceremonies and activities; and
designates May 3, 2024, as United States Foreign Service Day
to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Foreign Service of the United States.