110 HR 6742 IH: Ambassadors Qualification Act of U.S. House of Representatives 2008-07-31 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I 110th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6742 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 31, 2008 Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas (for herself, Ms. Watson, and Ms. Lee) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs A BILL To amend the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to prescribe certain qualifications to be eligible to serve as an ambassador.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Ambassadors Qualification Act of 2008.

2.

Qualifications to be eligible to serve as an ambassador

Section 301(a) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3942(a)) is amended— (1)in paragraph (1), by striking The President may and inserting (A) Subject to the requirements specified in subparagraph (B), the President may; and (2)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (B)To be eligible to be appointed as an ambassador or as an ambassador at large under subparagraph (A), an individual shall satisfy the following requirements: (i)Unquestioned integrity, personal discretion, and self-discipline. (ii)Demonstrated interest, understanding, and experience in foreign affairs and foreign cultures of the assigned region. (iii)Thorough knowledge of United States history and thorough knowledge of and commitment to United States values and economic, commercial, and political purposes. (iv)Appreciation of the dynamics of United States politics, including the role and limitations of Congress and the executive branch. (v)Intellect, perception, and interpersonal skills required to communicate effectively with the host country, including the ability to explain persuasively to foreign governments and publics the United States’ position on a particular issue, and with the American people, and to recommend appropriate policies to the President and Secretary of State. (vi)Demonstrated efficiency as a leader, manager, and executive, and demonstrated sound judgment and strength of character to lead United States diplomatic and consular missions abroad and to command attention and respect in the United States. .