[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 678 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

<DOC>






118th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 678

 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.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   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--

    (1) to ensure the national security of the United States;

    (2) to provide assistance to United States citizens overseas;

    (3) to preserve peace, freedom, and economic prosperity around the 
world;

    (4) to promote the ideals and values of the United States, human 
rights, freedom, equal opportunities for women and girls, rule of law, and 
democracy;

    (5) to promote transparency, provide accurate information, and combat 
disinformation;

    (6) 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;

    (7) to promote economic development, reduce poverty, end hunger and 
malnutrition, fight disease, combat international crime and illegal drugs, 
and address environmental degradation; and

    (8) 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
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) 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;
            (2) 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
            (3) designates May 3, 2024, as ``United States Foreign 
        Service Day'' to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 
        Foreign Service of the United States.
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