[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 12, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E947-E948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE FOREIGN SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES ON OCCASION OF ITS 
                            75TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 12, 1999

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to introduce House 
Resolution 168, recognizing the Foreign Service of the United States on 
the occasion of its 75th anniversary.

[[Page E948]]

I am joined by Representative Sam Gejdenson, the Ranking Democrat on 
the Committee on International Relations and Representative Chris 
Smith, Chairman of the Subcommittee on International Operations and 
Human Rights.
  Mr. Speaker, only when unrest or tragedy strike abroad do some 
Americans become aware of the work of the thousands of men and women 
who serve in the Foreign Service of the United States. The members of 
the Foreign Service take responsibility for helping Americans in 
danger. As we saw this past summer in Kenya and Tanzania, Foreign 
Service members and their families sometimes also become the victims of 
violence, along with other Americans stationed abroad and their 
families. We need to do more, and we will do more, to protect all the 
Americans we ask to work for us overseas.
  Indeed, more American Ambassadors than American Generals have been 
killed abroad since the end of the Second World War, and many in the 
rank-and-file of the Foreign Service--and their families--have, 
tragically, fallen victim to terror or to the more mundane hazards of 
life abroad in the service of their country.
  But every day, these dedicated individuals stand ready to promote the 
interests of the United States. They do this by carrying out tasks such 
as protecting the property of an American who dies overseas, reporting 
on political developments, screening potential entrants to the United 
States, promoting the sale of American goods, or securing American 
personnel and facilities overseas. They and their families often live 
in dangerous circumstances and are separated from their extended 
families and friends.
  At home, the men and women of the foreign service perform essential 
functions in the Departments of State, Commerce, and Agriculture, in 
the United States Information Agency and in the Agency for 
International Development.
  The modern Foreign Service was established by the Rogers Act of 1924. 
We are quickly approaching the 75th anniversary of its enactment, on 
May 24. It is fitting at this time to congratulate the men and women of 
the Foreign Service and commemorate the sacrifices they have made in 
the service of their Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I submit the text of the Resolution to be printed in the 
Record at this point.

                              H. Res. 168

       Whereas the modern Foreign Service of the United States was 
     established 75 years ago on May 24, 1924, with the enactment 
     of the Rogers Act, Public Law 135 of the 68th Congress;
       Whereas today some 10,300 men and women serve in the 
     Foreign Service at home and abroad;
       Whereas the diplomatic, consular, communications, trade, 
     development, administrative, security, and other functions 
     the men and women of the Foreign Service of the United States 
     perform are crucial to the United States national interest;
       Whereas the men and women of the Foreign Service of the 
     United States, as well as their families, are constantly 
     exposed to danger, even in times of peace, and many have died 
     in the service of their country; and
       Whereas it is appropriate to recognize the dedication of 
     the men and women of the Foreign Service of the United States 
     and, in particular, to honor those who made the ultimate 
     sacrifice while protecting the interests of the United 
     States: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes the Foreign Service of the United States and 
     its achievements and contributions of the past 75 years;
       (2) honors those members of the Foreign Service of the 
     United States who have given their lives in the line of duty; 
     and
       (3) commends the generations of men and women who have 
     served or are presently serving in the Foreign Service for 
     their vital service to the Nation.
       Sec. 2. The Clerk of the House of Representatives shall 
     transmit a copy of this resolution to the President of the 
     United States.

     

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