[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 75 (Monday, May 24, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5791-S5792]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              75TH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE

  Mr. HAGEL. I thank the Chair, and I thank my friend and colleague 
from Utah for some additional time.
  I rise today to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the creation of 
the modern American Foreign Service.
  We have all traveled abroad. I have visited over 60 countries over 
the years. As many Americans, I have seen firsthand the dedication of 
professional Foreign Service officers in some of the most difficult and 
dangerous working environments in the world.
  There is no longer any clear division between domestic and 
international issues. Transportation, trade, telecommunications, 
technology, and the Internet have changed all that.
  As our Nation grew, it became more globally engaged. Over the last 
200 years, year after year, America has become an international 
community. In 1860, we had only 33 diplomatic missions around the 
world. But we had 253 consular posts abroad, primarily involved in 
supporting our Nation's dramatic economic growth and trade expansion. 
As America's role in the world grew, we took on more responsibility. 
America's diplomacy needed to draw from the broad strength of our 
democratic society. And that, too, grew.
  The solution was the Rogers Act of 1924. This act created America's 
first professional competitive Foreign Service. It merged the small, 
elite diplomatic corps with the more broadly based consular services. 
The Rogers Act established a merit-based exam system to recruit the 
best our growing Nation had to offer without regard to family ties or 
political favors.
  America's diplomats are unsung heroes. Americans understand and 
appreciate the sacrifices of duty, honor, and country we ask every day 
from our military around the world. However, not enough Americans know 
about the sacrifices we also ask every day from our American Foreign 
Service officers around the world. Just like our military, they serve 
our national interests abroad in an increasingly uncertain and 
dangerous world.

  Our military's purpose is to fight and win wars. The purpose of our 
diplomats is to prevent wars. This makes recognition for their work 
more difficult. This is a little like listening for the dog that 
doesn't bark. But our Foreign Service officers do much more than 
prevent wars and resolve crises. They negotiate agreements to expand 
trade and open up foreign markets. They protect Americans abroad who 
find themselves in trouble and many more important responsibilities. 
They explain American policies to often hostile nations. They help 
negotiate arms control agreements to stem the dangerous proliferation 
of weapons of mass destruction.
  The work of the Foreign Service is relevant. It is very relevant to 
the daily lives of every American. Their many successes are often 
unheralded. We take them for granted. The Foreign Service has endured 
the same underfunding and poor working conditions as has our military 
services. In the last decade, the Foreign Service has experienced 
similar recruitment and retention problems, as has the military.
  Since 1992, the Foreign Service has declined 11 percent, even while 
we have asked the Foreign Service to open up new missions in Central 
Asia and Eastern Europe and increase staffing in China. This has led to 
sharp staff reductions elsewhere in the world.
  In my travels, as I am sure in your travels, Mr. President, and all 
of our colleagues' travels, we have also seen how run down and 
dangerous many of our embassies around the world have become. This has 
a real impact on our national interest. This is as dangerous as what we 
have been doing to our military. It is like asking the Air Force to 
permanently maintain an increased flight tempo with aging aircraft and 
a severe shortage of pilots. This all has serious consequences to our 
country. Few appreciate how dangerous it has become for our diplomats 
who defend America's interests the world.
  Since World War II, more ambassadors have been killed in the line of 
duty than generals and admirals. The Secretary of State has 
commemorated 186 American diplomats who have died under ``heroic or 
inspirational circumstances.''
  Finally, in today's global community, we have a greater need for an 
active, energetic, and visionary foreign policy and those who carry out 
that foreign policy than ever before.

[[Page S5792]]

  Today, we all commemorate the 75th anniversary of the creation of the 
modern American Foreign Service, and we are stronger and better for it.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The time between 12:30 and 1 p.m. shall be 
controlled by the Senator from New Hampshire.
  The distinguished Senator from New Hampshire is recognized.
  (The remarks of Mr. Smith of New Hampshire pertaining to the 
submission of S. Res. 107 are located in today's Record under 
``Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions.'')
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Kyl). The time of the Senator has expired. 
The Senator from North Dakota is recognized.
  Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Senator 
Johnson be added as a cosponsor to S. 1022, the Veterans Emergency 
Health Care Act of 1999.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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