[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 123 (Thursday, September 13, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6388-S6389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  EXPRESSING APPRECIATION FOR UNITED STATES FOREIGN AND CIVIL SERVICE 
                     PROFESSIONALS AROUND THE GLOBE

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed 
to Calendar No. 386, S. Res. No. 401.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The bill clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 401) expressing appreciation for 
     Foreign Service and Civil Service professionals who represent 
     the United States around the globe.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to 
reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or 
debate, and any statements related to the resolution be printed in the 
Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 401) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 401

       Whereas the United States Foreign Service was established 
     by Congress in 1924 to professionalize the country's 
     diplomatic and consular services and advance freedom, 
     democracy, and security for the benefit of the people of the 
     United States and the international community;
       Whereas the United States Agency for International 
     Development was established in 1961 to support the foreign 
     policy goals of the United States through economic, 
     development, and humanitarian assistance;
       Whereas the Department of State and the United States 
     Agency for International Development together employ more 
     than 27,000 United States nationals in the Foreign Service 
     and Civil Service dedicated to promoting United States 
     interests around the world;
       Whereas Foreign Service personnel deploy to Asia, Africa, 
     the Americas, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and 
     Southeast Asia on a permanent, rotating basis to defend and 
     promote United States priorities abroad;
       Whereas many Foreign Service employees spend months or 
     years away from families and loved ones on assignment to 
     dangerous

[[Page S6389]]

     or inhospitable posts where family members are not permitted;
       Whereas numerous Department of State and United States 
     Agency for International Development employees have lost 
     their lives while serving abroad;
       Whereas strong and purposeful United States diplomacy and 
     development, carried out by a diverse, professionally 
     educated, and well-trained force of Foreign Service and Civil 
     Service professionals, are the most cost-effective means to 
     protect and advance United States interests abroad;
       Whereas the promotion of commercial engagement by United 
     States businesses in foreign markets and targeted 
     international development projects support economic 
     prosperity, job creation, and opportunities for United States 
     business and industry;
       Whereas United States diplomats are often the first line of 
     defense against international conflict and transnational 
     security threats;
       Whereas Foreign Service and Civil Service professionals 
     have worked to support the members of the United States Armed 
     Forces involved in critical national security missions and 
     military engagements in dangerous and unstable regions;
       Whereas Foreign Service and Civil Service professionals 
     administer emergency assistance in crisis situations; and
       Whereas the contributions of Foreign Service and Civil 
     Service professionals to the global advancement of 
     international understanding, American ideals, and the 
     promotion of freedom and democracy around the world should be 
     commended: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes and gives special appreciation to the 
     Foreign Service and Civil Service personnel of the Department 
     of State, the United States Agency for International 
     Development, and other United States Government agencies that 
     promote and protect United State priorities abroad; and
       (2) owes a debt of gratitude to these individuals, and 
     their families, who put public service and pride in their 
     country ahead of comfort, convenience, and even safety in 
     service to the United States and the global community.

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