[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 80 (Wednesday, May 8, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S3599]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 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

  Mr. SULLIVAN (for himself and Mr. Van Hollen) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 678

       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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