The Foreign Service Journal, June 2007

62 F OR E I GN S E R V I C E J OU R N A L / J UN E 2 0 0 7 A F S A N E W S CLASSIFIEDS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Active Congressional Session Focuses on Foreign Policy BY IAN HOUSTON, LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS DIRECTOR T he 110th Congress has been quite active on the foreign pol- icy front over the last severalmonths. Both the SenateForeign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee have orchestrated an aggressive hearing schedule on a number of global hot spots. Congress is in a unique position to remind the American people of the sacrifices and courage of our nation’s diplomatic corps, andAFSAworks tirelessly to encourage members of Congress to do so. The key constitutional duty of any Congress, of course, relates to thebudget andpassing legislation to fundagencies andprograms. This process is in full swing. As always, achieving the highest and most effective levels of international affairs spending is a key pri- ority forAFSA. There are real possibilities for reductions in the inter- national affairs budget, the 150 Account. Various constituencies and stakeholders (including AFSA) are mobilized to address pos- sible reductions. AFSA aims to have a seat at the table in the bud- get debateby establishingourselves as adeepand thoughtful resource for policymakers. We are particularly focused on the foreign aid delivery system and whether proposed reforms and bureaucratic reorganization will yield greater effectiveness. A key priority for AFSA remains amending the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to permit the introduction of overseas comparability pay. Webelieve that the leadersof the last sessionofCongressmissed anexceptional, perhapsunique, opportunity toresolve thispay equi- ty issue. But we are looking ahead and are hopeful that our efforts, in conjunctionwith our allies, will bring about a legislative solution to the problem. A new bill will be offered in the House which will serve as a marker for the Foreign Affairs Committee on debating pay comparability. In addition, the State Department has includ- ed a request for the necessary funds to adjust the pay disparity as part of the overall Fiscal Year 2008 budget request. That request is critically important inmoving the issue forward in this budget cycle. In addition to pay comparability, AFSA is addressing other key issues suchas raisingdeathgratuitybenefits forForeignServicemem- bers killed in the line of duty and securing taxbenefits for those serv- ing in combat zones. The Foreign Service is accustomed to hard- ship assignments—which are now the norminmost of theworld. These individuals are bravely supporting U.S. policy objectives in dangerous situations. Employee and retiree benefits, as well as tax policies, should reflect this reality. 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