The Foreign Service Journal, June 2020

14 JUNE 2020 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL F S Caucus Co-Chairs Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) recently introduced a resolution to the Senate designating May 1, 2020, as “United States Foreign Service Day.”This bipartisan effort had 11 other co-sponsors. “Across the globe, American For- eign Service officers work tirelessly to protect and promote our country’s best interests,” said Senator Van Hollen in a nod to members of the Foreign Service. “As we’ve faced new challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, you’ve worked overtime to help Americans abroad and to bring many home. Your efforts are vital to our nation, and I’m proud to recognize your hard work and immense contributions in celebration of the 96th Foreign Service Day.” “I’d like to salute the members of the Foreign Service on the occasion of the 96th Foreign Service Day,” said Senator Sullivan. “Your day-in-and- day-out work—engaging governments, businesses and individuals around the world—ensures our national security, assists our citizens and promotes U.S. interests abroad. Additionally, at an unprecedented time for our country, your relentless efforts in assisting thou- sands of citizens and residents to return home, are but one more example of the invaluable contributions of our Foreign Service.” Here is the text of the resolution. Designating May 1, 2020, as “United States Foreign Service Day” in recognition of the men and women who have served, or are presently serv- ing, 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. … Whereas the Rogers Act of 1924 established a career organization based on competitive examination and merit promotion; Whereas in 2020 more than 16,000 men and women of the Foreign Service are serving at home and abroad; Whereas Foreign Service personnel are supported by more than 75,000 locally engaged staff in nearly 300 embassies and consulates, who pro- vide unique expertise and crucial links to host countries; Whereas Foreign Service person- nel comprise employees from the Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Agriculture, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and the United States Agency for Global Media; Whereas the diplomatic, consular, communications, trade, develop- ment, security, public diplomacy, and numerous other functions that Foreign Service personnel perform constitute the first and most cost-effective instru- ment 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 dan- ger, 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, internationally recognized 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 oppor- tunities that create jobs in the United States and promote prosperity; (7) to promote economic develop- ment, reduce poverty, end hunger and malnutrition, fight disease, combat international crime and illegal drugs, and address environmental degrada- tion; and (8) to provide emergency and humanitarian assistance to respond to crises around the world; Whereas in response to the unprec- edented global COVID–19 pandemic, all of the foreign affairs agencies of the United States have worked tirelessly to support the people of the United States, often placing their own safety and well-being at risk; Whereas Foreign Service person- HEARD ON THE HILL JOSH Senators Introduce Foreign Service Day Resolution