10 JULY AUGUST 2024 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL I n this biweekly podcast, host Bruce Pannier welcomes guest experts to discuss political developments and pressing social issues affecting the nations of Central Asia. Produced by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), the Majlis podcast aligns with RFE/RL’s mission to promote democratic values through accurate, uncensored news and open debate in regions where free press is under threat and disinformation is widespread. Pannier is a seasoned journalist with experience in Central Asia. His background includes leading sociological projects there and contributing to publications like The Economist and Oxford Analytica. Recent episodes have covered topics such as the Tajik government’s crackdown in Gorno-Badakhshan, religious freedom in Central Asia, British Foreign Secretary Cameron’s visit to the region, and the plight of Karakalpak activists. Podcast of the Month: Majlis (https://www.rferl.org/majlis-talking-asia-podcast) The appearance of a particular site or podcast is for information only and does not constitute an endorsement. The resolution honors the establishment of the Foreign Service in 1924 by the Rogers Act and acknowledges the contributions of nearly 17,000 Foreign Service professionals working across various U.S. agencies both domestically and internationally. The resolution was championed by at-large Councilmember Anita Bonds and co-introduced by Councilmembers Matthew Frumin, Christina Henderson, Trayon White, Robert C. White, and Kenyan R. McDuffie. It will take effect immediately upon publication in the District of Columbia Register. ƠMr Verma Testifies on Modernization Effort In a hearing on May 16, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee welcomed Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma to discuss the State Department’s modernization e orts and various challenges facing U.S. diplomacy. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) opened the discussion by reflecting on the significant changes since the Rogers Act of 1924, emphasizing growth and technological advancements within the diplomatic workforce, which comprises more than 75,000 employees. Verma highlighted the State Department’s focus on building new capacity in emerging mission areas through the creation of new bureaus, such as the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy and the Office of Critical and Emerging Technology. The modernization agenda includes expanding training opportunities, recruiting a diverse workforce, and leveraging innovative technologies. Verma noted the implementation of paid internships, a new employee retention unit, and the first-ever departmentwide retention plan. Senator James Risch (R-Idaho) criticized the department for slow implementation of critical reforms, particularly the Security Embassy Construction and Counterterrorism Act (SECCA). Verma assured that final guidance for SECCA would be issued within weeks, acknowledging the complexity of balancing security with operational needs. Verma reported notable progress in passport and visa processing, with processing times returning to prepandemic levels. The implementation of the GRATEFUL Act and the Foreign Service Families Act has also seen success, with 1,500 visas issued to local staff of U.S. embassies under the GRATEFUL Act and increased employment opportunities for eligible family members. The hearing also addressed the competitive landscape of global diplomacy, particularly citing China’s extensive network. Verma reported progress in opening new embassies in Vanuatu and Kiribati and emphasized the need for a larger budget to support the effort to expand U.S. presence in the region. Verma stated: “The challenge that we are facing is showing up and getting our people out. Secondly, it is a budgetary challenge as well. I really appreciate now that we have new tools like the Development Finance Corporation; we have old tools like the Millennium Challenge Corporation. “But, again, look at how State Department funding for this year is going to be cut by 6 percent. We have this staffing gap. We have the confirmation challenges, so there’s a lot we can do. Frankly, we are a national security agency. I think we ought to be funded and treated like a national security agency; and I think that would actually help us compete a lot better.” Listen to the full hearing at https:// bit.ly/SFRC-Verma-on-Modernization.
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