12 JULY AUGUST 2024 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL A yalute to the ƚyƚ Foreign yerĺice America’s Foreign Service officers are tasked with promoting America’s interests, strengthening national security, and assisting U.S. citizens in the far corners of the globe. For 100 years, the Foreign Service has served a critical role in leading American diplomacy. Today, we salute the courageous, dedicated members of the United States Foreign Service and reaffirm our commitment to providing this crucial diplomatic corps with the support they need and deserve. —Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), in a May 23 press release celebrating 100 years of the U.S. Foreign Service. representing the ƚyƚ Ļith Honor Abroad On the centennial anniversary of the Foreign Service, we celebrate all the past and present members of our diplomatic corps who have represented the United States with honor abroad. These men and women play a critical role on the front lines of our diplomatic missions—sometimes at great personal risk and often with little fanfare—protecting and promoting America’s global interests. Not only are their efforts vital to our diplomacy—they also provide critical support to Americans in need of assistance. We’re committed to supporting our Foreign Service members and their families, which is why we’ve fought to pass legislation like our bipartisan Foreign Service Families Act. As we look ahead to the next 100 years, we reaffirm this commitment and our gratitude for the efforts of these public servants as they continue working to strengthen our standing on the world stage. —Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), in a May 23 press release celebrating 100 years of the U.S. Foreign Service. nĻaĺering ommitment Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Foreign Service. Over the past century, Foreign Service officers, many of whom call Virginia home, have worked tirelessly around the globe to help maintain the global leadership of the United States. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working alongside many Foreign Service officers. These Americans display an unwavering commitment to our diplomacy and our national security. As we celebrate 100 years of modern American diplomacy, let’s pause to reflect on the invaluable contributions made by these public servants on behalf of our country, even while facing threats and working far from their hometowns and, oftentimes, their families. I stand here today to express my profound gratitude to these officers, as well as to honor the hundreds of members of our Foreign Service who have given their lives in service abroad. To recognize this important centennial, I encourage my colleagues to support the bill to mint a commemorative coin celebrating 100 years of the U.S. Foreign Service. —Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.), in a floor speech on May 22. JOSH Furthermore, implementing partners did not always comply with the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) five-year recordkeeping requirements for transactions with blocked entities. As a result, SIGAR recommended an expansion of foreign tax reporting requirements to all U.S. award agreements in Afghanistan, requiring responsible officials to collect the required foreign tax reports and ensure they are implemented in all future award agreements. State and USAID generally concurred with SIGAR’s recommendations but raised concerns about feasibility and applicability. SIGAR will follow up with State and USAID within 60 days to identify any actions taken in response to the recommendations. Heard on the Hill: Centennial Edition
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