16 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2025 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Diplomacy Done Right The State Department reorganization plan that Secretary Rubio has shared with Congress is a good start and is sorely needed. I hope it is just this administration’s first step towards building a more effective U.S. foreign policy that is responsive to the needs of the American people. With that said, I hope that any reductions in force strongly focus on performance while ensuring that the department’s best and brightest personnel who rival any diplomatic service in the world, don’t just stay at the State Department but thrive there. … I’m always impressed when I go out of the country, and for that matter, here, about how State Department employees are probably the least partisan of any government agency that there is. And I’m always impressed with the way they conduct themselves, the way they treat us when we’re out in the field. —Sen. James Risch (R-Idaho), in a Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing, “Reforming the State Department to Compete in the 21st Century,” on July 16. Undermining American Aid While the architect of the DOGE attack on the United States Agency for International Development, Elon Musk, may no longer be part of the Trump administration, the consequences of his actions will be felt by Americans and people around the world for decades to come. That includes serious impacts on American farmers, ranchers, and agricultural businesses, as well as the safety of our domestic crops and livestock. —Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, at a spotlight forum with experts, “The Role of Foreign Assistance in Supporting American Farmers and Protecting American Agriculture,” on June 12. Quality Over Quantity I count there are 16 additional bureaus and offices that were added over the last two decades. And to me, this is an indication that there could be bureaucratic bloat in your organization. ... And not that organizations shouldn’t change; organizations should change, and they should adapt to the new circumstances. In fact, I think, Deputy Secretary [Rigas], your position wasn’t even around a few years ago. But more does not necessarily translate to better. —Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), in a Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing, “Reforming the State Department to Compete in the 21st Century,” on July 16. The Human Cost of Budget Cuts The administration’s budget request slashes global health spending by almost two thirds. And a recent study estimates that in 10 years, these cuts could cause 14 million preventable deaths—14 million. I’ve worked all over the world, lived all over the world, and seen the power that the United States builds by the work that we do in other countries. I want to remind any public that may be watching that we spend less than a fraction of a percent of our budget on foreign assistance. —Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-N.Y.), in a House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing, “FY26 State Department Posture: Management and Resources,” on July 15. Farmers Left Behind Our farmers are already facing major headwinds, and the administration’s cuts to foreign food aid and research have been another critical blow—threatening billions in lost revenue, closing off foreign markets, and leaving us vulnerable to plant and animal pests and diseases. We need to reverse course before it’s too late and lasting damage is done. —Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), ranking member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, at a spotlight forum with experts, “The Role of Foreign Assistance in Supporting American Farmers and Protecting American Agriculture,” on June 12. Invest in Diplomacy We face serious global challenges, from Russia’s war in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East to great power competition with China. America’s diplomats and development experts are our first line of defense. If we are serious about leading globally, we need a capable, strategic and fully staffed diplomatic corps. —Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), in a House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing, “FY26 State Department Posture: Management and Resources,” on July 15. JOSH Heard on the Hill
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