The Foreign Service Journal, September 2017

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | SEPTEMBER 2017 19 loss of PRM’s assistance functions would have profound and negative conse- quences for the Secretary’s ability to influence policy issues. The letter recognizes the important role that DHS has to play in refugee and resettlement programs in the United States: ensuring robust vetting processes and determining the eligibility and admissibility of all refugees. However, the signatories expressed concern that DHS does not have the international infrastructure or the neces- sary expertise in identifying refugee groups in need of protection. Most importantly, DHS is unable to “under- stand the diplomatic consequences or opportunities to leverage resettlement for U.S foreign policy interests.” The letter was also sent to the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate Committees on Foreign Relations and the Appropriations subcommittees on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs. Insigniam Survey Results and Next Steps R esults of the Insigniam survey of State Department and USAID employees, commissioned by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, as part of a process to “redesign” the department, were released internally on July 5. The report revealed wariness among employees about the management of the State Department. “People do not speak optimistically about the future,” the report states. In particular, respondents indicated concern that the Secretary of State and President Donald Trump do not fully understand the role of the department in advancing the interests of the United States in the world. One respondent quoted in the report said: “I am concerned that the dra- matic reduction in budget, paired with extended staffing gaps at the most senior level, will result not only in the loss of an exceptionally talented group of people from our ranks, but will hamper our impact to fulfill our mission for decades to come.” Other themes in the report reflect the respondents’ frustration with outdated technology and duplicative processes (including congressional reporting requirements) they perceive as inefficient. The report also suggested that con- sular responsibilities be transferred to the Department of Homeland Security, though it did not indicate whether that suggestion came from employee input. Sec. Tillerson announced that the next step would be a series of working groups led by Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan and covering five areas of con- cern highlighted in the report: overseas operations, foreign assistance programs, technology, staffing and administration. The groups will contribute to a report outlining proposals for reorganization, which the department will present to the Office of Management and Budget by Sept. 15. It’s not clear at this time how much influence the survey report and working group conclusions will have on the final plan. At a Town Hall meeting in the Dean Acheson Auditorium at the State Depart- ment on Aug. 8, the Deputy Secretary discussed the “redesign” process and responded to questions from employees. Sullivan emphasized the importance of employee input to the process, encour- aging employees to make use of the spe- cial intranet portal, the “Redesign Portal,” established to receive recommendations in the five areas of concern. Sullivan said that he checks the portal every day, and that the messages are promptly forwarded to the relevant working group to become part of their deliberations. Limited Foreign Service Hiring Resumes O n June 30, the State Department announced that entry-level Foreign Service officer classes had been autho- rized for July and September 2017. The classes will be composed primarily of Pickering and Rangel Fellows, along with a small number of candidates from the Foreign Service roster. Earlier in June, the State Department had notified about 60 Rangel and Pickering fellowship recipients that they would not be joining the Foreign Service as promised. This was followed by an outcry from various organizations and members of Congress. AFSA also weighed in. The Pickering and Rangel fellows were supported by several prominent lawmak- ers, many of whom signed a letter to Sec- retary Tillerson, urging him to bring them into the Foreign Service. The decision was reversed on June 29. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chair- man of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said, “We’re pleased the department is honoring its commitment to these fellows so they can pursue their careers in the Foreign Service.” As we head to press, news is in that State is temporarily withdrawing from participation in the prestigious and popu- lar Presidential Management Fellowship program that brings top graduates into federal government service. A resumption of Foreign Service hiring, even one that is limited in scope, has been a top AFSA priority for the last six months. At the Aug. 8 Town Hall, AFSA President Barbara Stephenson asked the deputy secretary about hiring, noting that a steady intake of new employees is criti- cal to staffing in the future.