The Foreign Service Journal, November 2012

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | NOVEMBER 2012 15 112TH CONGRESS, 2ND SESSION IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES SEPTEMBER 13, 2012 Considered and agreed to SENATE RESOLUTION 401 Expressing appreciation for Foreign Service and Civil Service professionals who represent the United States around the globe . Whereas the United States Foreign Service was established by Congress in 1924 to professionalize the country’s diplomatic and consular services and advance freedom, democracy and security for the benefit of the people of the United States and the international community; Whereas the United States Agency for International Development was established in 1961 to support the foreign policy goals of the United States through economic, development and humanitarian assistance; Whereas the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development together employ more than 27,000 United States nationals in the Foreign Service and Civil Service dedicated to promoting United States interests around the world; Whereas Foreign Service personnel deploy to Asia, Africa, the Americas, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia on a permanent, rotating basis to defend and promote United States priorities abroad; Whereas many Foreign Service employees spend months or years away from families and loved ones on assignment to dangerous or inhospitable posts where family members are not permitted; Whereas numerous Department of State and United States Agency for International Development employees have lost their lives while serving abroad; Whereas strong and purposeful United States diplomacy and development, carried out by a diverse, professionally educated and well-trained force of Foreign Service and Civil Service professionals, are the most cost-effective means to protect and advance United States interests abroad; Whereas the promotion of commercial engagement by United States businesses in foreign markets and targeted international development projects support economic prosperity, job creation and opportunities for United States business and industry; Whereas United States diplomats are often the first line of defense against international conflict and transnational security threats; Whereas Foreign Service and Civil Service professionals have worked to support the members of the United States Armed Forces involved in critical national security missions and military engagements in dangerous and unstable regions; Whereas Foreign Service and Civil Service professionals administer emergency assistance in crisis situations; and Whereas the contributions of Foreign Service and Civil Service professionals to the global advancement of international understanding, American ideals, and the promotion of freedom and democracy around the world should be commended: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, that the Senate— (1) recognizes and gives special appreciation to the Foreign Service and Civil Service personnel of the Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development and other United States government agencies that promote and protect United States priorities abroad; and (2) owes a debt of gratitude to these individuals, and their families, who put public service and pride in their country ahead of comfort, convenience and even safety in service to the United States and the global community.