Designating May 2, 2025, as ‘‘United States Foreign Service Day’’

On May 19, 2025, Senator SULLIVAN (for himself and Mr. VAN HOLLLEN) submitted the following resolution to designate May 2, 2025, as “United States Foreign Service Day”.

Preamble

Whereas the Foreign Service of the United States was established through the enactment of the Act entitled ‘‘An Act for the reorganization and improvement of the Foreign Service of the United States, and for other purposes.’’, approved May 24, 1924 (43 Stat. 140, chapter 182)
(commonly known as the “Rogers Act of 1924’’), and is now celebrating its 101st anniversary;

Resolutions

Whereas the Rogers Act of 1924 established a career organization based on competitive examination and merit promotion;
Whereas Foreign Service personnel comprise employees from the Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development, the Foreign Commercial Service, the Foreign Agricultural Service, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and the United States Agency for Global Media;
Whereas the diplomatic, consular, communications, trade, development, security, public diplomacy, and numerous other functions that Foreign Service personnel perform constitute the first and most cost-effective instrument of the United States to protect and promote United States interests abroad;
Whereas the men and women of the Foreign Service and their families are increasingly exposed to risks and danger, even in times of peace, and many have died in the service of the United States;
Whereas employees of the Foreign Service work daily—
(1) to ensure the national security of the United States;
(2) to provide assistance to United States citizens overseas;
(3) to preserve peace, freedom, and economic prosperity around the world;
(4) to promote the ideals and values of the United States, human rights, freedom, equal opportunities for women and girls, rule of law, and democracy;
(5) to promote transparency and provide accurate information;
(6) to cultivate new markets for United States products and services and develop new investment opportunities that create jobs in the United States and promote prosperity;
(7) to promote economic development, reduce poverty, end hunger and malnutrition, fight disease, combat international crime and illegal drugs, and address environmental degradation; and
(8) to provide emergency and humanitarian assistance to respond to crises around the world;
Whereas the foreign affairs agencies and the American Foreign Service Association have observed Foreign Service Day in May for many years; and
Whereas it is both appropriate and just for the United States as a whole to recognize the dedication of the men and women of the Foreign Service and to honor the members of the Foreign Service who have given their lives in the loyal pursuit of their duties and responsibilities representing the interests of the United States and of its citizens:

Resolutions (continued)

Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate—1
(1) honors the men and women who have served, or are presently serving, in the Foreign Service of the United States for their dedicated and important service to the United States;
(2) calls on the people of the United States to reflect on the service and sacrifice of past, present, and future employees of the Foreign Service of the United States, wherever they serve, with appropriate ceremonies and activities; and
(3) designates May 2, 2025, as “United States Foreign Service Day’’.