June 17, 2026
Mr. Sullivan (for himself and Mr. Van Hollen) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
Designating May 1, 2026, as United States Foreign Service Day
in recognition of the men and women who have served, or are presently serving, in the Foreign Service of the United States, and honoring the members of the Foreign Service who have given their lives in the line of duty.
Whereas the Foreign Service of the United States (referred to in this preamble as the Foreign Service
) 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 102nd anniversary;
Whereas the Rogers Act of 1924 established a career organization based on competitive examination and merit promotion;
Whereas the diplomatic, consular, communications, trade, development, security, public diplomacy, and commercial diplomacy 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, making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous;
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 internationally recognized human rights and democracy and their positive relationship to United States security interests;
(5)
to promote transparency and provide accurate information on international developments;
(6)
to cultivate new markets for United States products and services, including energy exports, and develop new investment opportunities that create jobs in the United States and promote prosperity;
(7)
to combat illegal trade in goods and services, including illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing, illicit financial flows, trafficking in persons, and illegal drugs;
(8)
to promote economic development; and
(9)
to provide emergency and humanitarian assistance to respond to crises around the world and to fight disease;
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: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate—
(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 1, 2026, as United States Foreign Service Day
.