Kamlager-Dove, Lieu Introduce Legislation to Support Diverse Recruitment for the U.S. Foreign Service
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 25, 2023
Media Contact: Maya Valentine | maya.valentine@mail.house.gov
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) and Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-36) introduced the Represent America Abroad Act to identify, attract, and retain mid-career professionals from diverse racial and ethnic groups into the U.S. diplomatic corps.
In 2020, a Government Accountability Office report highlighted that individuals from racial or ethnic minorities only account for 24% of mid-career employees at the Department of State and 27% of employees at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Only 13% of executive-level positions at the State Department are held by minorities.
“The U.S. diplomatic corps is the face of America to the world, and our diplomats should reflect the Americans they represent. Barriers to recruitment, retention, and promotion of racial and ethnic minorities at the State Department is a national security and foreign policy vulnerability,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “U.S. foreign policy cannot be effective if it is not informed and implemented by Americans with unique perspectives and experiences. At the same time, our diversity provides a major advantage that we must recognize and utilize to better engage with international partners. I’m proud to introduce this important legislation with Congressman Ted Lieu to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Foreign Service."
“To continue strong and effective American foreign policy, we must ensure that our foreign service officers reflect America’s diversity. Unfortunately, historic barriers to entry into the foreign service persist. This is why I’m pleased to join Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove in introducing the Represent America Abroad Act, which would strengthen programs to recruit foreign service professionals from underrepresented groups and build more diversity within the State Department. America’s representatives abroad should mirror the nation we are—one of inclusion and diversity,” said Congressman Ted Lieu.
To read the full bill text, click here.
# # #