22 USC CHAPTER 52, SUBCHAPTER II: MANAGEMENT OF SERVICE

From Title 22—FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSECHAPTER 52—FOREIGN SERVICE

SUBCHAPTER II—MANAGEMENT OF SERVICE

§3921. Administration by Secretary of State

(a) Under the direction of the President, the Secretary of State shall administer and direct the Service and shall coordinate its activities with the needs of the Department of State and other agencies.

(b) The Secretary of State alone among the heads of agencies utilizing the Foreign Service personnel system shall perform the functions expressly vested in the Secretary of State by this chapter.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §201, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2078.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 96–465, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2071, known as the Foreign Service Act of 1980, which is classified principally to this chapter (§3901 et seq.). For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3901 of this title and Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Curtailments, Removals From Post, and Waivers of Privileges and Immunities

Pub. L. 117–263, div. I, title XCII, §9209, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3873, provided that:

"(a) Curtailments Report.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], and every 180 days thereafter, the Secretary [of State] shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees [Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives] regarding curtailments of Department [of State] personnel from overseas posts.

"(2) Contents.—The Secretary shall include in the report required under paragraph (1)—

"(A) relevant information about any post that, during the 6-month period preceding the report—

"(i) had more than 5 curtailments; or

"(ii) had curtailments representing more than 5 percent of Department personnel at such post; and

"(B) for each post referred to in subparagraph (A), the number of curtailments, disaggregated by month of occurrence.

"(C) Additional contents for initial report.—The initial report submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall identify—

"(i) the number of curtailments at the Deputy Chief of Mission or Principal Officer level for each of the previous 5 years; and

"(ii) to the extent practicable—

"(I) the number of such curtailments that were voluntary and the number of such curtailments that were involuntary; and

"(II) the number of those curtailed who left the service within 1 year after such curtailment.

"(b) Removal of Diplomats.—Not later than 20 days after the date on which any United States personnel under Chief of Mission authority is declared persona non grata by a host government, the Secretary shall—

"(1) notify the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate, the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives of such declaration; and

"(2) include with such notification—

"(A) the official reason for such declaration (if provided by the host government);

"(B) the date of the declaration; and

"(C) whether the Department responded by declaring a host government's diplomat in the United States persona non grata.

"(c) Waiver of Privileges and Immunities.—Not later than 15 days after any waiver of privileges and immunities pursuant to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, done at Vienna April 18, 1961, that is applicable to an entire diplomatic post or to the majority of United States personnel under Chief of Mission authority, the Secretary shall notify the appropriate congressional committees of such waiver and the reason for such waiver.

"(d) Termination.—This section shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act."

Management Assessments at Diplomatic and Consular Posts

Pub. L. 117–263, div. I, title XCII, §9212, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3874, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Beginning not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Secretary [of State] shall annually conduct, at each diplomatic and consular post, a voluntary survey, which shall be offered to all staff assigned to that post who are citizens of the United States (excluding the Chief of Mission) to assess the management and leadership of that post by the Chief of Mission, the Deputy Chief of Mission, and the Charge d'Affaires.

"(b) Anonymity.—All responses to the survey shall be—

"(1) fully anonymized; and

"(2) made available to the Director General of the Foreign Service.

"(c) Survey.—The survey shall seek to assess—

"(1) the general morale at post;

"(2) the presence of any hostile work environment;

"(3) the presence of any harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or other mistreatment; and

"(4) effective leadership and collegial work environment.

"(d) Director General Recommendations.—Upon compilation and review of the surveys, the Director General of the Foreign Service shall issue recommendations to posts, as appropriate, based on the findings of the surveys.

"(e) Referral.—If the surveys reveal any action that is grounds for referral to the Inspector General of the Department of State and the Foreign Service, the Director General of the Foreign Service may refer the matter to the Inspector General of the Department of State and the Foreign Service, who shall, as the Inspector General considers appropriate, conduct an inspection of the post in accordance with section 209(b) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3929(b)).

"(f) Annual Report.—The Director General of the Foreign Service shall submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees [Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives] that includes—

"(1) any trends or summaries from the surveys;

"(2) the posts where corrective action was recommended or taken in response to any issues identified by the surveys; and

"(3) the number of referrals to the Inspector General of the Department of State and the Foreign Service, as applicable.

"(g) Initial Basis.—The surveys and reports required under this section shall be carried out on an initial basis for the 5-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act."

Third Party Verification of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Orders

Pub. L. 117–263, div. I, title XCII, §9214, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3875, provided that: "Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Secretary [of State] shall establish a mechanism for third parties to verify the employment of, and the validity of permanent change of station (PCS) orders received by, members of the Foreign Service, in a manner that protects the safety, security, and privacy of sensitive employee information."

§3922. Utilization of Foreign Service personnel system by other agencies

(a)(1) The Broadcasting Board of Governors and the Administrator of the Agency for International Development may utilize the Foreign Service personnel system with respect to their respective agencies in accordance with this chapter.

(2) The Secretary of Agriculture may utilize the Foreign Service personnel system in accordance with this chapter—

(A) with respect to personnel of the Foreign Agricultural Service, and

(B) with respect to other personnel of the Department of Agriculture to the extent the President determines to be necessary in order to enable the Department of Agriculture to carry out functions which require service abroad.

(3) The Secretary of Commerce may utilize the Foreign Service personnel system in accordance with this chapter—

(A) with respect to the personnel performing functions transferred to the Department of Commerce from the Department of State by Reorganization Plan Numbered 3 of 1979, and

(B) with respect to other personnel of the Department of Commerce to the extent the President determines to be necessary in order to enable the Department of Commerce to carry out functions which require service abroad.

(4)(A) Whenever (and to the extent) the Secretary of State considers it in the best interests of the United States Government, the Secretary of State may authorize the head of any agency or other Government establishment (including any establishment in the legislative or judicial branch) to appoint under section 3943 of this title individuals described in subparagraph (B) as members of the Service and to utilize the Foreign Service personnel system with respect to such individuals under such regulations as the Secretary of State may prescribe.

(B) The individuals referred to in subparagraph (A) are individuals eligible for employment abroad under section 3951(a) of this title.

(b) Subject to section 3921(b) of this title—

(1) the agency heads referred to in subsection (a), and

(2) the head of any other agency (to the extent authority to utilize the Foreign Service personnel system is granted to such agency head under any other chapter),

shall in the case of their respective agencies exercise the functions vested in the Secretary by this chapter.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §202, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2078; Pub. L. 97–241, title III, §303(b), Aug. 24, 1982, 96 Stat. 291; Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. A, title XIII, §1335(k)(1), title XIV, §1422(b)(4)(A), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–789, 2681-793; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §332], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-439.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Reorganization Plan Numbered 3 of 1979, referred to in subsec. (a)(3)(A), is Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1979, 44 F.R. 69273, 93 Stat. 1381, which is set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Amendments

1999—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 106–113 added par. (4).

1998—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 105–277, §1422(b)(4)(A), substituted "Administrator of the Agency for International Development" for "Director of the United States International Development Cooperation Agency".

Pub. L. 105–277, §1335(k)(1), substituted "Broadcasting Board of Governors" for "Director of the United States Information Agency".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Broadcasting Board of Governors renamed United States Agency for Global Media pursuant to section 6204(a)(21) of this title. The renaming was effectuated by notice to congressional appropriations committees dated May 24, 2018, and became effective Aug. 22, 2018.

"Director of the United States Information Agency" substituted for "Director of the International Communication Agency" in subsec. (a)(1), pursuant to section 303(b) of Pub. L. 97–241, set out as a note under section 1461 of this title.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by section 1335(k)(1) of Pub. L. 105–277 effective Oct. 1, 1999, see section 1301 of Pub. L. 105–277, set out as an Effective Date note under section 6531 of this title.

Amendment by section 1422(b)(4) of Pub. L. 105–277 effective Apr. 1, 1999, see section 1401 of Pub. L. 105–277, set out as an Effective Date note under section 6561 of this title.

Executive Documents

Exercise of Certain Functions by Board of the Foreign Service and Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service

The Board of the Foreign Service and the Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service were authorized to exercise with respect to Foreign Service personnel of the Department of Commerce, functions delegated to them by Ex. Ord. No. 11264, set out as a note under section 3930 of this title, respecting Foreign Service personnel of the Department of State, see section 1–104(c) of Ex. Ord. No. 12188, Jan. 2, 1980, 45 F.R. 991, set out as a note under section 2171 of Title 19, Customs Duties.

Ex. Ord. No. 10522. Authority of the Director of the United States Information Agency

Ex. Ord. No. 10522, Mar. 26, 1954, 19 F.R. 1689, provided:

Section 1. The Director of the United States Information Agency is hereby authorized to carry out the functions of the Board of the Foreign Service, provided for by the Foreign Service Act of 1946 (60 Stat. 999) [this chapter], with respect to personnel appointed or assigned for service in the United States Information Agency under the provisions of such Act, as amended [this chapter]: Provided, That nothing herein contained shall be construed as transferring to the said Director any function of the said Board relating to any Foreign Service Officer.

Sec. 2. The Director of the United States Information Agency is hereby authorized to prescribe such regulations and issue such orders and instructions, not inconsistent with law, as may be necessary or desirable for carrying out his functions under section 1 of this order.

Dwight D. Eisenhower.

[For abolition of United States Information Agency (other than Broadcasting Board of Governors and International Broadcasting Bureau), transfer of functions, and treatment of references thereto, see sections 6531, 6532, and 6551 of this title.]

§3922a. Representation of minorities and women in Foreign Service

(a) Development of program

The head of each agency utilizing the Foreign Service personnel system shall develop, consistent with section 7201 of title 5, a plan designed to increase significantly the number of members of minority groups and women in the Foreign Service in that agency.

(b) Emphasis on mid-levels

Each plan developed pursuant to this section shall, consistent with section 7201 of title 5, place particular emphasis on achieving significant increases in the numbers of minority group members and women who are in the mid-levels of the Foreign Service.

(Pub. L. 99–93, title I, §152, Aug. 16, 1985, 99 Stat. 428; Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §185(c)(3), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1366.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1986 and 1987, and not as part of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 which comprises this chapter.

Amendments

1987—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–204 struck out subsec. (c) which read as follows: "The head of each agency utilizing the Foreign Service personnel system shall report annually to the Congress on the plan developed pursuant to this section as part of the report required to be submitted pursuant to section 3905(d)(2) of this title. Subsequent reports pursuant to that section shall include reports on the implementation of these plans, giving particular attention to the progress being made in increasing, through advancement and promotion, the numbers of members of minority groups and women in the mid-levels of the Foreign Service."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Report Concerning Minorities and the Foreign Service

Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. B, title XXIII, §2318, Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–829, required the Secretary of State to submit, in calendar years 1998 and 1999, a report to Congress concerning minorities and the Foreign Service officer corps, with relevant information and specified data.

Mid-Level Women and Minority Placement Program

Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §178, Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 414, provided that:

"(a) Purpose.—It is the purpose of this section to promote the acquisition and retention of highly qualified, trained, and experienced women and minority personnel within the Foreign Service, to provide the maximum opportunity for the Foreign Service to meet staffing needs and to acquire the services of experienced and talented women and minority personnel, and to help alleviate the impact of downsizing, reduction-in-force, and budget restrictions occurring in the defense and national security-related agencies of the United States.

"(b) Establishment.—For each of the fiscal years 1994 and 1995, the Secretary of State shall to the maximum extent practicable appoint to the Foreign Service qualified women and minority applicants who are participants in the priority placement program of the Department of Defense, the Department of Defense out-placement referral program, the Office of Personnel Management Automated Applicant Referral System, or the Office of Personnel Management Interagency Placement Program. The Secretary shall make such appointments through the mid-level entry program of the Department of State under section 306 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 [22 U.S.C. 3946].

"(c) Report.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Apr. 30, 1994], the Secretary of State shall prepare and submit a report concerning the implementation of subsection (a) to the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Such report shall include recommendations on methods to improve implementation of the purpose of this section."

Women and Minorities in Foreign Service

Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §183, Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1364, provided that:

"(a) Findings.—The Congress finds that the Department of State and other Foreign Service agencies have not been successful in their efforts—

"(1) to recruit and retain members of minority groups in order to increase significantly the number of members of minority groups in the Foreign Service; and

"(2) to provide adequate career advancement for women and members of minority groups in order to increase significantly the numbers of women and members of minority groups in the senior levels of the Foreign Service.

"(b) A More Representative Foreign Service.—The Secretary of State and the head of each of the other agencies utilizing the Foreign Service personnel system—

"(1) shall substantially increase their efforts to implement effectively the plans required by section 152(a) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1986 and 1987 [22 U.S.C. 3922a(a)], so that the Foreign Service becomes truly representative of the American people throughout all levels of the Foreign Service; and

"(2) shall ensure that those plans effectively address the need to promote increased numbers of qualified women and members of minority groups into the senior levels of the Foreign Service.

"(c) Department of State Hiring Practices of Minorities and Women.—The Secretary of State shall include annually as part of the report required to be submitted pursuant to section 105(d)(2) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 [former 22 U.S.C. 3905(d)(2)]—

"(1) a report on the progress made at the Assistant Secretary and Bureau level of the Department of State in increasing the presence of minorities and women at all levels in the Foreign Service and Civil Service workforces of the Department of State, and

"(2) the specific actions taken to address the lack of Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and Native Americans in the Senior Executive Service and Senior Foreign Service of the Department of State."

§3922b. Public diplomacy training

(a) Statement of policy

The following should be the policy of the United States:

(1) The Foreign Service should recruit individuals with expertise and professional experience in public diplomacy.

(2) United States chiefs of mission should have a prominent role in the formulation of public diplomacy strategies for the countries and regions to which they are assigned and should be accountable for the operation and success of public diplomacy efforts at their posts.

(3) Initial and subsequent training of Foreign Service officers should be enhanced to include information and training on public diplomacy and the tools and technology of mass communication.

(b) Personnel

(1) Qualifications

In the recruitment, training, and assignment of members of the Foreign Service, the Secretary of State—

(A) should emphasize the importance of public diplomacy and applicable skills and techniques;

(B) should consider the priority recruitment into the Foreign Service, including at middle-level entry, of individuals with expertise and professional experience in public diplomacy, mass communications, or journalism; and

(C) shall give special consideration to individuals with language facility and experience in particular countries and regions.

(2) Languages of special interest

The Secretary of State shall seek to increase the number of Foreign Service officers proficient in languages spoken in countries with predominantly Muslim populations. Such increase should be accomplished through the recruitment of new officers and incentives for officers in service.

(Pub. L. 108–458, title VII, §7110, Dec. 17, 2004, 118 Stat. 3793.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section is comprised of section 7110 of Pub. L. 108–458. Subsec. (c) of section 7110 of Pub. L. 108–458 amended section 4003 of this title.

Section was enacted as part of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, and also as part of the 9/11 Commission Implementation Act of 2004, and not as part of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 which comprises this chapter.

§3922c. Integration of foreign economic policy

(a) In general

The Secretary, in conjunction with the Under Secretary of Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, shall establish—

(1) foreign economic policy priorities for each regional bureau, including for individual countries, as appropriate; and

(2) policies and guidance for integrating such foreign economic policy priorities throughout the Department.

(b) Deputy Assistant Secretary

Within each regional bureau of the Department, the Secretary shall task an existing Deputy Assistant Secretary with appropriate training and background in economic and commercial affairs with the responsibility for economic matters and interests within the responsibilities of each such regional bureau, including the integration of the foreign economic policy priorities established pursuant to subsection (a).

(c) Training

The Secretary shall establish curriculum at the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center to develop the practical foreign economic policy expertise and skill sets of Foreign Service officers, including by making available distance-learning courses in commercial, economic, and business affairs, including in the following:

(1) The global business environment.

(2) The economics of development.

(3) Development and infrastructure finance.

(4) Current trade and investment agreements negotiations.

(5) Implementing existing multilateral and World Trade Organization agreements, and United States trade and investment agreements.

(6) Best practices for customs and export procedures.

(7) Market analysis and global supply chain management.

(Pub. L. 114–323, title IV, §406, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1929.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Department of State Authorities Act, Fiscal Year 2017, and not as part of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 which comprises this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions

For definitions of "Secretary", "Department", and "Foreign Service" as used in this section, see section 2 of Pub. L. 114–323, set out as a note under section 2651 of this title.

§3923. Compatibility among agencies utilizing Foreign Service personnel system

(a) The Service shall be administered to the extent practicable in a manner that will assure maximum compatibility among the agencies authorized by law to utilize the Foreign Service personnel system. To this end, the other heads of such agencies shall consult regularly with the Secretary of State.

(b) Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed as diminishing the authority of the head of any agency authorized by law to utilize the Foreign Service personnel system.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §203, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2079.)

§3924. Uniform and consolidated administration of Service

The Secretary shall on a continuing basis consider the need for uniformity of personnel policies and procedures and for consolidation (in accordance with section 2695 of this title) of personnel functions among agencies utilizing the Foreign Service personnel system. Where feasible, the Secretary of State shall encourage (in consultation with the other heads of such agencies) the development of uniform policies and procedures and consolidated personnel functions.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §204, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2079.)

§3925. Compatibility between Foreign Service and other Government personnel systems

The Service shall be administered to the extent practicable in conformity with general policies and regulations of the Government. The Secretary shall consult with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the heads of such other agencies as the President shall determine, in order to assure compatibility of the Foreign Service personnel system with other Government personnel systems to the extent practicable.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §205, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2079.)

Executive Documents

Delegation of Functions

Functions of President under this section delegated to Secretary of State, see section 1 of Ex. Ord. No. 12293, Feb. 23, 1981, 46 F.R. 13969, set out as a note under section 3901 of this title.

Consultation With Other Federal Departments and Agencies

For authority for the Secretary of State to consult with the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Commerce, the Director of the United States Information Agency, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to ensure compatibility between the Foreign Service personnel system and other government personnel systems, see section 2 of Ex. Ord. No. 12293, Feb. 23, 1981, 46 F.R. 13969, as amended, set out as note under section 3901 of this title.

§3926. Regulations; delegation of functions

(a) The Secretary may prescribe such regulations as the Secretary deems appropriate to carry out functions under this chapter.

(b) The Secretary may delegate functions under this chapter which are vested in the Secretary to any employee of the Department or any member of the Service.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §206, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2079.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Regulations Regarding Foreign Language Competence Within Foreign Service

Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §191(a), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 418, as amended by Pub. L. 103–415, §1(u), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4302, provided that: "Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Apr. 30, 1994], the Secretary of State shall promulgate regulations—

"(1) establishing hiring preferences for Foreign Service Officer candidates competent in languages, with priority preference given to those languages in which the Department of State has a deficit;

"(2) establishing a standard that employees will not receive long-term training in more than 3 languages, and requiring that employees achieve full professional proficiency (S4/R4) in 1 language as a condition for training in a third, with exceptions for priority needs of the service at the discretion of the Director General;

"(3) requiring that employees receiving long-term training in a language, or hired with a hiring preference for a language, serve at least 2 tours in jobs requiring that language, with exceptions for certain limited-use languages and priority needs of the service at the discretion of the Director General;

"(4) requiring that significant consideration be given to foreign language competence and use in the evaluation, assignment, and promotion of all Foreign Service Officers of the Department of State, the Agency for International Development, and the United States Information Agency;

"(5) requiring the identification of appropriate Washington, D.C. metropolitan area positions as language-designated; and

"(6) requiring remedial training and suspension of language differential payments for employees receiving such payments who have failed to maintain required levels of proficiency."

§3927. Chief of mission

(a) Duties

Under the direction of the President, the chief of mission to a foreign country—

(1) shall have full responsibility for the direction, coordination, and supervision of all Government executive branch employees in that country (except for Voice of America correspondents on official assignment and employees under the command of a United States area military commander); and

(2) shall keep fully and currently informed with respect to all activities and operations of the Government within that country, and shall insure that all Government executive branch employees in that country (except for Voice of America correspondents on official assignment and employees under the command of a United States area military commander) comply fully with all applicable directives of the chief of mission.

(b) Duties of agencies with employees in foreign countries

Any executive branch agency having employees in a foreign country shall keep the chief of mission to that country fully and currently informed with respect to all activities and operations of its employees in that country, and shall insure that all of its employees in that country (except for Voice of America correspondents on official assignment and employees under the command of a United States area military commander) comply fully with all applicable directives of the chief of mission.

(c) Promotion of United States goods and services

Each chief of mission to a foreign country shall have as a principal duty the promotion of United States goods and services for export to such country.

(d) Promotion of United States economic interests

Each chief of mission to a foreign country shall have as a principal duty the promotion of United States economic and commercial interests in such country.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §207, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2079; Pub. L. 97–241, title I, §123, Aug. 24, 1982, 96 Stat. 281; Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §136, Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1345; Pub. L. 107–228, div. A, title V, §505(b), Sept. 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 1393; Pub. L. 116–94, div. J, title VII, §704, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3070.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 116–94 added subsec. (d).

2002—Subsecs. (a)(1), (2), (b). Pub. L. 107–228 inserted "Voice of America correspondents on official assignment and" after "except for".

1987—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–204, §136(1), (2), inserted "executive branch" after "Government" in par. (1) and after second reference to "Government" in par. (2).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–204, §136(3), inserted "executive branch" after "Any".

1982—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–241 added subsec. (c).

§3927a. Review by chief of mission

(a) Review of staff element under chief of mission authority; approval; process

The Secretary of State shall require each chief of mission to review, not less than once every 5 years, every staff element under chief of mission authority, including staff from other departments or agencies of the United States, and recommend approval or disapproval of each staff element. Each such review shall be conducted pursuant to a process established by the President for determining appropriate staffing at diplomatic missions and overseas constituent posts (commonly referred to as the "NSDD–38 process").

(b) Actions by Secretary of State

The Secretary of State, as part of the process established by the President referred to in subsection (a), shall take actions to carry out the recommendations made in each such review.

(Pub. L. 108–447, div. B, title IV, §409, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2904; Pub. L. 112–74, div. I, title VII, §7034(n), Dec. 23, 2011, 125 Stat. 1217.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2005, and also as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005, and not as part of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 which comprises this chapter.

Amendments

2011—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 112–74 struck out subsec. (c). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Not later than 1 year after December 8, 2004, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State shall submit a report on such reviews that occurred during the previous 12 months, together with the Secretary's recommendations regarding such reviews to the appropriate committees of Congress, the heads of all affected departments or agencies, and the Inspector General of the Department of State."

§3927b. Reporting requirement on chiefs of mission

Not later than 30 days following the end of each calendar quarter, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees—

(1) a list of every chief of mission or United States representative overseas with the rank of Ambassador who, during the prior quarter, was granted approval by the Under Secretary of State for Management to be outside a country of assignment for purposes other than official travel or temporary duty orders; and

(2) the number of days each such chief of mission or United States representative overseas with the rank of Ambassador was outside a country of assignment during the previous quarter for purposes other than official travel or temporary duty orders.

(Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXII, §6209, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 975.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Department of State Authorization Act of 2023, and also as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, and not as part of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 which comprises this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions

For definitions of "Secretary" and "appropriate congressional committees" as used in this section, see section 6002 of Pub. L. 118–31, set out as a note under section 2651 of this title.

§3928. Director General of Foreign Service

The President shall appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, a Director General of the Foreign Service, who shall be a current or former career member of the Foreign Service. The Director General should assist the Secretary of State in the management of the Service and perform such functions as the Secretary of State may prescribe.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §208, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2080; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §163, Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 411.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–236 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows: "There shall be a Director General of the Foreign Service, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, from among the career members of the Senior Foreign Service. The Director General shall assist the Secretary of State in the management of the Service and shall perform such functions as the Secretary of State may prescribe."

§3929. Inspector General

(a) Appointment; supervision by Secretary of State; prohibition against interference by State Department with certain duties; inspections, audits, and other functions; removal from office

(1) There shall be an Inspector General of the Department of State and the Foreign Service, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, without regard to political affiliation from among individuals exceptionally qualified for the position by virtue of their integrity and their demonstrated ability in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, law, management analysis, public administration, or investigations, or their knowledge and experience in the conduct of foreign affairs. The Inspector General shall report to and be under the general supervision of the Secretary of State. Neither the Secretary of State nor any other officer of the Department shall prevent or prohibit the Inspector General from initiating, carrying out, or completing any audit or investigation, or from issuing any subpena during the course of any audit or investigation. The Inspector General shall periodically (at least every 5 years) inspect and audit the administration of activities and operations of each Foreign Service post and each bureau and other operating unit of the Department of State, and shall perform such other functions as the Secretary of State may prescribe, except that the Secretary of State shall not assign to the Inspector General any general program operating responsibilities.

(2) The Inspector General may be removed from office by the President. The President shall communicate the reasons for any such removal to both Houses of Congress.

(b) Subject matter of inspections, investigations, and audits

Inspections, investigations, and audits conducted by or under the direction of the Inspector General shall include the systematic review and evaluation of the administration of activities and operations of Foreign Service posts and bureaus and other operating units of the Department of State, including an examination of—

(1) whether financial transactions and accounts are properly conducted, maintained, and reported;

(2) whether resources are being used and managed with the maximum degree of efficiency, effectiveness, and economy;

(3) whether the administration of activities and operations meets the requirements of applicable laws and regulations and, specifically, whether such administration is consistent with the requirements of section 3905 of this title;

(4) whether there exist instances of fraud or other serious problems, abuses, or deficiencies, and whether adequate steps for detection, correction, and prevention have been taken; and

(5) whether policy goals and objectives are being effectively achieved and whether the interests of the United States are being accurately and effectively represented.

(c) Policies and procedures governing inspection and audit activities; coordination and cooperation with Comptroller General; report to Attorney General on criminal law violations; provision of information to employees; conduct of investigations

(1) The Inspector General shall develop and implement policies and procedures for the inspection and audit activities carried out under this section. These policies and procedures shall be consistent with the general policies and guidelines of the Government for inspection and audit activities and shall comply with the standards established by the Comptroller General of the United States for audits of Government agencies, organizations, programs, activities, and functions.

(2) In carrying out the duties and responsibilities established under this section, the Inspector General shall give particular regard to the activities of the Comptroller General of the United States with a view toward insuring effective coordination and cooperation.

(3) In carrying out the duties and responsibilities established under this section, the Inspector General shall report expeditiously to the Attorney General whenever the Inspector General has reasonable grounds to believe there has been a violation of Federal criminal law.

(4) The Inspector General shall develop and provide to employees—

(A) information detailing their rights to counsel; and

(B) guidelines describing in general terms the policies and procedures of the Office of Inspector General with respect to individuals under investigation other than matters exempt from disclosure under other provisions of law.

(5) Investigations.—

(A) Conduct of investigations.—In conducting investigations of potential violations of Federal criminal law or Federal regulations, the Inspector General shall—

(i) abide by professional standards applicable to Federal law enforcement agencies; and

(ii) make every reasonable effort to permit each subject of an investigation an opportunity to provide exculpatory information.

(B) Final reports of investigations.—In order to ensure that final reports of investigations are thorough and accurate, the Inspector General shall—

(i) make every reasonable effort to ensure that any person named in a final report of investigation has been afforded an opportunity to refute any allegation of wrongdoing or assertion with respect to a material fact made regarding that person's actions;

(ii) include in every final report of investigation any exculpatory information, as well as any inculpatory information, that has been discovered in the course of the investigation.

(6) Required reporting of allegations and investigations and inspector general authority.—

(A) In general.—The head of a bureau, post, or other office of the Department of State (in this paragraph referred to as a "Department entity") shall submit to the Inspector General a report of any allegation of—

(i) waste, fraud, or abuse in a Department program or operation;

(ii) criminal or serious misconduct on the part of a Department employee at the FS–1, GS–15, or GM–15 level or higher;

(iii) criminal misconduct on the part of a Department employee; and

(iv) serious, noncriminal misconduct on the part of any Department employee who is authorized to carry a weapon, make arrests, or conduct searches, such as conduct that, if proved, would constitute perjury or material dishonesty, warrant suspension as discipline for a first offense, or result in loss of law enforcement authority.

(B) Deadline.—The head of a Department entity shall submit to the Inspector General a report of an allegation described in subparagraph (A) not later than 5 business days after the date on which the head of such Department entity is made aware of such allegation.

(d) Reports by Inspector General and Secretary of State

(1) The Inspector General shall keep the Secretary of State fully and currently informed, by means of the reports required by paragraphs (2) and (3) and otherwise, concerning fraud and other serious problems, abuses, and deficiencies relating to the administration of activities and operations administered or financed by the Department of State.

(2) The Inspector General shall, not later than April 30 of each year, prepare and furnish to the Secretary of State an annual report summarizing the activities of the Inspector General. Such report shall include—

(A) a description of significant problems, abuses, and deficiencies relating to the administration of activities and operations of Foreign Service posts, and bureaus and other operating units of the Department of State, which were disclosed by the Inspector General within the reporting period;

(B) a description of the recommendations for corrective action made by the Inspector General during the reporting period with respect to significant problems, abuses, or deficiencies described pursuant to subparagraph (A);

(C) an identification of each significant recommendation described in previous annual reports on which corrective action has not been completed;

(D) a summary of matters referred to prosecutive authorities and the prosecutions and convictions which have resulted;

(E) a listing of each audit report completed by the Inspector General during the reporting period; and

(F) a notification, which may be included, if necessary, in the classified portion of the report, of any instance in a case that was closed during the period covered by the report when the Inspector General decided not to afford an individual the opportunity described in subsection (c)(5)(B)(i) to refute any allegation and the rationale for denying such individual that opportunity.

The Secretary of State shall transmit a copy of such annual report within 30 days after receiving it to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and to other appropriate committees, together with a report of the Secretary of State containing any comments which the Secretary of State deems appropriate. Within 60 days after transmitting such reports to those committees, the Secretary of State shall make copies of them available to the public upon request and at a reasonable cost.

(3) The Inspector General shall report immediately to the Secretary of State whenever the Inspector General becomes aware of particularly serious or flagrant problems, abuses, or deficiencies relating to the administration of activities and operations of Foreign Service posts or bureaus or other operating units of the Department of State. The Secretary of State shall transmit any such report to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and to other appropriate committees within 7 days after receiving it, together with a report by the Secretary of State containing any comments the Secretary of State deems appropriate.

(4) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to authorize the public disclosure by any individual of any information which is—

(A) specifically prohibited from disclosure by any other provision of law; or

(B) specifically required by Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs.

(e) Applicability of powers and responsibilities under other statutory provisions; assignment of Service employees to Inspector General; participation in formal interviews

(1) The Inspector General shall have the same authority in carrying out the provisions of this section as is granted under section 406 of title 5 to each Inspector General of an establishment (as defined in section 401 of title 5) for carrying out the provisions of chapter 4 of title 5, and the responsibilities of other officers of the Government to the Inspector General shall be the same as the responsibilities of the head of an agency or establishment under section 406(c) and (d) of title 5.

(2) At the request of the Inspector General, employees of the Department and members of the Service may be assigned as employees of the Inspector General. The individuals so assigned and individuals appointed pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be responsible solely to the Inspector General, and the Inspector General or his or her designee shall prepare the performance evaluation reports for such individuals.

(3) The Inspector General shall ensure that only officials from the Office of the Inspector General may participate in formal interviews or other formal meetings with the individual who is the subject of an investigation, other than an intelligence-related or sensitive undercover investigation, or except in those situations when the Inspector General has a reasonable basis to believe that such notice would cause tampering with witnesses, destroying evidence, or endangering the lives of individuals, unless that individual receives prior adequate notice regarding participation by officials of any other agency, including the Department of Justice, in such interviews or meetings.

(f) Reception and investigation of complaints or information; disclosure of identity of informer

(1) The Inspector General may receive and investigate complaints or information from a member of the Service or employee of the Department concerning the possible existence of an activity constituting a violation of laws or regulations, constituting mismanagement, gross waste of funds, or abuse of authority, or constituting a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety.

(2) The Inspector General shall not, after receipt of a complaint or information from a member of the Service or employee of the Department, disclose the identity of such individual without the consent of such individual, unless the Inspector General determines such disclosure is unavoidable during the course of the investigation.

(g) Review of activities and operations of chiefs of mission

Under the general supervision of the Secretary of State, the Inspector General may review activities and operations performed under the direction, coordination, and supervision of chiefs of mission for the purpose of ascertaining their consonance with the foreign policy of the United States and their consistency with the responsibilities of the Secretary of State and the chief of mission.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §209, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2080; Pub. L. 99–399, title IV, §413(a)(6), Aug. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 868; Pub. L. 99–529, title IV, §405, Oct. 24, 1986, 100 Stat. 3020; Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. B, title XXII, §2208(a), (b), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–810; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §339(a), (b)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-443; Pub. L. 114–323, title II, §203, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1916; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(b)(42), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4348.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted "section 406 of title 5" for "section 6 of the Inspector General Act of 1978", "section 401 of title 5)" for "section 11(2) of such Act)", "chapter 4 of title 5," for "that Act,", and "section 406(c) and (d) of title 5." for "section 6(b) and (c) of such Act."

2016—Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 114–323 added par. (6).

1999—Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 106–113, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §339(a)], added par. (5).

Subsec. (d)(2)(F). Pub. L. 106–113, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §339(b)], added subpar. (F).

1998—Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 105–277, §2208(a), added par. (4).

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 105–277, §2208(b), added par. (3).

1986—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 99–529 repealed §413(a)(6) of Pub. L. 99–399 and reenacted last sentence which had been struck out by Pub. L. 99–399.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §339(e)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-444, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to cases opened on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1999]."

Construction of 1999 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §339(c)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-444, as amended by Pub. L. 117–286, §4(b)(43), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4348, provided that: "Nothing in the amendments made by this section [amending this section] may be construed to modify—

"(1) section 209(d)(4) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3929(d)(4));

"(2) section 407(b) of title 5, United States Code;

"(3) the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a);

"(4) the provisions of section 2302(b)(8) of title 5 (relating to whistleblower protection);

"(5) rule 6(e) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure [18 U.S.C. App.] (relating to the protection of grand jury information); or

"(6) any statute or executive order pertaining to the protection of classified information."

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions in subsec. (d)(2) of this section relating to the requirement that the Secretary of State transmit a copy of the annual report furnished by the Inspector General, together with any comments which the Secretary deems appropriate, to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and to other appropriate committees, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and page 129 of House Document No. 103–7.

No Grievance or Right of Action

Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §339(d)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-444, provided that: "A failure to comply with the amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall not give rise to any private right of action in any court or to an administrative complaint or grievance under any law."

§3929a. Abolishment of Inspector General of Department of State and Foreign Service

Notwithstanding section 3929 of this title, the Inspector General of the Department of State and the Foreign Service is hereby abolished.

(Pub. L. 99–93, title I, §150(b), Aug. 16, 1985, 99 Stat. 427; Pub. L. 99–399, title IV, §413(c), Aug. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 868.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1986 and 1987, and not as part of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 which comprises this chapter.

Another subsec. (c) of section 413 of Pub. L. 99–399 is classified to section 4861(c) of this title.

Amendments

1986—Pub. L. 99–399 substituted provision abolishing the Inspector General of the Department of State and the Foreign Service for provision limiting the authority of the Inspector General to such functions as necessary to carry out section 3929(g) of this title.

§3929b. Cooperation with Office of the Inspector General

(a) Administrative discipline

Not later than 30 days after December 27, 2021, the Secretary of State shall make explicit in writing to all Department of State personnel, including the Secretary of State, Department employees, contractors, and political appointees, and shall consider updating the Foreign Affairs Manual and the Foreign Affairs Handbook to explicitly specify, that if any of such personnel does not comply within 60 days with a request for an interview or access to documents from the Office of the Inspector General of the Department, such personnel may be subject to appropriate administrative discipline including, when circumstances warrant, suspension without pay or removal.

(b) Report

(1) In general

Not later than 180 days after December 27, 2021 and on a quarterly basis thereafter, the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of State and the United States Agency for Global Media shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees and the Secretary of State a report in unclassified form detailing the following:

(A) The number of individuals who have failed to comply within 60 days with a request for an interview or access to documents from the Office of the Inspector General pertaining to a noncriminal matter.

(B) The date on which such requests were initially made.

(D) The general subject matters regarding which the Office of the Inspector General has requested of such individuals.

(2) Form

Additional information pertaining solely to the subject matter of a request described in paragraph (1) may be provided in a supplemental classified annex, if necessary, but all other information required by the reports required under such paragraph shall be provided in unclassified form.

(Pub. L. 117–81, div. E, title LIII, §5323, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2369.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Department of State Authorization Act of 2021 and also as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, and not as part of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 which comprises this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definition

For definition of "appropriate congressional committees" as used in this section, see section 5002 of Pub. L. 117–81, set out as a note under section 263c of this title.

§3930. Board of Foreign Service

The President shall establish a Board of the Foreign Service to advise the Secretary of State on matters relating to the Service, including furtherance of the objectives of maximum compatibility among agencies authorized by law to utilize the Foreign Service personnel system and compatibility between the Foreign Service personnel system and the other personnel systems of the Government. The Board of the Foreign Service shall be chaired by an individual appointed by the President and shall include one or more representatives of the Department of State, the Broadcasting Board of Governors, the Agency for International Development, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Labor, the Office of Personnel Management, the Office of Management and Budget, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and such other agencies as the President may designate.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §210, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2082; Pub. L. 97–241, title III, §303(b), Aug. 24, 1982, 96 Stat. 291; Pub. L. 99–93, title I, §153, Aug. 16, 1985, 99 Stat. 428; Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. A, title XIII, §1335(k)(2), title XIV, §1422(b)(4)(B), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–789, 2681-793.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1998—Pub. L. 105–277, §1422(b)(4)(B), substituted "Agency for International Development" for "United States International Development Cooperation Agency".

Pub. L. 105–277, §1335(k)(2), substituted "Broadcasting Board of Governors" for "United States Information Agency".

1985—Pub. L. 99–93 substituted "shall be chaired by an individual appointed by the President" for "shall be chaired by a career member of the Senior Foreign Service designated by the Secretary of State".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"United States Information Agency" substituted in text for "International Communication Agency" pursuant to section 303(b) of Pub. L. 97–241, set out as a note under section 1461 of this title.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by section 1335(k)(2) of Pub. L. 105–277 effective Oct. 1, 1999, see section 1301 of Pub. L. 105–277, set out as an Effective Date note under section 6531 of this title.

Amendment by section 1422(b)(4)(B) of Pub. L. 105–277 effective Apr. 1, 1999, see section 1401 of Pub. L. 105–277, set out as an Effective Date note under section 6561 of this title.

Executive Documents

Executive Order No. 11264

Ex. Ord. No. 11264, Dec. 31, 1965, 31 F.R. 67, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 11434, Nov. 8, 1968, 33 F.R. 16485; Ex. Ord. No. 11636, Dec. 17, 1971, 36 F.R. 24901; Ex. Ord. No. 12107, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1055; Ex. Ord. No. 12292, Feb. 23, 1981, 46 F.R. 13967, which provided for the establishment, functions, etc., of the Board of the Foreign Service and Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12363, May 21, 1982, 47 F.R. 22497. See sections 6 and 9 of Ex. Ord. No. 12293, as amended, set out as a note under section 3901 of this title.

Executive Order No. 11434

Ex. Ord. No. 11434, Nov. 8, 1968, 33 F.R. 16485, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12107, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1055; Ex. Ord. No. 12292, Feb. 23, 1981, 46 F.R. 13967, which related to administration of foreign service personnel systems, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12553, Feb. 25, 1986, 51 F.R. 7237.

§3931. Board of Examiners

(a) Establishment; membership; chairman

The President shall establish a Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service to develop, and supervise the administration of, examinations prescribed under section 3941(b) of this title to be given to candidates for appointment in the Service. The Board shall consist of 15 members appointed by the President (no fewer than 5 of whom shall be appointed from among individuals who are not Government employees and who shall be qualified for service on the Board by virtue of their knowledge, experience, or training in the fields of testing or equal employment opportunity). The Board shall include representatives of agencies utilizing the Foreign Service personnel system and representatives of other agencies which have responsibility for employment testing. The Board shall be chaired by a member of the Board, designated by the President, who is a member of the Service.

(b) Review of examinations; report to Secretary of State

The Board of Examiners shall periodically review the examinations prescribed under section 3941(b) of this title in order to determine—

(1) whether any such examination has an adverse impact on the hiring, promotion, or other employment opportunity of members of any race, sex, or ethnic group;

(2) methods of minimizing any such adverse impact;

(3) alternatives to any examinations which have such an adverse impact; and

(4) whether such examinations are valid in relation to job performance.

The Board of Examiners shall annually report its findings under this subsection to the Secretary of State and shall furnish to the Secretary of State its recommendations for improvements in the development, use, and administration of the examinations prescribed under section 3941(b) of this title.

(c) Vacancies

Any vacancy or vacancies on the Board shall not impair the right of the remaining members to exercise the full powers of the Board.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §211, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2083.)

Executive Documents

Establishment of Board of Examiners

For establishment of the Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service and appointment of its members, see section 6 of Ex. Ord. No. 12293, Feb. 23, 1981, 46 F.R. 13970, set out as note under section 3901 of this title.