The proposed legislation calls for a pilot program that allows mid-career professionals from historically excluded groups to enter the Foreign Service. This initiative is framed as necessary to fill existing gaps in workforce diversity, particularly at mid-career and senior levels, where minorities are significantly underrepresented. By modifying the existing lateral entry program, the bill seeks to create pathways for qualified individuals with diverse experiences to bring their expertise to the Foreign Service, thus improving its effectiveness.
Summary
House Bill 6054, known as the Represent America Abroad Act of 2023, is designed to enhance the diversity of the United States diplomatic workforce. It recognizes the need for the Foreign Service to reflect the rich demographic composition of American society and seeks to implement strategies to attract and retain under-represented groups. This bill aims to address ongoing disparities within the Foreign Service identified by various reports, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in effectively conveying American values abroad.
Contention
Despite its intention to promote inclusion, the bill may face scrutiny from those concerned about the implications of prioritizing diversity metrics over traditional hiring standards. Supporters argue that a diverse workforce is essential for diplomacy, while critics may question whether such initiatives could overlook merit in favor of demographic representation. Furthermore, the success of the bill will largely depend on how effectively the pilot program is implemented and assessed, including recruitment practices and retention rates of new entrants, which are to be reported annually.
Notable_points
Congress places significant emphasis on the findings related to workforce diversity within the Department of State and USAID, noting past commitments by leaders to take concrete actions to address these issues. The bill underscores the expectation that a diverse and representative Foreign Service will enhance the United States' effectiveness on the global stage, promoting not only fairness but also strategic advantages in international relations.
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Congress should enact the Older Americans Bill of Rights to establish that older Americans should have the right to live with dignity and with independence.
Expressing the sense that the House of Representatives must take responsible and timely action to address the Federal tax loophole that allows Act 22 decree holders to legally evade Federal taxes.
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the African Americans who duly won election to the House during the post-Civil War Reconstruction Era but were wrongly denied the right to take their seats should be recognized as former Members of the House.
Build, Utilize, Invest, Learn, and Deliver for Veterans Act of 2023 or the BUILD for Veterans Act of 2023 This bill addresses Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) capital asset management, planning, and investment. Among other requirements, the VA must ensure it has dedicated offices or entities and sufficient staff to conduct relevant critical responsibilities for the life cycle of capital asset management at the local, regional, and central office levels; establish a staffing model to ensure a minimum base level of capital asset staffing; develop goals and metrics to assess and improve the performance of VA capital asset management programs; comprehensively review the climate resilience of its facilities, land, and other relevant capital assets; submit the Strategic Plan to Improve VA's Delivery and Management of Capital Assets; and review all relevant authorities of the VA to determine whether the provisions are meaningful, relevant, and reflect current operational needs, organization structure, and all other necessary requirements for the full life cycle of effective and efficient management of capital assets. The Inspector General of the VA must examine and report on the management and performance of relevant capital asset projects of the VA. The Government Accountability Office must review and report on the VA's progress toward meeting the goals, metrics, and other plans set forth in this bill. The bill also requires various reports from the VA relating to capital asset improvement and the implementation of capital asset directives (e.g., reports on the VA's physical infrastructure and information technology needs).
To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2029, and for other purposes.