Department of State Diplomatic Programs

Description

Diplomatic Programs is the principal operating account of the U.S. Department of State. The account includes four funding categories: human resources, overseas programs, diplomatic policy and support, and security programs.

What does it buy?

Diplomatic Programs provides funding for the people, infrastructure, security, and programs that facilitate productive and peaceful U.S. relations with foreign governments and international organizations across 277 diplomatic posts in 191 countries.

Why is it important?

• Funds support U.S. embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic posts worldwide and provide services to U.S. citizens living, working, studying, and traveling abroad—including those who are arrested and imprisoned in foreign countries or otherwise need assistance overseas.
• Funds protect diplomatic personnel, overseas diplomatic missions, information, residences, and domestic facilities.
• Diplomatic Programs funds the salaries of domestic and overseas State Department employees, training services at the Foreign Service Institute, the operating costs of the Bureau of Human Resources, and global public affairs.
• Funds support operational programs of Department of State regional bureaus—which are responsible for the conduct and implementation of U.S. foreign policy through bilateral and multilateral engagements­—the Bureau of Medical Services, and the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations.
• Funds support the Department’s ability to communicate on America’s behalf to global audiences in a complex digital, technological, and media landscape.

Why should Americans care?

Effective diplomacy is essential to advancing U.S. foreign policy and economic interests overseas. By maintaining adequate support for vital functions, the Department of State ensures that it can advance the interests of the American people, as well as their safety and economic prosperity around the globe.

What more could be done?

Additional funding could be used to address the growing Civil Service and Foreign Service vacancy rates. Addressing the hiring backlog would ensure that the Department could provide sufficient management and oversight of its operations and programs.