Chair Cardin Introduces Legislation to Enshrine Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Principles in International Affairs

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced the American Foreign Affairs Talent Expansion (FATE) Act: Diversity in Diplomacy and Development. This legislation modernizes the international affairs workforce, promotes global equity initiatives, and creates fellowships and programs to increase employment and minority business partnership opportunities at federal agencies in international affairs. It also establishes Diversity and Inclusion Offices at the Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Millenium Challenge Corporation, Peace Corps, United States Development Finance Corporation, and other international affairs agencies.

"The American FATE Act sets the stage for Congress and our nation to codify diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in our international affairs and national security infrastructure," said Chair Cardin. "This legislation builds upon the 2019 National Security Diversity and Inclusion Workforce Act, which strengthened employee diversity in the U.S. national security workforce. Our nation is at its best when we can harness diverse skill sets, backgrounds, and experiences to promote better outcomes in international affairs that serve the needs of all. This also holds true for our allies, which is why we must also continue to support equity initiatives abroad. America must lead with a value-based approach to foreign policy, and this legislation does just that."

Key provisions of the American FATE Act include:

• Promoting Accountability, Transparency, and Merit: Upholds merit system principles in international affairs agency recruitment, hiring, promotion, and leadership practices, including fair and equitable treatment of personnel without regard to political affiliation
  
  
• Strengthening Career Pipelines: Expands minority paid internships and mid-career employment opportunities
  
  
• Retaining Top Talent in the United States and Overseas. Supports the civil service and bolstering competitive compensation packages and professional development opportunities for overseas staff
  
  
• Expanding Business, Research, and Partnership Opportunities: Expands contracting opportunities at international affairs agencies for minority-owned businesses and authorizes funding to assist minority business participation in international expos
  
  
• Promoting Equity and Anti-Discrimination Efforts Overseas: Supports funding to implement Equity Action Plans at international affairs agencies to advance human rights and economic and national security
  
  
• Establishing Global Race and Ethnic Affairs Initiatives: Complements global religion and gender initiatives and requires a global strategy and State Department office to respond to global racial and ethnic discrimination and violence

Full text of the American FATE Act is available HERE.

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