Letter to Members of Congress Regarding the Akaka Bill
(House Version)

January 13, 2004

The Honorable Tom Davis
Chairman
House Committee on Government Reform
2157 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Mr. Chairman:

On behalf of the 23,000 active-duty and retired members of Foreign Service, the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) wishes to express its general support for the "Homeland Security Federal Workforce Act," S. 589, which will assure this nation a strong and talented federal national security workforce through targeted recruitment and enhanced training opportunities. As the House considers this bill, however, we would urge that it include the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) among those Departments and agencies considered national security organizations.

S. 589, was passed by the Senate on November 5, 2003 and was referred to the House Government Reform Committee. It authorizes the Office of Management and Budget to conduct an eight-year pilot program of student loan repayments and fellowships for graduate students who pursue studies needed to enhance our national security and who commit to working for the federal government for a specified period. It also would provide educational assistance for federal employees already working in national security positions. The bill would also create a federal National Security Service Corps and provide opportunities for mid-level employees in national security positions to rotate among relevant agencies.

AFSA feels that it would be a mistake to overlook the United States Agency for International Development and the Foreign Service and Civil Service corps working there as eligible participants in a National Security Service Corps. USAID is vital to national security as are the other Departments specified in the bill. In the formulation of the National Security Strategy (September 2002), President Bush stated that development, particularly in failed states, is essential to U.S. national security. USAID plays an essential role in the sustainable development of much of the world's poorest countries and is playing a vital role in the reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan. It works to enhance the concept of human rights, the beneficial role of free market economies, and the advantages of democratic government and the rule of law around the world. It also seeks to ease the suffering in the world through its many humanitarian programs.

Secretary of State Collin Powell stated, in the first joint U.S. Department of State/U.S. Agency for International Development Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2004-2009,

"U.S. diplomacy and U.S. development assistance, like the United States itself, are forces for freedom throughout the world. Each and every day in the years ahead, the dedicated men and women of the Department of State and USAID will advance America's values and interests across the globe as they proudly serve on the frontlines of freedom."

AFSA believes that USAID employees would benefit from exposure to other agencies which advance this nation's national security interests. At the same time, employees from other agencies would benefit from exposure to USAID and its essential role in attacking the roots of terrorism and unrest in the world. We believe that the exclusion of USAID as a national security agency is a mistake that would adversely affect a National Security Service Corps by limiting its members' view of the tools available to enhance this Nation's security. As the House and your Committee consider this legislation, AFSA asks for your assistance in including USAID as an eligible agency in S. 589 or similar legislation.

Sincerely,

John W. Limbert President, AFSA

William M. Carter Vice President, AFSA/AID