Legal Authorities

Legal Authorities

This information collection is in furtherance of the objectives enunciated by the Congress in the Foreign Service Act of 1980:

22 U.S.C. § 2651a.  Organization of the Department of State
(a) Secretary of State.
   (1) The Department of State shall be administered, in accordance with this Act and other provisions of law, under the supervision and direction of the Secretary of State (hereinafter referred to as the "Secretary").

   (3)

(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of law and except as provided in this section, the Secretary shall have and exercise any authority vested by law in any office or official of the Department of State. The Secretary shall administer, coordinate, and direct the Foreign Service of the United States and the personnel of the Department of State, except where authority is inherent in or vested in the President.
   (4) The Secretary is authorized to promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Secretary of State and the Department of State. Unless otherwise specified in law, the Secretary may delegate authority to perform any of the functions of the Secretary or the Department to officers and employees under the direction and supervision of the Secretary. The Secretary may delegate the authority to re-delegate any such functions.
 

22 U.S.C. § 3901 Congressional Findings and Objectives

(b) The objective of this chapter is to strengthen and improve the Foreign Service of the United States by—

(2) fostering the development and vigorous implementation of policies and procedures, including affirmative action programs, which will facilitate and encourage

(A) entry into and advancement in the Foreign Service by persons from all segments of American society, and

(B) equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment for all without regard to political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or handicapping condition;

22 U.S.C. § 4141a. Foreign Service Internship Program

(a) Establishment. In consultation with the heads of other agencies utilizing the Foreign Service system, the Secretary of State shall establish a Foreign Service internship program to carry out the objectives of this chapter [22 USCS §§ 4141 et seq.] in accordance with the provisions of this chapter [22 USCS §§ 4141 et seq.].