I
106TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. R. 1066
To establish an independent nonpartisan review panel to assess how the
Department of State can best fulfill its mission in the 21st century
and meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MARCH 10, 1999
Mr. THORNBERRY introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on International Relations
A BILL
To establish an independent nonpartisan review panel to
assess how the Department of State can best fulfill its
mission in the 21st century and meet the challenges
of a rapidly changing world.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. ESTABLISHMENT OF STATE DEPARTMENT RE-
VIEW PANEL.
(a) FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.—The Congress makes
the following findings:
(1) The Department of State, established in
1789, is responsible for representing the worldwide
interests of the United States and its citizens and
for advancing the policies of the United States Gov-
ernment.
(2) The Department operates 249 posts in more
than 180 countries throughout the world, has ap-
proximately 18,869 full-time staff, and spends a
budget of approximately $6,200,000,000.
(3) There have been dramatic changes in the
world in which the Department must function, in-
cluding changes in technology, changes in religious,
ethnic, and regional conflicts, and changes in eco-
nomic, political, and military relationships. Yet,
there has been little change in the organization and
structure of the Department or its posts throughout
the world.
(4) The Department and all United States dip-
lomatic efforts should be the subject of a comprehen-
sive review by an independent panel to assess how
the Department can best fulfill its mission in the
21st century and meet the challenges of a rapidly
changing world.
(b) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than December 1,
1999, the Congress shall establish a nonpartisan inde-
pendent panel to be known as the Department of State
Review Panel (in this section referred to as the ‘‘Panel’’).
The Panel shall have the duties set forth in this section.
(c) MEMBERSHIP.—
(1) The Panel shall be composed of 10 mem-
bers who are individuals in the private sector who
are recognized experts in matters relating to foreign
affairs and the national security of the United
States.
(2) Members of the Panel shall be appointed as
follows:
(A) 3 members appointed by the Speaker
of the House of Representatives.
(B) 3 members appointed by the Majority
Leader of the Senate.
(C) 2 members appointed by the Minority
Leader of the House of Representatives.
(D) 2 members appointed by the Minority
Leader of the Senate.
(3) The Panel shall have a chairman who shall
be selected by the members of the panel from among
the members.
(d) REPORT.—Not later than 12 months after the ap-
pointment of the last member to the Panel, the Panel shall
prepare and submit to the Congress a comprehensive re-
port. The report shall include the following:
(1) A review of current structures of the De-
partment of State and related agencies, including
the organization and operation of the embassies and
consulates of the United States abroad, to determine
how best to efficiently and effectively—
(A) represent the interests of the United
States throughout the world;
(B) advance the policies of the United
States;
(C) cooperate and integrate with other gov-
ernment agencies and departments, including
the Department of Defense, the Department of
Commerce, and the Office of the United States
Trade Representative, the Agency for Inter-
national Development (AID), and the intel-
ligence agencies of the United States; and
(D) meet the anticipated roles and mis-
sions of such entities in the future.
(2) Recommendations on any structural reorga-
nization at the Department of State and United
States embassies and consulates, including, but not
limited to, the following:
(A) 
Whether 
any 
geographical 
desks
should be added, combined, or eliminated, in-
cluding an examination of whether an ‘‘Amer-
ican Affairs’’ desk should be established within
the Office of the Under Secretary for Political
Affairs.
(B) Whether any of the Under or Assistant
Secretaries of State should be combined, elimi-
nated, or created, including an examination of
whether an Under Secretary for ‘‘Future Af-
fairs’’ needs to be established to analyze and
assess future challenges for the Department.
(C) Whether a member of the Armed
Forces should be stationed at each embassy and
whether a member of any other department
should be stationed at all or specific embassies
worldwide.
(D) Whether Members of the Foreign
Service serving in other Federal agencies should
be merged into the Department of State.
(3) Suggestions for changes in organization and
process to ensure that future United States diplo-
matic efforts are successful.
(4) Suggestions for changes in structures to
better formulate and implement the foreign policy of
the United States.