On May 24, 1924, the Rogers Act, which established a professional U.S. Foreign Service, was signed into law. The Rogers Act created the Foreign Service as we know it today.
The 100th anniversary of the Rogers Act marks a pivotal moment in history that modernized U.S. diplomacy by establishing a merit-based personnel system that cultivated a service ethos, expertise, and creativity in the conduct of foreign affairs.
Representative John Jacob Rogers, who led the congressional campaign toward a fully professional and democratic Foreign Service, asked Congress to strive for a Service that would be flexible, attract and retain America’s finest, and offer reasonable pay and prospects for promotion.
Members of the media who are interested in interviews with Director General Bernicat about the Rogers Act and Modernization at the State Department should contact: Public Affairs Specialist Brenda Greenberg at 202-647-1679 GreenbergBL2@state.gov or the Office of Press Relations via the media inquiry submission form.