{
  "id": "R43422",
  "type": "CRS Report",
  "typeId": "REPORTS",
  "number": "R43422",
  "active": true,
  "source": "EveryCRSReport.com",
  "versions": [
    {
      "source": "EveryCRSReport.com",
      "id": 428864,
      "date": "2014-03-10",
      "retrieved": "2016-04-06T20:35:43.381070",
      "title": "U.S. Diplomatic Missions: Background and Issues on Chief of Mission (COM) Authority",
      "summary": "\u201cChief of Mission,\u201d or COM, is the title conferred on the principal officer in charge of each U.S. diplomatic mission to a foreign country, foreign territory, or international organization. Usually the term refers to the U.S. ambassadors who lead U.S. embassies abroad, but the term also is used for ambassadors who head other official U.S. missions and to other diplomatic personnel who may step in when no ambassador is present. Appointed by the President, each COM serves as the President\u2019s personal representative, leading diplomatic efforts for a particular mission or in the country of assignment. U.S. ambassadors and others exercising COM authority are by law the cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy coordination in their respective countries. Their jobs are highly complex, demanding a broad knowledge of the U.S. foreign policy toolkit and the ability to oversee the activities and manage the representatives of many U.S. government entities, with some exceptions for those under military command. Congress plays an important role in setting standards for the exercise of COM authority and providing COMs with the resources\u2014training, personnel, monetary\u2014to promote its effective exercise. A number of recent developments have increased congressional attention to issues associated with the roles and responsibilities of COMs.\nThe statutory basis for COM authority and responsibilities is the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended (FSA 1980; P.L. 96-465), which states that the COM has \u201cfull responsibility for the direction, coordination, and supervision of all Government executive branch employees in that countries,\u201d with some exceptions; and for keeping \u201cfully and currently informed\u201d about all government activities and operations within that country. COM authority is also conferred by other sources of legal authority, which include executive orders and other presidential directives and State Department regulations, some of which provide more extensive authority than the FSA 1980. The Chief of Mission role in conducting and coordinating diplomacy abroad was also invoked in the first Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR), released by the State Department in 2010. \nThe scope and exercise of COM authority, both generally and in specific instances, have been of ongoing interest and concern to Congress. This report summarizes the current legal authority of Chiefs of Mission to include relevant legislation and executive branch directives and regulations. It includes brief discussion of common questions related to COM authority such as:\nDoes COM authority extend to Department of Defense (DOD) personnel?\nWho exercises COM authority in countries without a U.S. embassy or diplomatic presence?\nIs COM authority in effect in countries where the United States is engaging in hostilities?\nWhat is the COM\u2019s authority over the legislative branch?\nFinally, specific concerns, possible options, and reform proposals for improving COM authority and effectiveness are explored. This report may be updated as events warrant.",
      "type": "CRS Report",
      "typeId": "REPORTS",
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      "topics": []
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  ],
  "topics": [
    "Foreign Affairs",
    "Intelligence and National Security",
    "National Defense"
  ]
}