Secretary Nominee: Hillary Clinton
Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520
202.647.4000
www.state.gov








Role: The Secretary of State is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and supervision of U.S. foreign relations, and for the interdepartmental activities of the U.S. Government abroad. The Secretary is the first ranking member of the Cabinet, is a member of the National Security Council, and is in charge of the operations of the Department, including the Foreign Service.

Background: The Department of State advises the President in the formulation and execution of foreign policy and promotes the long-range security and well-being of the United States. The Department determines and analyzes the facts relating to American overseas interests, makes recommendations on policy and future action, and takes the necessary steps to carry out established policy. In doing so, the Department engages in continuous consultations with the American public, the Congress, other U.S. departments and agencies, and foreign governments; negotiates treaties and agreements with foreign nations; speaks for the United States in the United Nations and other international organizations in which the United States participates; and represents the United States at international conferences.

Historical Note: The Department of State was established by act of July 27, 1789, as the Department of Foreign Affairs and was renamed the Department of State by act of September 15, 1789 (22 U.S.C. 2651 note).


Agencies under Jurisdiction:

United States Mission to the United Nations
799 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017


United States Agency for International Development
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20523-0001
202.712.0000
www.usaid.gov

Source: United States Government Manual