---
kind: "section"
citation: "22 U.S.C. § 3904"
title: "22"
title_heading: "Foreign Relations and Intercourse"
number: "3904"
heading: "Functions of Service"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/22/3904"
units:
  - "Chapter 52 — Foreign Service"
  - "Subchapter I — General Provisions"
---

# §3904. Functions of Service


Members of the Service shall, under the direction of the [Secretary](/usc/22/3902.md?p=10)—

- (1) represent the interests of the United States in relation to [foreign countries](/usc/22/2321c.md?p=2) and international organizations, and perform the [functions](/usc/22/3902.md?p=6) relevant to their appointments and assignments, including (as appropriate) [functions](/usc/22/3902.md?p=6) under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, other international agreements to which the United States is a party, the laws of the United States, and orders, regulations, and directives issued pursuant to law;
- (2) provide guidance for the formulation and conduct of programs and activities of the [Department](/usc/22/3902.md?p=4) and other [agencies](/usc/22/3902.md?p=2) which relate to the foreign relations of the United States; and
- (3) perform [functions](/usc/22/3902.md?p=6) on behalf of any [agency](/usc/22/3902.md?p=2) or other [Government](/usc/22/3902.md?p=7) establishment (including any establishment in the legislative or judicial branch) requiring their services.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, § 104, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2076.)