1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Enhancing America's Core Diplomatic Capabilities Act of 2018 . 2. Findings; objective (a) Findings Congress makes the following findings: (1) The Foreign Service of the United States, established under the Act of May 24, 1924 (commonly known as the Rogers Act), continued by the Foreign Service Act of 1946, and further strengthened by the Foreign Service Act of 1980, characterized by excellence and professionalism, is essential in the national interest to assist the President and the Secretary of State in conducting the foreign policy of the United States. (2) Consistent, predictable staffing and management practices are essential to the maintenance of core diplomatic capabilities, effective career development patterns, and an orderly flow of talent in the Foreign Service. (3) The expanding scope and increasing complexity of the foreign affairs of the United States have heightened the need for expanded training, professional development, and professional education opportunities for members of the Foreign Service. (b) Objective The objective of this Act is to strengthen and improve the core diplomatic capabilities of the United States by— (1) assuring that, in accordance with merit principles, sufficient numbers of Foreign Service personnel are recruited, trained, promoted, and retained to effectively serve the interests of the United States and to provide the highest caliber of representation in the conduct of foreign affairs; (2) providing expanded training, professional development, and professional education opportunities to career Foreign Service and civil service employees; and (3) promoting the role of members of the Foreign Service in certain key institutional leadership positions. 3. Definitions In this Act: (1) The term appropriate congressional committees means— (A) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate