H.R. 9086

Foreign Service Modernization Act

Sponsor: Michael Lawler

3 cosponsors
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Official summary

Written by the Congressional Research Service.

Foreign Service Modernization Act

This bill requires or authorizes certain actions related to U.S. Foreign Service (FS) management and operations, including an increased focus on expeditionary diplomacy (a concept that emphasizes diplomats conducting direct diplomacy in high-risk environments outside of the embassy), expanded hiring pathways, and additional training requirements.

For example, the bill requires the Department of State to establish

  • a team to develop a plan to improve the capability and willingness of FS members and leaders to engage in expeditionary diplomacy;
  • a program to recruit qualified veterans and separating military personnel into the FS, including by integrating FS recruitment into military transition programs; and
  • a Diplomatic Reserve Corps pilot program to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a trained reserve cadre providing a surge workforce to support foreign affairs contingencies.

Additionally, the State Department is authorized to establish a structured training framework that is integrated into normal career progression with protected training periods (similar to the Armed Forces' professional military education model). 

The bill specifies that FS members

  • must successfully complete specified leadership and management training prior to assuming leadership assignments;
  • who participate in approved external training, education, or details shall have certain employment protections (such as eligibility for promotions and pay increases on the same basis as those not on such assignments); and
  • who undergo full-time, department-funded language training for more than six months must serve at least three consecutive tours in positions requiring proficiency in that language, with assignments beginning immediately after such language training.

Text of the bill

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I General provisions

II Management of Service

Sec. 205. Cybersecurity, technology governance, and operational coordination Since introduced

Chapter 2 of title I is amended by adding at the end the following:

Text this section adds to the law

212. Cybersecurity, technology governance, and operational coordination

(a) In general. The Secretary shall establish and maintain a cybersecurity and technology governance framework to support Service operations at United States missions abroad, including unified authority, accountability, and coordination for the protection of information systems, data, and mission technology.

(b) Roles and responsibilities. The framework required under subsection (a) should—

(1) delineate the roles and responsibilities of the Bureau of Diplomatic Technology, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, regional bureaus, and chiefs of mission with respect to—

(A) cybersecurity policy and standards;

(B) operational cybersecurity implementation;

(C) technology lifecycle management, including hardware accountability and supply chain risk;

(D) artificial intelligence governance and risk management;

(E) incident detection and response;

(F) vulnerability management; and

(G) risk mitigation and reporting;

(2) establish clear lines of authority for cybersecurity and technology incident response and escalation, including at a post abroad;

(3) require coordination mechanisms between the Bureau of Diplomatic Technology and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security to ensure integration of cyber, physical, personnel, and supply chain security measures; and

(4) ensure that a chief of mission is informed of, and accountable for, the cybersecurity and technology posture at the post of such chief of mission, consistent with section 207.

(c) Secure hardware and supply chain protections. The Secretary shall ensure the implementation of policies governing—

(1) inventory control and accountability of Government-issued hardware at a United States mission abroad;

(2) mitigation of foreign supply chain risks at United States missions abroad;

(3) inspection and validation of equipment before deployment at United States missions abroad; and

(4) procedures for handling equipment that is compromised or suspected to be compromised at United States missions abroad.

(d) Incident response protocols. The Secretary shall ensure the development and implementation of standardized cybersecurity and technology incident response protocols for United States missions abroad, including defined reporting timelines and inter-bureau coordination requirements.

(e) Rule of construction. Nothing in this section may be construed to limit the authority of a chief of mission under section 207 with respect to oversight of cybersecurity and technology posture at a United States mission abroad.

III Appointments

IV Classification of Positions and Assignments

V Promotion and retention

VI Career development, training, and orientation

VII Other matters