H.R. 9086
Foreign Service Modernization Act
Sponsor: Michael Lawler
3 cosponsors
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
I General provisions
II Management of Service
III Appointments
Chapter 3 of title I (22 U.S.C. 3941 et seq.), as amended by section 302, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
314. Commitment in hiring process relating to participation in the Foreign Service fellowship program
(a) In general. The Secretary, with consideration of Department needs, shall assess the fitness and suitability for hire of any individual who—
(1) was selected for participation in a Foreign Service fellowship program administered or funded by the Department; and
(2) has successfully completed all educational and programmatic requirements of such fellowship program.
(b) Eligibility for appointment. An individual described in subsection (a) shall remain eligible for appointment as a Service officer, subject to—
(1) successful completion of applicable security, medical, and suitability requirements; and
(2) satisfaction of the appointment standards set forth in this Act.
(c) Prohibition on arbitrary withdrawal. The Secretary shall assess the fitness and suitability for service of any individual described in subsection (a) without regard to—
(1) changes in workforce planning, hiring targets, or staffing levels; or
(2) administrative or policy changes occurring after the individual’s selection for the fellowship program.
(d) Prioritizing department needs. In all cases of hiring of individuals described in subsection (a), the Secretary—
(1) shall make final hiring decisions based on the utility of the hire to the Department’s mission; and
(2) shall weigh favorably the prior military service and other relevant experiences of such individuals with respect to fitness for service.
(e) Timing of appointment. The Secretary shall consider for appointment all eligible individuals described in subsection (a) not later than 12 months after completion of the fellowship’s educational requirements, unless the individual—
(1) requests a deferral; or
(2) is temporarily ineligible due to pending security, medical, or suitability determinations.
(f) Notification and reporting. If the Secretary delays the assessment of the fitness and suitability for hire of an eligible individual described in subsection (a) beyond the period specified in subsection (f), the Secretary shall—
(1) provide written notice to the individual describing the reason for the delay not later than 15 days after the date on which the delay begins; and
(2) provide written notice to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives describing the reason for the delay not later than 30 days after the date on which the delay begins.
IV Classification of Positions and Assignments
V Promotion and retention
VI Career development, training, and orientation
VII Other matters