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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Sec. 3. Effect of amendments on conforming changes to tables of contents Since introduced

When an amendment in this Act to the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3901 et seq.) adds a section or larger organizational unit to the Act, repeals or transfers a section or larger organizational unit in the Act, or amends the designation or heading of a section or larger organizational unit in the Act, that amendment also shall have the effect of amending any table of contents or similar tabular entries in the Act to alter the table to conform to the changes made by the amendment.

I General provisions

II Management of Service

III Appointments

IV Classification of Positions and Assignments

V Promotion and retention

VI Career development, training, and orientation

VII Other matters