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

Expand all

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

Sec. 614. Mandatory crisis leadership and emergency management training program for senior personnel Since introduced

Chapter 7 of title I (22 U.S.C. 4021 et seq.), as amended by sections 608, 609, 610, 611, 612, and 613, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

Text this section adds to the law

715 Mandatory crisis leadership and emergency management training program for senior personnel

(a) In general. The Secretary shall establish and implement a mandatory crisis leadership and emergency management training program for members of the Service assigned to senior leadership positions at United States diplomatic and consular posts.

(b) Covered positions. The training program required by subsection (a) applies to—

(1) chiefs of mission;

(2) deputy chiefs of mission;

(3) principal officers; and

(4) such other senior positions as the Secretary may designate.

(c) Condition of assignment

(1) In general. Except as provided in paragraph (2), an individual may not be assigned to a position described in subsection (b) unless the individual has successfully completed the training required under this section.

(2) Waiver. The Secretary may waive the requirement under paragraph (1) on a case-by-case basis in exigent circumstances, except that an individual granted such a waiver shall complete the required training as soon as practicable after assignment.

VII Other matters