Foreign Service Modernization Act

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.

Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov