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Foreign Service Workforce Retention Act

USA119th CongressS-4642| Senate 
| Updated: 5/21/2026
Chris Van Hollen

Chris Van Hollen

Democratic Senator

Maryland

Cosponsors (1)
Brian Schatz (Democratic)

Foreign Relations Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to enhance the ability to recall and reappoint former career members. It expands the existing provisions, which previously applied only to retired members, to now include those who have separated from the Foreign Service. The bill permits former career members to be reappointed for a period of five years following their retirement or separation, bypassing certain appointment restrictions. Furthermore, it mandates that such reappointments must be completed within 180 days of approval, ensuring the member is fully integrated into the next onward assignment application cycle. To ensure transparency and oversight, the Secretary of State is required to submit annual reports to Congress detailing the number of recalled members, their grades at the time of departure, and their grades and positions upon reappointment.
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Timeline
May 21, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-8987
Introduced in House
May 21, 2026
Introduced in Senate
May 21, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
  • May 21, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-8987
    Introduced in House


  • May 21, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 21, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

International Affairs

Related Bills

  • HR 119-8987: Foreign Service Workforce Retention Act

Foreign Service Workforce Retention Act

USA119th CongressS-4642| Senate 
| Updated: 5/21/2026
This legislation amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to enhance the ability to recall and reappoint former career members. It expands the existing provisions, which previously applied only to retired members, to now include those who have separated from the Foreign Service. The bill permits former career members to be reappointed for a period of five years following their retirement or separation, bypassing certain appointment restrictions. Furthermore, it mandates that such reappointments must be completed within 180 days of approval, ensuring the member is fully integrated into the next onward assignment application cycle. To ensure transparency and oversight, the Secretary of State is required to submit annual reports to Congress detailing the number of recalled members, their grades at the time of departure, and their grades and positions upon reappointment.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
May 21, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-8987
Introduced in House
May 21, 2026
Introduced in Senate
May 21, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
  • May 21, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-8987
    Introduced in House


  • May 21, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 21, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Chris Van Hollen

Chris Van Hollen

Democratic Senator

Maryland

Cosponsors (1)
Brian Schatz (Democratic)

Foreign Relations Committee

International Affairs

Related Bills

  • HR 119-8987: Foreign Service Workforce Retention Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted