PATH to the Foreign Service Act

Pathway into State Foreign Service for USAID

If enacted, former USAID Foreign Service members who are appointed to Department of State jobs would be eligible for entry into the State Foreign Service Officer career track at a grade and tenure comparable to their USAID rank, time-in-service, and performance. The Foreign Service Officer entrance exam would be waived for those who previously met entry requirements and served in good standing at USAID. The State Department would have to give hiring preference points or equivalent credit to applicants with prior USAID service, whether Foreign Service or Civil Service. Prior USAID service would be credited toward seniority, time-in-class, retirement eligibility, and other career milestones to the maximum extent permitted by law. Appointments would remain subject to suitability and security checks. The Secretary of State would need to issue guidance within 180 days with USAID and OPM, and these rules would expire five years after enactment.