Foreign Service Workforce Retention Act
Sponsored By: Senator Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]
Introduced
Summary
Expands recall and reappointment eligibility to include Foreign Service members who have separated, not just those who retired. It would also impose a firm 180-day reappointment deadline after approval and require annual reporting to congressional foreign affairs committees.
Show full summary
- Former career members: Individuals who separated from the Foreign Service, in addition to retirees, would be eligible for recall or reappointment. Approved requests must be acted on within 180 days and reappointed members get full standing.
- Assignments and standing: Reappointed members would be placed into the next onward assignment cycle with full standing, changing how returning officers are slotted for posts.
- Congressional oversight: The Secretary would report to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee within 60 days of enactment and then annually, listing counts and grade/position details for recalled and reappointed members.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Rehire rules for former diplomats
This bill would change who can be recalled or reappointed to the Foreign Service. It would add people who "separated" (not just retirees) to those eligible for recall or reappointment. It would limit eligibility to five years after the date of retirement or separation. It would also require the Department to reappoint approved requests within 180 days and put reappointed members into the next assignment cycle with full standing.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]
MD • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI]
HI • D
Sponsored 5/21/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov