CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

DemocratAmendment · S.Amdt. 3540· Senate(119-SAMDT-3540)

S.Amdt. 3540

Rep. Van Hollen
Age: 67 years
Maryland
Introduced
8/1/2025
Sponsored by
Chris Van Hollen
Cosponsors
None
Changes bill
119-S-2296 — National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
  1. Introduced
  2. Pending Consideration

What this amendment would do

SA 3540, submitted by Mr. Van Hollen, aims to add a new section to bill S. 2296 called the Establishment of Rehiring and Recall Rights for Separated Diplomats.

The purpose of this amendment is to change the Foreign Service Act of 1980 by adding the following:

  • Priority Reemployment List: The Secretary must create a list for career Foreign Service members who were separated.

  • First Opportunity: For 5 years after a reduction-in-force separation, qualified former career members applying for a position at the same or lower grade and skill code (cone) must be offered reappointment before any new applicant. This applies if they meet worldwide availability or specific position qualifications.

  • Surge Staffing Registry: The Secretary must create a registry of former Foreign Service members from the priority list who are willing to return for temporary assignments, contracting, or reappointment if there is a sudden need for experienced diplomats.