Protecting America’s Diplomatic Workforce Act

Increased Oversight of Job Losses: Under Section 2, covered agencies must provide a detailed explanation to congressional committees before separating more than 50 employees in a six-month period, which includes documenting steps taken to exhaust all other options like reassignment.

Standardized Decision Criteria: Section 3(a)(3) establishes that Foreign Service reduction in force procedures will be designed to ensure determinations are based primarily on performance as determined by previous selection board rankings, while also considering tenure, language capabilities, and military preference.

Improved Notice for Employees: Section 3(a)(3) mandates that, absent unforeseen circumstances, employees are given 120 days' advance notice of separation, and in no case less than 60 days.

Enhanced Legal Protections: Section 3(a)(3) ensures Foreign Service employees are afforded the same protections as career members of the civil service in the event of a transfer of function, and grants the Foreign Service Grievances Board authority to adjudicate grievances similarly to the Merit Systems Protection Board.

Increased Transparency for Manual Changes: Section 5 requires the Secretary of State to provide written notice, consult with, and brief the appropriate congressional committees at least 30 days before effectuating changes in the Foreign Affairs Manual.