Bill · S. 4642· Senate(119-S-4642)
Foreign Service Workforce Retention Act
- Introduced
- 5/21/2026
- Last activity
- 5/21/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- Sponsored by
- Chris Van Hollen
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Foreign Service Workforce Retention Act," seeks to amend the Foreign Service Act of 1980. It changes the language regarding how the government handles retired or separated career members. The amendments involve updating the rules for the recall and reappointment of these individuals. It also establishes specific timelines for the reappointment process. Finally, it requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to Congressional committees regarding these members.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+4
The bill mandates annual reports to Congressional committees detailing the recall and reappointment of career members.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+3
The bill provides a pathway for retired career members to return to professional service within five years of their departure.
Would retired people be better off under this?+3
It creates a structured timeline and standing for retired career members seeking to re-enter the workforce.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Streamlined Reappointment Process: Under Section 2, subsection (b), a member seeking reappointment must be reappointed within 180 days of their request being approved. This ensures a predictable timeline for those looking to return to the Service.
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Integration into the Workforce: The bill states in Section 2, subsection (b) that reappointed members shall be incorporated into the next assignment application cycle with full standing. This allows returning members to resume their careers effectively.
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Increased Accountability: Section 2, subsection (c) requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to the House and Senate committees. This report includes the number of recalled members and their specific grades and positions, providing oversight on how the workforce is being utilized.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Limited Duration of Eligibility: According to Section 2, subsection (b), the provision for former career members is limited to a period of five years after the date of their retirement or separation. This restricts the window of time in which these individuals can be recalled or reappointed under these specific terms.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Retirees+3Good For Seniors+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+2
- 5/21/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Brian SchatzDemocrat · Hawaii