Protecting America’s Diplomatic Workforce Act

Sponsor: Ami Bera (Democratic-CA)July 16, 2026

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Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Federal employees in foreign affairs would get more job cut protections and transparency.

This bill would give federal employees in foreign affairs agencies more notice and protections if their jobs are cut. It would also require these agencies to be more open with Congress about large job cuts and major policy changes. This means employees would have clearer rules and more time to prepare, and Congress would have more oversight.

What Would Change

Today, federal agencies can cut jobs under current rules. These rules may not always require specific notice to Congress for many job cuts. Foreign Service job cuts follow certain steps, and the Foreign Affairs Manual can be changed without first talking to Congress. After this bill, covered agencies would need to give at least 60 days' notice for job cuts. They could not cut more than 50 employees in 6 months without first notifying and briefing Congress. Foreign Service job cuts would prioritize performance and require longer notice periods. The Secretary of State would also need to consult Congress before making significant changes to the Foreign Affairs Manual.

Key Provisions

Requires covered agencies to give employees at least 60 days' notice before a job cut.
Caps job cuts at 50 employees in a six-month period for covered agencies, unless Congress is notified and briefed 20 days beforehand.
Makes performance the main factor for Foreign Service job cuts, also considering tenure, language skills, and military preference.
Extends advance notice for Foreign Service members facing job cuts to 120 days, or a minimum of 60 days.
Gives the Foreign Service Grievances Board the same power as the Merit Systems Protection Board to handle job cut complaints.
Requires the Secretary of State to notify and brief Congress 30 days before making significant changes to the Foreign Affairs Manual.

View on Congress.gov

HR 9728 · 119th Congress · July 16, 2026 · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 9/10

Protecting America’s Diplomatic Workforce Act

What Would Change

Key Provisions

Lobbying Activity