Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)

S.Amdt. 3540

S.Amdt. 3540 · Senate amendment

A Democratic amendment with no cosponsors

Changes S. 2296 — National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Offered

Offered, and not voted on yet. Most amendments never get a vote: the Senate takes up the bill and moves on without them.

Its path through Congress

  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.