Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
Protecting America’s Diplomatic Workforce Act
A Democratic bill with 9 Democratic cosponsors · See all 9 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Protecting America's Diplomatic Workforce Act aims to increase transparency and protections for diplomatic personnel during reductions in force. It restricts covered agencies from separating more than 50 employees in a six-month period without detailed congressional notification and justification. The bill establishes new procedures for the Foreign Service, including worldwide competitive areas and specific notice requirements. It also grants the Foreign Service Grievances Board authority similar to the Merit Systems Protection Board. Additionally, the act requires the Secretary of State to consult with congressional committees before making changes to the Foreign Affairs Manual.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +7
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The act mandates detailed explanations, notifications, and briefings to Congress regarding workforce reductions and manual changes.
- Scored +6
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?
The bill enhances due process for employees through expanded notice periods and improved grievance adjudication authority.
- Scored +5
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?
The bill enhances the stability and transparency of the diplomatic workforce, which supports long-term engagement.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Increased Competition Among Employees: According to Section 3(a)(1), the competitive area for a reduction in force will be worldwide, meaning employees of the same rank and cone or specialist will compete against each other for retention.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The act mandates detailed explanations, notifications, and briefings to Congress regarding workforce reductions and manual changes. Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The bill enhances due process for employees through expanded notice periods and improved grievance adjudication authority. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill increases congressional oversight and authority over agency workforce reductions and manual changes.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — The bill enhances the stability and transparency of the diplomatic workforce, which supports long-term engagement.
- 6/28/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 9 Cosponsors 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.
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
Tammy DuckworthDemocrat · Illinois
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Christopher MurphyDemocrat · Connecticut
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Jacky RosenDemocrat · Nevada
Brian SchatzDemocrat · Hawaii
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland