CHAPTER 52—FOREIGN SERVICE

SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS

        

SUBCHAPTER II—MANAGEMENT OF SERVICE

        

SUBCHAPTER III—APPOINTMENTS

        

SUBCHAPTER IV—COMPENSATION

        

SUBCHAPTER V—CLASSIFICATION OF POSITIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

        

SUBCHAPTER VI—PROMOTION AND RETENTION

        

SUBCHAPTER VII—CAREER DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING, AND ORIENTATION

        

SUBCHAPTER VIII—FOREIGN SERVICE RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY

Part I—Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System

        

Part II—Foreign Service Pension System

        

SUBCHAPTER IX—TRAVEL, LEAVE, AND OTHER BENEFITS

        

SUBCHAPTER X—LABOR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS

        

SUBCHAPTER XI—GRIEVANCES

        

SUBCHAPTER XI–A—FOREIGN SERVICE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

        

SUBCHAPTER XII—TRANSITION

        

SUBCHAPTER XIII—MISCELLANEOUS

        

SUBCHAPTER XIV—POWERS, DUTIES AND LIABILITIES OF CONSULAR OFFICERS GENERALLY

        

Editorial Notes

Codification

Provisions of this chapter are derived from the Foreign Service Act of 1946, former section 801 et seq. of this title, and related and miscellaneous provisions as follows:

New	Old
3901	801
3902	802
3903	861
3904	841
3905	807
3921	811a
3922	1224, 2385, 2506
3923	1225
3924
3925	1225
3926	842, 843
3927	2680a
3928	811a, 821
3929	2384 note
3930	826
3931	827
3941	910, 922, 939, 1234
3942	901, 911, 961
3943	922, 929, 936, 946, 951
3944	900, 901a, 902
3945	906
3946	911, 929
3947	911, 912
3948	915
3949	922, 936
3950	928
3951	889 note, 2693
3952	907, 908, 924, 938, 1231
3961	866, 881
3962, 3963
3964	868
3965
3966	995, 1017
3967
3968	889, 2693
3969	873, 890
3970	889
3971	876, 877
3972	896
3973	2679a
3981	886
3982	901
3983	961, 964, 966
3984	961, 962, 966
3985
4001	991
4002	993
4003	986, 996
4004	987
4005, 4006	993
4007, 4008	1003, 2385, 2506
4009	1004, 2506
4010	1007
4011	1005, 1008
4012	1027, 1028, 1031
4013
4021	1041
4022	968, 2385
4023
4024	1042–1045, 1047, 1048
4025	1048
4026	1009, 2693
4041	1061
4042	1062
4043	929, 1063, 1229, 2385
4044	1064, 1086
4045	1071, 1086
4046	1076
4047	1076a
4048	1081
4049	1082
4050	1084
4051	1006
4052	1001, 1002
4053	914
4054
4055	1086
4056	1091
4057	1093
4058	1101
4059	1103
4060	1004, 1104
4061	1105
4062	1106
4063	1111
4064	1112
4065	1116
4066	1121
4067	1065
4081	966, 1136, 1138, 1157
4082	1137
4083	1148
4084	1156, 1158–1160
4085	1131
4101–4118
4131–4138	1037a
4139	1037b
4140	1037c
4151–4159
4171–4173
4191–4215	1171–1195
4216	1197
4217	1198
4218–4222	1200–1204
4223	99
4224–4226	812–814

Executive Documents

Foreign Commercial Service

For authority of Secretary of Commerce to establish a Foreign Commercial Service in Department of Commerce, see section 1–104 of Ex. Ord. No. 12188, Jan. 2, 1980, 45 F.R. 991, as amended, set out as a note under section 2171 of Title 19, Customs Duties.

SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS

§3901. Congressional findings and objectives

(a) The Congress finds that—

(1) a career foreign service, characterized by excellence and professionalism, is essential in the national interest to assist the President and the Secretary of State in conducting the foreign affairs of the United States;

(2) the scope and complexity of the foreign affairs of the Nation have heightened the need for a professional foreign service that will serve the foreign affairs interests of the United States in an integrated fashion and that can provide a resource of qualified personnel for the President, the Secretary of State, and the agencies concerned with foreign affairs;

(3) the Foreign Service of the United States, established under the Act of May 24, 1924 (commonly known as the Rogers Act) and continued by the Foreign Service Act of 1946, must be preserved, strengthened, and improved in order to carry out its mission effectively in response to the complex challenges of modern diplomacy and international relations;

(4) the members of the Foreign Service should be representative of the American people, aware of the principles and history of the United States and informed of current concerns and trends in American life, knowledgeable of the affairs, cultures, and languages of other countries, and available to serve in assignments throughout the world; and

(5) the Foreign Service should be operated on the basis of merit principles.

(b) The objective of this chapter is to strengthen and improve the Foreign Service of the United States by—

(1) assuring, in accordance with merit principles, admission through impartial and rigorous examination, acquisition of career status only by those who have demonstrated their fitness through successful completion of probationary assignments, effective career development, advancement and retention of the ablest, and separation of those who do not meet the requisite standards of performance;

(2) fostering the development and vigorous implementation of policies and procedures, including affirmative action programs, which will facilitate and encourage (A) entry into and advancement in the Foreign Service by persons from all segments of American society, and (B) equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment for all without regard to political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or disability;

(3) providing for more efficient, economical, and equitable personnel administration through a simplified structure of Foreign Service personnel categories and salaries;

(4) establishing a statutory basis for participation by the members of the Foreign Service, through their elected representatives, in the formulation of personnel policies and procedures which affect their conditions of employment, and maintaining a fair and effective system for the resolution of individual grievances that will ensure the fullest measure of due process for the members of the Foreign Service;

(5) minimizing the impact of the hardships, disruptions, and other unusual conditions of service abroad upon the members of the Foreign Service, and mitigating the special impact of such conditions upon their families;

(6) providing salaries, allowances, and benefits that will permit the Foreign Service to attract and retain qualified personnel as well as a system of incentive payments and awards to encourage and reward outstanding performance;

(7) establishing a Senior Foreign Service which is characterized by strong policy formulation capabilities, outstanding executive leadership qualities, and highly developed functional, foreign language, and area expertise;

(8) improving Foreign Service managerial flexibility and effectiveness;

(9) increasing efficiency and economy by promoting maximum compatibility among the agencies authorized by law to utilize the Foreign Service personnel system, as well as compatibility between the Foreign Service personnel system and other personnel systems of the Government; and

(10) otherwise enabling the Foreign Service to serve effectively the interests of the United States and to provide the highest caliber of representation in the conduct of foreign affairs.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §101, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2074; Pub. L. 117–263, div. I, title XCII, §9219(1), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3878.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Act of May 24, 1924 (commonly known as the Rogers Act), referred to in subsec. (a)(3), is act May 24, 1924, ch. 182, 43 Stat. 140, which was classified generally to section 1 et seq. of this title and was repealed in large part by section 1131 of title XI of act Aug. 13, 1946, ch. 957, 60 Stat. 1037, known as the Foreign Service Act of 1946, which generally revised the laws relating to the administration of the Foreign Service (see below). For complete classification of Act May 24, 1924 to the Code, see Tables.

The Foreign Service Act of 1946, referred to in subsec. (a)(3), is act Aug. 13, 1946, ch. 957, titles I to X, 60 Stat. 999, which was classified principally to chapter 14 (§801 et seq.) of this title, and was repealed by Pub. L. 96–465, title II, §2205(1), Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2159, the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as part of the general revision of the laws relating to the administration of the Foreign Service. For complete classification of the 1946 Act to the Code prior to its repeal, see Tables.

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 96–465, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2071, known as the Foreign Service Act of 1980, which is classified principally to this chapter (§3901 et seq.). For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out below and Tables.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 117–263 substituted "disability" for "handicapping condition".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 96–465, title II, §2403, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2169, as amended by Pub. L. 99–93, title I, §119(b), Aug. 16, 1985, 99 Stat. 412, provided that:

"(a) Except as otherwise provided, this Act [see Short Title note set out below] shall take effect on February 15, 1981.

"(b) Personnel actions may be taken on and after the effective date of this Act on the basis of any then current Foreign Service evaluation cycle as if this Act [see Short Title note set out below] had been in effect at the beginning of that cycle.

"[(c) Repealed. Pub. L. 99–93, title I, §119(b), Aug. 16, 1985, 99 Stat. 412, eff. Oct. 1, 1985]

"(d)(1) Section 812 of this Act [section 4052 of this title], and the repeal of sections 631 and 632 of the Foreign Service Act of 1946 [sections 1001 and 1002 of this title] and section 625(k) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 [section 2385(k) of this title], shall be effective as of the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 1980].

"(2) For purposes of implementing section 2101 [section 4151 of this title], sections 402(a) and 403 [sections 3962(a) and 3963 of this title] shall be effective as of the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 1980].

"(e)(1) The provisions of chapter 8 of title I [subchapter VIII of this chapter] regarding the rights of former spouses to any annuity under section 814(a) [section 4054(a) of this title] shall apply in the case of any individual who after the effective date of this Act becomes a former spouse of an individual who separates from the Service after such date.

"(2) Except to the extent provided in section 2109 [section 4159 of this title], the provisions of such chapter [subchapter VIII of this chapter] regarding the rights of former spouses to receive survivor annuities under chapter 8 [subchapter VIII of this chapter] shall apply in the case of any individual who after the effective date of this Act becomes a former spouse of a participant or former participant in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System."

Short Title of 2007 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–50, §1, July 30, 2007, 121 Stat. 261, provided that: "This Act [amending section 4064 of this title] may be cited as the 'Passport Backlog Reduction Act of 2007'."

Short Title of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–382, §1, Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3406, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 4044 to 4046, 4052, 4071a, and 4071d of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 4044 of this title] may be cited as the 'Department of State Special Agents Retirement Act of 1998'."

Short Title of 1986 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–335, title IV, §401(a), June 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 609, provided that: "This title [enacting sections 4068 and 4071 to 4071k of this title, amending sections 4041 to 4049, 4054 to 4056, 4058, 4060, 4061, 4063, 4064, 4066, and 4067 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 4046 of this title] may be cited as the 'Foreign Service Pension System Act of 1986'."

Short Title

Pub. L. 96–465, §1, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2071, provided that: "This Act [enacting this chapter, sections 2697 to 2704 of this title, and sections 3597, 5927, and 5928 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, amending sections 285a, 287, 287e, 287n, 290a, 290g–l, 1928, 2021, 2024, 2056, 2385, 2389, 2391, 2454, 2504, 2506, 2512 to 2514, 2582, 2588, 2605, 2684, 3503 and 4223 of this title, sections 3323, 5102, 5301, 5303, 5304, 5313, 5522, 5523, 5541, 5595, 5596, 5724, 5727, 5924, 5925, 6301, 6304, 6305, 7103, 8332, and 8501 of Title 5, and Reorg. Plan No. 2 of 1939 set out in the Appendix to Title 5, sections 1765a and 1766c of Title 7, Agriculture, section 2002 of Title 10, Armed Forces, section 906 of Title 20, Education, sections 104, 170, 912, and 2055 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, section 822a of former Title 31, Money and Finance, section 405a of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services, former section 235 of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits, and section 5055 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, repealing subchapters I to X of chapter 14 (§801 et seq.) of this title and sections 1221 to 1234, 2679a, 2680a, and 2693 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 2651 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as notes under sections 801, 808, 811a, 886, 889, 912, 913, 936, 1002, 1076, 1079d, 1229, and 2384 of this title] may be cited as the 'Foreign Service Act of 1980'."

Executive Documents

Executive Order No. 11636

Ex. Ord. No. 11636, Dec. 17, 1971, 36 F.R. 24901, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12027, Dec. 5, 1977, 42 F.R. 61851; Ex. Ord. No. 12107, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1055; Ex. Ord. No. 12128, Apr. 4, 1979, 44 F.R. 20625, which related to employee-management relations in the Foreign Service of the United States, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12292, §10(j), Feb. 23, 1981, 46 F.R. 13967, set out below.

Ex. Ord. No. 12292. Conformance of Existing Executive Orders to Changes Resulting From the Foreign Service Act of 1980

Ex. Ord. No. 12292, Feb. 23, 1981, 46 F.R. 13967, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, including the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (94 Stat. 2071; 22 U.S.C. 3901 et seq.), and in order to conform existing Executive Orders to changes resulting from that Act, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Section 1(k) of Executive Order No. 9154, as amended, is amended by inserting immediately before the period at the end thereof a comma and the words "or under authority of section 303 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3943)".

Sec. 2. Section 1 of Executive Order No. 10471 is amended as follows:

(a) strike out "section 202(c) of the Annual and Sick Leave Act of 1951, as added by the act of July 2, 1953, Public Law 102, 83rd Congress" and insert in lieu thereof "section 6305(b) of title 5 of the United States Code";

(b) strike out "said section 202(c)(2)" and insert in lieu thereof "said section 6305(b)";

(c) strike out "section 411 of the Foreign Service Act of 1946" and insert in lieu thereof "section 401 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3961)".

Sec. 3. Section 2 of Executive Order No. 10624, as amended, is amended as follows:

(a) In clause (1), strike out "Title II of the Overseas Differentials and Allowances Act" and insert in lieu thereof "subchapter III of chapter 59 of title 5 of the United States Code";

(b) Clause (2) is amended to read as follows: "so much of the authority vested in the Secretary of State by chapter 9 of Title I of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 [22 U.S.C. 4081 et seq.], as relates to allowances and benefits under the said chapter 9 of title I;"

Sec. 4. Executive Order No. 10903 is amended as follows:

(a) In the preamble, strike out "section 303 of the Foreign Service Act of 1946 (22 U.S.C. 843),";

(b) In section 1(a) strike out "section 111(3) of the Overseas Differentials and Allowances Act (74 Stat. 792)" and insert in lieu thereof "section 5921(3) of title 5, United States Code,";

(c) In Section 1(b):

(1) strike out "Title II of the Overseas Differentials and Allowances Act" and insert in lieu thereof "subchapter III of chapter 59 of title 5 of the United States Code,";

(2) strike out "202, 203, and 221(4)(B) of that Act" and insert in lieu thereof "5922(b), 5922(c), and 5924(4)(B) of that title";

(3) strike out "Title II of the Act" and insert in lieu thereof "said subchapter".

(d) In Section 1(c), strike out "section 22 of the Administrative Expenses Act of 1946 (added by section 311(a) of the Overseas Differentials and Allowances Act)" and insert in lieu thereof "section 5913 of title 5 of the United States Code".

(e) In Section 1(e):

(1) strike out "235(a)(2)" and insert in lieu thereof "235(2)"; and

(2) strike out "section 901 of the Foreign Service Act of 1946, as amended" and insert in lieu thereof "section 905 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4085)".

(f) strike out paragraphs (d) and (f) of Section 1 and redesignate paragraphs (e) and (g) thereof as paragraphs (d) and (e), respectively.

Sec. 5. Executive Order No. 11034 is amended by striking out in Section 5(c) after "provided by section" all that follows in that sentence and inserting in lieu thereof "310 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3950).".

Sec. 6. Executive Order No. 11219 is amended as follows:

(a) Section 1 is amended by striking out "officer or employee" and inserting in lieu thereof "member";

(b) Section 1(b) is amended by inserting after "as amended," "the Foreign Service Act of 1980," [this chapter] and by striking out "that Act" and inserting in lieu thereof "the latter Act";

(c) Section 5 is amended by striking out "an officer or employee in" and inserting in lieu thereof "a member of" and by inserting after "as amended," "the Foreign Service Act of 1980," [this chapter] and by striking out "that Act" and inserting in lieu thereof "the latter Act".

Sec. 7. Executive Order No. 12137 is amended as follows:

(a) Section 1–111 is amended by striking out "1946, as amended" and inserting in lieu thereof "1980" [this chapter].

(b) Section 1–401 is amended by striking out "528 of the Foreign Service Act of 1946 (22 U.S.C. 928)" and inserting in lieu thereof, "310 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3950)".

Sec. 8. Executive Order No. 12163 is amended as follows:

(a) Section 1–201(a)(14) is revoked.

(b) Section 1–201(b) is amended by inserting "and" after "602(q)," and by striking out "and 625(k)(1)";

(c) Section 1–602(a) is amended by striking out "625(d)(1)" each time it appears and inserting in lieu thereof "625(d)".

(d) Section 1–602(b) is amended by striking out "section 528 of the Foreign Service Act of 1946" and inserting in lieu thereof "section 310 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3950)".

(e) Section 1–603 is amended by striking out after "allowances", all that follows through "Foreign Service Act of 1946 (22 U.S.C. 801 et seq.)," and inserting in lieu thereof "authorized for a chief of mission as defined in section 102(a)(3) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3902(a)(3)),".

Sec. 9. Executive Order No. 12228 is amended as follows:

(a) Section 1–102(c)(1) is amended by striking out "Section 911(9) of the Foreign Service Act of 1946, as amended (22 U.S.C. 1136(9))" and inserting in lieu thereof "Section 901(6) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4081(6))";

(b) Section 1–103 is amended by striking out "Foreign Service Act of 1946, as amended" and inserting in lieu thereof "Foreign Service Act of 1980" [this chapter].

Sec. 10. The following are hereby revoked:

(a) Executive Order No. 9452 of June 26, 1944;

(b) Executive Order No. 9799 of November 8, 1946;

(c) Executive Order No. 9837 of March 27, 1947;

(d) Executive Order No. 9932 of February 27, 1948;

(e) Executive Order No. 10249 of June 4, 1951;

(f) Section 2 of Executive Order No. 10477 of August 1, 1953 [22 U.S.C. 1472 note];

(g) Executive Order No. 10897 of December 2, 1960;

(h) Part III of Executive Order No. 11264 of December 31, 1965, as amended [22 U.S.C. 3930 note];

(i) Sections 1, 3, and 5 of Executive Order No. 11434 of November 8, 1968;

(j) Executive Order No. 11636 of December 17, 1971;

(k) Executive Order No. 12066 of June 29, 1978;

(l) Executive Order No. 12145 of July 18, 1979;

(m) Section 1–104(b) of Executive Order No. 12188 of January 2, 1980 [19 U.S.C. 2171 note].

Sec. 11. This Order shall be effective as of February 15, 1981.

Ronald Reagan.      

Ex. Ord. No. 12293. Administration of Foreign Service

Ex. Ord. No. 12293, Feb. 23, 1981, 46 F.R. 13969, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12363, May 21, 1982, 47 F.R. 22497; Ex. Ord. No. 12388, Oct. 14, 1982, 47 F.R. 46245; Ex. Ord. No. 12536, Oct. 9, 1985, 50 F.R. 41477; Ex. Ord. No. 13118, §10(4), Mar. 31, 1999, 64 F.R. 16598; Ex. Ord. No. 13325, Jan. 23, 2004, 69 F.R. 4217; Ex. Ord. No. 13374, Mar. 14, 2005, 70 F.R. 12961, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, including the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (94 Stat. 2071, 22 U.S.C. 3901 et seq.), Section 202 of the Revised Statutes (22 U.S.C. 2656), and Section 301 of Title 3 of the United States Code, and in order to provide for the administration of the Foreign Service of the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. There are hereby delegated to the Secretary of State those functions vested in the President by Sections 205, 401(a), 502(c), 613, and 801 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, hereinafter referred to as the Act (22 U.S.C. 3925, 3942(a)(1), 3892(c) [3982(c)], 4013, and 4041).

Sec. 2. The Secretary of State shall, in accord with Section 205 of the Act (22 U.S.C. 3925), consult with the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Commerce, the Director of the United States Information Agency, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in order to ensure compatibility between the Foreign Service personnel system and other government personnel systems.

Sec. 3. The Secretary of State shall make recommendations to the President through the Director of the Office of Management and Budget whenever action is appropriate under Section 827 of the Act (22 U.S.C. 4067) to maintain existing conformity between the Civil Service Retirement and Disability System and the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System.

Sec. 4. Pursuant to section 402 of the Foreign Service Act [of 1980] (22 U.S.C. 3962), and subject to any restrictions therein, there are established the following salary classes with titles for the Senior Foreign Service, at the following ranges of basic rates of pay:

(a) Career Minister

 Range from 100 percent of the minimum rate of basic pay for senior-level positions under 5 U.S.C. 5376 to 100 percent of the rate payable for level II of the Executive Schedule.

(b) Minister-Counselor

 Range from 100 percent of the minimum rate of basic pay for senior-level positions under 5 U.S.C. 5376 to 107 percent of the rate payable for level III of the Executive Schedule.

(c) Counselor

 Range from 100 percent of the minimum rate of basic pay for senior-level positions under 5 U.S.C. 5376 to 102 percent of the rate payable for level III of the Executive Schedule.

Sec. 5. There is hereby delegated to the Secretary of State, without further action by the President, the authority vested in the President by Section 2107 of the Act [22 U.S.C. 4157] to the extent necessary to implement the provisions of Section 2101 of the Act [22 U.S.C. 4151], relating to pay and benefits pending conversion.

Sec. 6. (a) Pursuant to Section 211 of the Act (22 U.S.C. 3931), there is established in the Department of State the Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service.

(b) The Board shall be appointed by, and in accordance with regulations prescribed by, the Secretary of State, except that not less than five shall be career members of the Foreign Service and not less than seven shall be appointed as follows.

(1) not less than five shall be appointed by the heads of the agencies utilizing the Foreign Service personnel system;

(2) not less than one shall be a representative appointed by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management; and

(3) not less than one shall be a representative appointed by the Secretary of Labor.

(c) The Secretary of State shall designate from among the members of the Board a Chairman who is a member of the Service.

(d) The Secretary of State shall provide all necessary administrative services and facilities for the Board.

Sec. 7. For the purpose of ensuring the accuracy of information used in the administration of the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System, the Secretary of State may request from the Secretary of Defense and the Administrator of Veterans Affairs such information as the Secretary deems necessary. To the extent permitted by law: (a) The Secretary of Defense shall provide information on retired or retainer pay provided under Title 10, United States Code; and, (b) the Administrator of Veterans Affairs shall provide information on pensions or compensation provided under Title 38 of the United States Code. The Secretary, in consultation with the officials from whom information is requested, shall ensure that information made available under this Order is used only for the purpose authorized.

Sec. 8. The first seven Sections of this Order shall be effective as of February 15, 1981.

Sec. 9. (a) Pursuant to Section 210 of the Act there is established in the Department of State the Board of the Foreign Service (22 U.S.C. 3930).

(b) The Board shall be composed of the designated number of representatives of the heads of the following agencies:

(1) Department of State, four members, at least three of whom must be career members of the Senior Foreign Service;

(2) United States Information Agency, two members, one of whom must be a career member of the Senior Foreign Service;

(3) United States Agency for International Development, two members, one of whom must be a career member of the Senior Foreign Service;

(4) Department of Agriculture, two members, one of whom must be a career member of the Senior Foreign Service;

(5) Department of Commerce, two members, one of whom must be a career member of the Senior Foreign Service;

(6) Department of Labor, one member;

(7) Office of Personnel Management, one member;

(8) Office of Management and Budget, one member; and,

(9) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, one member;

(c) The membership of the Board shall be selected from among officials who are knowledgeable in matters concerning the management of the Foreign Service. Except for the career members of the Senior Foreign Service from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Commerce, the United States Information Agency, and the United States Agency for International Development, the members of the Board shall be selected from among those who have the rank of Assistant Secretary or higher or a position of comparable responsibility.

(d) The Secretary of State may from time to time request the heads of other agencies to designate representatives to participate in the functions of the Board on a regular or occasional basis.

(e) The Secretary of State shall provide all necessary administrative services and facilities for the Board.

Sec. 10. Pursuant to Section 202(a)(2)(B) and (a)(3)(B) of the Act (22 U.S.C. 3922(a)(2)(B), (a)(3)(B)), it is hereby determined to be necessary, in order to enable the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Commerce to carry out functions which require service abroad, for the respective Secretaries, in consultation with the Office of Personnel Management and the Office of Management and Budget, to be able to utilize the Foreign Service personnel system with respect to personnel of the following:

(a) The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture, not to exceed 125 positions, without the prior approval of the Director of the Office of Personnel Management;

(b) The United States Travel and Tourism Administration, and the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce, not to exceed 30 positions without the prior approval of the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, and providing that assignments to such positions be administered consistent with policies of the Foreign Commercial Service established under Executive Order No. 12188 [19 U.S.C. 2171 note].

[For abolition of United States Information Agency (other than Broadcasting Board of Governors and International Broadcasting Bureau), transfer of functions, and treatment of references thereto, see sections 6531, 6532, and 6551 of this title.]

§3902. Definitions

As used in this chapter, the term—

(1) "abroad" means all areas not included within the United States;

(2) "agency" means an agency as defined in section 552(e) ¹ of title 5;

(3) "chief of mission" means the principal officer in charge of a diplomatic mission of the United States or of a United States office abroad which is designated by the Secretary of State as diplomatic in nature, including any individual assigned under section 3982(c) of this title to be temporarily in charge of such a mission or office;

(4) "Department" means the Department of State, except that with reference to the exercise of functions under this chapter with respect to another agency authorized by law to utilize the Foreign Service personnel system, such term means that other agency;

(5) "employee" (except as provided in section 4102(8) of this title) means, when used with respect to an agency or to the Government generally, an officer or employee (including a member of the Service) or a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service, or the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;

(6) "function" includes any duty, obligation, power, authority, responsibility, right, privilege, discretion, or activity;

(7) "Government" means the Government of the United States;

(8) "merit principles" means the principles set out in section 2301(b) of title 5;

(9) "principal officer" means the officer in charge of a diplomatic mission, consular mission (other than a consular agency), or other Foreign Service post;

(10) "Secretary" means the Secretary of State, except that (subject to section 3921 of this title) with reference to the exercise of functions under this Act with respect to any agency authorized by law to utilize the Foreign Service personnel system, such term means the head of that agency;

(11) "Service" or "Foreign Service" means the Foreign Service of the United States; and

(12) "United States", when used in a geographic sense, means the several States and the District of Columbia.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §102, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2075; Pub. L. 98–164, title I, §130(a), Nov. 22, 1983, 97 Stat. 1027.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 552(e) of title 5, referred to in par. (2), was redesignated section 552(f) of title 5 by section 1802(b) of Pub. L. 99–570.

Amendments

1983—Pub. L. 98–164 struck out "(a)" before "As used in this chapter", and struck out subsec. (b) which provided that references to Foreign Service officers in any provision be deemed to refer to, with respect to the United States Information Agency, Foreign Service Information officers.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§3903. Members of Service

The following are the members of the Service:

(1) Chiefs of mission, appointed under section 3942(a)(1) of this title or assigned under section 3982(c) of this title.

(2) Ambassadors at large, appointed under section 3942(a)(1) of this title.

(3) Members of the Senior Foreign Service, appointed under section 3942(a)(1) or 3943 of this title, who are the corps of leaders and experts for the management of the Service and the performance of its functions.

(4) Foreign Service officers, appointed under section 3942(a)(1) of this title, who have general responsibility for carrying out the functions of the Service.

(5) Foreign Service personnel, United States citizens appointed under section 3943 of this title, who provide skills and services required for effective performance by the Service.

(6) Foreign national employees, foreign nationals appointed under section 3943 of this title, who provide clerical, administrative, technical, fiscal, and other support at Foreign Service posts abroad.

(7) Consular agents, appointed under section 3943 of this title by the Secretary of State, who provide consular and related services as authorized by the Secretary of State at specified locations abroad where no Foreign Service posts are situated.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §103, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2076.)

§3904. Functions of Service

Members of the Service shall, under the direction of the Secretary—

(1) represent the interests of the United States in relation to foreign countries and international organizations, and perform the functions relevant to their appointments and assignments, including (as appropriate) functions under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, other international agreements to which the United States is a party, the laws of the United States, and orders, regulations, and directives issued pursuant to law;

(2) provide guidance for the formulation and conduct of programs and activities of the Department and other agencies which relate to the foreign relations of the United States; and

(3) perform functions on behalf of any agency or other Government establishment (including any establishment in the legislative or judicial branch) requiring their services.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §104, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2076.)

§3905. Personnel actions

(a) Merit principles; "personnel action" defined

(1) All personnel actions with respect to career members and career candidates in the Service (including applicants for career candidate appointments) shall be made in accordance with merit principles.

(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the term "personnel action" means—

(A) any appointment, promotion, assignment (including assignment to any position or salary class), award of performance pay or special differential, within-class salary increase, separation, or performance evaluation, and

(B) any decision, recommendation, examination, or ranking provided for under this chapter which relates to any action referred to in subparagraph (A).

(b) Rules and regulations; discrimination; reprisals for disclosure of information; submission of reports, evaluations, or recommendations; freedom from prohibited personnel practices

The Secretary shall administer the provisions of this chapter and shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to ensure that members of the Service, as well as applicants for appointments in the Service—

(1) are free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, geographic or educational affiliation within the United States, or political affiliation, as prohibited under section 2302(b)(1) of title 5;

(2) are free from reprisal for—

(A) a disclosure of information by a member or applicant which the member or applicant reasonably believes evidences—

(i) a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, or

(ii) mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety,

if such disclosure is not specifically prohibited by law and if such information is not specifically required by Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs; or

(B) a disclosure to the Special Counsel of the Merit Systems Protection Board, or to the Inspector General of an agency (including the Inspector General of the Department of State and the Foreign Service) or another employee designated by the head of the agency to receive such disclosures, of information which the member or applicant reasonably believes evidences—

(i) a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, or

(ii) mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety;

(3) are free to submit to officials of the Service and the Department any report, evaluation, or recommendation, including the right to submit such report, evaluation, or recommendation through a separate dissent channel, whether or not the views expressed therein are in accord with approved policy, unless the report, evaluation, or recommendation was submitted with the knowledge that it was false or with willful disregard for its truth or falsity; and

(4) are free from any personnel practice prohibited by section 2302 of title 5.

(c) Withholding or disclosure of information to Congress

This section shall not be construed as authorizing the withholding of information from the Congress or the taking of any action against a member of the Service who discloses information to the Congress.

(d) Minority recruitment program

(1) The Secretary shall establish a minority recruitment program for the Service consistent with section 7201 of title 5.

(2) Omitted.

(e) Applicability to other judicial or statutory rights or remedies

This section shall not be construed to extinguish or lessen any effort to achieve equal employment opportunity through affirmative action or any right or remedy available to any employee or applicant for employment in the civil service under—

(1) section 2000e–16 of title 42, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin;

(2) sections 631 and 633a of title 29, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of age;

(3) section 206(d) of title 29, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex;

(4) sections 791 and 794a of title 29, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability; or

(5) any provision of law, rule, or regulation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of marital status or political affiliation.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §105, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2077; Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §185(a), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1365; Pub. L. 101–246, title I, §153(d), Feb. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 43; Pub. L. 117–263, div. I, title XCII, §9219(2), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3879.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Subsec. (d)(2) of this section, which required the Secretary to transmit at least once annually to the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives the Department's reports on equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and minority recruitment programs, which reports are required by law, regulation, or directive to be submitted to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), terminated, effective May 15, 2000, pursuant to section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance. See, also, page 129 of House Document No. 103–7.

Amendments

2022—Subsecs. (b)(1), (e)(4). Pub. L. 117–263 substituted "disability" for "handicapping condition".

1990—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 101–246 inserted "geographic or educational affiliation within the United States," after "marital status,".

1987—Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 100–204 amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "Not later than January 31 of each year, the Secretary shall transmit to each House of the Congress a report, signed by the Secretary, on the activities of the Secretary under paragraph (1). Such report shall include any affirmative action plans submitted by the Secretary under section 2000e–16 of title 42 and any data necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the program under paragraph (1) for the preceding fiscal year, together with recommendations for administrative or legislative action the Secretary considers appropriate."

SUBCHAPTER II—MANAGEMENT OF SERVICE

§3921. Administration by Secretary of State

(a) Under the direction of the President, the Secretary of State shall administer and direct the Service and shall coordinate its activities with the needs of the Department of State and other agencies.

(b) The Secretary of State alone among the heads of agencies utilizing the Foreign Service personnel system shall perform the functions expressly vested in the Secretary of State by this chapter.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §201, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2078.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 96–465, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2071, known as the Foreign Service Act of 1980, which is classified principally to this chapter (§3901 et seq.). For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3901 of this title and Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Curtailments, Removals From Post, and Waivers of Privileges and Immunities

Pub. L. 117–263, div. I, title XCII, §9209, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3873, provided that:

"(a) Curtailments Report.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], and every 180 days thereafter, the Secretary [of State] shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees [Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives] regarding curtailments of Department [of State] personnel from overseas posts.

"(2) Contents.—The Secretary shall include in the report required under paragraph (1)—

"(A) relevant information about any post that, during the 6-month period preceding the report—

"(i) had more than 5 curtailments; or

"(ii) had curtailments representing more than 5 percent of Department personnel at such post; and

"(B) for each post referred to in subparagraph (A), the number of curtailments, disaggregated by month of occurrence.

"(C) Additional contents for initial report.—The initial report submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall identify—

"(i) the number of curtailments at the Deputy Chief of Mission or Principal Officer level for each of the previous 5 years; and

"(ii) to the extent practicable—

     "(I) the number of such curtailments that were voluntary and the number of such curtailments that were involuntary; and

     "(II) the number of those curtailed who left the service within 1 year after such curtailment.

"(b) Removal of Diplomats.—Not later than 20 days after the date on which any United States personnel under Chief of Mission authority is declared persona non grata by a host government, the Secretary shall—

"(1) notify the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate, the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives of such declaration; and

"(2) include with such notification—

"(A) the official reason for such declaration (if provided by the host government);

"(B) the date of the declaration; and

"(C) whether the Department responded by declaring a host government's diplomat in the United States persona non grata.

"(c) Waiver of Privileges and Immunities.—Not later than 15 days after any waiver of privileges and immunities pursuant to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, done at Vienna April 18, 1961, that is applicable to an entire diplomatic post or to the majority of United States personnel under Chief of Mission authority, the Secretary shall notify the appropriate congressional committees of such waiver and the reason for such waiver.

"(d) Termination.—This section shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act."

Management Assessments at Diplomatic and Consular Posts

Pub. L. 117–263, div. I, title XCII, §9212, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3874, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Beginning not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Secretary [of State] shall annually conduct, at each diplomatic and consular post, a voluntary survey, which shall be offered to all staff assigned to that post who are citizens of the United States (excluding the Chief of Mission) to assess the management and leadership of that post by the Chief of Mission, the Deputy Chief of Mission, and the Charge d'Affaires.

"(b) Anonymity.—All responses to the survey shall be—

"(1) fully anonymized; and

"(2) made available to the Director General of the Foreign Service.

"(c) Survey.—The survey shall seek to assess—

"(1) the general morale at post;

"(2) the presence of any hostile work environment;

"(3) the presence of any harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or other mistreatment; and

"(4) effective leadership and collegial work environment.

"(d) Director General Recommendations.—Upon compilation and review of the surveys, the Director General of the Foreign Service shall issue recommendations to posts, as appropriate, based on the findings of the surveys.

"(e) Referral.—If the surveys reveal any action that is grounds for referral to the Inspector General of the Department of State and the Foreign Service, the Director General of the Foreign Service may refer the matter to the Inspector General of the Department of State and the Foreign Service, who shall, as the Inspector General considers appropriate, conduct an inspection of the post in accordance with section 209(b) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3929(b)).

"(f) Annual Report.—The Director General of the Foreign Service shall submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees [Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives] that includes—

"(1) any trends or summaries from the surveys;

"(2) the posts where corrective action was recommended or taken in response to any issues identified by the surveys; and

"(3) the number of referrals to the Inspector General of the Department of State and the Foreign Service, as applicable.

"(g) Initial Basis.—The surveys and reports required under this section shall be carried out on an initial basis for the 5-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act."

Third Party Verification of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Orders

Pub. L. 117–263, div. I, title XCII, §9214, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3875, provided that: "Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Secretary [of State] shall establish a mechanism for third parties to verify the employment of, and the validity of permanent change of station (PCS) orders received by, members of the Foreign Service, in a manner that protects the safety, security, and privacy of sensitive employee information."

§3922. Utilization of Foreign Service personnel system by other agencies

(a)(1) The Broadcasting Board of Governors and the Administrator of the Agency for International Development may utilize the Foreign Service personnel system with respect to their respective agencies in accordance with this chapter.

(2) The Secretary of Agriculture may utilize the Foreign Service personnel system in accordance with this chapter—

(A) with respect to personnel of the Foreign Agricultural Service, and

(B) with respect to other personnel of the Department of Agriculture to the extent the President determines to be necessary in order to enable the Department of Agriculture to carry out functions which require service abroad.

(3) The Secretary of Commerce may utilize the Foreign Service personnel system in accordance with this chapter—

(A) with respect to the personnel performing functions transferred to the Department of Commerce from the Department of State by Reorganization Plan Numbered 3 of 1979, and

(B) with respect to other personnel of the Department of Commerce to the extent the President determines to be necessary in order to enable the Department of Commerce to carry out functions which require service abroad.

(4)(A) Whenever (and to the extent) the Secretary of State considers it in the best interests of the United States Government, the Secretary of State may authorize the head of any agency or other Government establishment (including any establishment in the legislative or judicial branch) to appoint under section 3943 of this title individuals described in subparagraph (B) as members of the Service and to utilize the Foreign Service personnel system with respect to such individuals under such regulations as the Secretary of State may prescribe.

(B) The individuals referred to in subparagraph (A) are individuals eligible for employment abroad under section 3951(a) of this title.

(b) Subject to section 3921(b) of this title—

(1) the agency heads referred to in subsection (a), and

(2) the head of any other agency (to the extent authority to utilize the Foreign Service personnel system is granted to such agency head under any other chapter),

shall in the case of their respective agencies exercise the functions vested in the Secretary by this chapter.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §202, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2078; Pub. L. 97–241, title III, §303(b), Aug. 24, 1982, 96 Stat. 291; Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. A, title XIII, §1335(k)(1), title XIV, §1422(b)(4)(A), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–789, 2681-793; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §332], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-439.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Reorganization Plan Numbered 3 of 1979, referred to in subsec. (a)(3)(A), is Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1979, 44 F.R. 69273, 93 Stat. 1381, which is set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Amendments

1999—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 106–113 added par. (4).

1998—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 105–277, §1422(b)(4)(A), substituted "Administrator of the Agency for International Development" for "Director of the United States International Development Cooperation Agency".

Pub. L. 105–277, §1335(k)(1), substituted "Broadcasting Board of Governors" for "Director of the United States Information Agency".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Broadcasting Board of Governors renamed United States Agency for Global Media pursuant to section 6204(a)(21) of this title. The renaming was effectuated by notice to congressional appropriations committees dated May 24, 2018, and became effective Aug. 22, 2018.

"Director of the United States Information Agency" substituted for "Director of the International Communication Agency" in subsec. (a)(1), pursuant to section 303(b) of Pub. L. 97–241, set out as a note under section 1461 of this title.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by section 1335(k)(1) of Pub. L. 105–277 effective Oct. 1, 1999, see section 1301 of Pub. L. 105–277, set out as an Effective Date note under section 6531 of this title.

Amendment by section 1422(b)(4) of Pub. L. 105–277 effective Apr. 1, 1999, see section 1401 of Pub. L. 105–277, set out as an Effective Date note under section 6561 of this title.

Executive Documents

Exercise of Certain Functions by Board of the Foreign Service and Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service

The Board of the Foreign Service and the Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service were authorized to exercise with respect to Foreign Service personnel of the Department of Commerce, functions delegated to them by Ex. Ord. No. 11264, set out as a note under section 3930 of this title, respecting Foreign Service personnel of the Department of State, see section 1–104(c) of Ex. Ord. No. 12188, Jan. 2, 1980, 45 F.R. 991, set out as a note under section 2171 of Title 19, Customs Duties.

Ex. Ord. No. 10522. Authority of the Director of the United States Information Agency

Ex. Ord. No. 10522, Mar. 26, 1954, 19 F.R. 1689, provided:

Section 1. The Director of the United States Information Agency is hereby authorized to carry out the functions of the Board of the Foreign Service, provided for by the Foreign Service Act of 1946 (60 Stat. 999) [this chapter], with respect to personnel appointed or assigned for service in the United States Information Agency under the provisions of such Act, as amended [this chapter]: Provided, That nothing herein contained shall be construed as transferring to the said Director any function of the said Board relating to any Foreign Service Officer.

Sec. 2. The Director of the United States Information Agency is hereby authorized to prescribe such regulations and issue such orders and instructions, not inconsistent with law, as may be necessary or desirable for carrying out his functions under section 1 of this order.

Dwight D. Eisenhower.      

[For abolition of United States Information Agency (other than Broadcasting Board of Governors and International Broadcasting Bureau), transfer of functions, and treatment of references thereto, see sections 6531, 6532, and 6551 of this title.]

§3922a. Representation of minorities and women in Foreign Service

(a) Development of program

The head of each agency utilizing the Foreign Service personnel system shall develop, consistent with section 7201 of title 5, a plan designed to increase significantly the number of members of minority groups and women in the Foreign Service in that agency.

(b) Emphasis on mid-levels

Each plan developed pursuant to this section shall, consistent with section 7201 of title 5, place particular emphasis on achieving significant increases in the numbers of minority group members and women who are in the mid-levels of the Foreign Service.

(Pub. L. 99–93, title I, §152, Aug. 16, 1985, 99 Stat. 428; Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §185(c)(3), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1366.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1986 and 1987, and not as part of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 which comprises this chapter.

Amendments

1987—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–204 struck out subsec. (c) which read as follows: "The head of each agency utilizing the Foreign Service personnel system shall report annually to the Congress on the plan developed pursuant to this section as part of the report required to be submitted pursuant to section 3905(d)(2) of this title. Subsequent reports pursuant to that section shall include reports on the implementation of these plans, giving particular attention to the progress being made in increasing, through advancement and promotion, the numbers of members of minority groups and women in the mid-levels of the Foreign Service."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Report Concerning Minorities and the Foreign Service

Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. B, title XXIII, §2318, Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–829, required the Secretary of State to submit, in calendar years 1998 and 1999, a report to Congress concerning minorities and the Foreign Service officer corps, with relevant information and specified data.

Mid-Level Women and Minority Placement Program

Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §178, Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 414, provided that:

"(a) Purpose.—It is the purpose of this section to promote the acquisition and retention of highly qualified, trained, and experienced women and minority personnel within the Foreign Service, to provide the maximum opportunity for the Foreign Service to meet staffing needs and to acquire the services of experienced and talented women and minority personnel, and to help alleviate the impact of downsizing, reduction-in-force, and budget restrictions occurring in the defense and national security-related agencies of the United States.

"(b) Establishment.—For each of the fiscal years 1994 and 1995, the Secretary of State shall to the maximum extent practicable appoint to the Foreign Service qualified women and minority applicants who are participants in the priority placement program of the Department of Defense, the Department of Defense out-placement referral program, the Office of Personnel Management Automated Applicant Referral System, or the Office of Personnel Management Interagency Placement Program. The Secretary shall make such appointments through the mid-level entry program of the Department of State under section 306 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 [22 U.S.C. 3946].

"(c) Report.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Apr. 30, 1994], the Secretary of State shall prepare and submit a report concerning the implementation of subsection (a) to the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Such report shall include recommendations on methods to improve implementation of the purpose of this section."

Women and Minorities in Foreign Service

Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §183, Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1364, provided that:

"(a) Findings.—The Congress finds that the Department of State and other Foreign Service agencies have not been successful in their efforts—

"(1) to recruit and retain members of minority groups in order to increase significantly the number of members of minority groups in the Foreign Service; and

"(2) to provide adequate career advancement for women and members of minority groups in order to increase significantly the numbers of women and members of minority groups in the senior levels of the Foreign Service.

"(b) A More Representative Foreign Service.—The Secretary of State and the head of each of the other agencies utilizing the Foreign Service personnel system—

"(1) shall substantially increase their efforts to implement effectively the plans required by section 152(a) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1986 and 1987 [22 U.S.C. 3922a(a)], so that the Foreign Service becomes truly representative of the American people throughout all levels of the Foreign Service; and

"(2) shall ensure that those plans effectively address the need to promote increased numbers of qualified women and members of minority groups into the senior levels of the Foreign Service.

"(c) Department of State Hiring Practices of Minorities and Women.—The Secretary of State shall include annually as part of the report required to be submitted pursuant to section 105(d)(2) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 [former 22 U.S.C. 3905(d)(2)]—

"(1) a report on the progress made at the Assistant Secretary and Bureau level of the Department of State in increasing the presence of minorities and women at all levels in the Foreign Service and Civil Service workforces of the Department of State, and

"(2) the specific actions taken to address the lack of Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and Native Americans in the Senior Executive Service and Senior Foreign Service of the Department of State."

§3922b. Public diplomacy training

(a) Statement of policy

The following should be the policy of the United States:

(1) The Foreign Service should recruit individuals with expertise and professional experience in public diplomacy.

(2) United States chiefs of mission should have a prominent role in the formulation of public diplomacy strategies for the countries and regions to which they are assigned and should be accountable for the operation and success of public diplomacy efforts at their posts.

(3) Initial and subsequent training of Foreign Service officers should be enhanced to include information and training on public diplomacy and the tools and technology of mass communication.

(b) Personnel

(1) Qualifications

In the recruitment, training, and assignment of members of the Foreign Service, the Secretary of State—

(A) should emphasize the importance of public diplomacy and applicable skills and techniques;

(B) should consider the priority recruitment into the Foreign Service, including at middle-level entry, of individuals with expertise and professional experience in public diplomacy, mass communications, or journalism; and

(C) shall give special consideration to individuals with language facility and experience in particular countries and regions.

(2) Languages of special interest

The Secretary of State shall seek to increase the number of Foreign Service officers proficient in languages spoken in countries with predominantly Muslim populations. Such increase should be accomplished through the recruitment of new officers and incentives for officers in service.

(Pub. L. 108–458, title VII, §7110, Dec. 17, 2004, 118 Stat. 3793.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section is comprised of section 7110 of Pub. L. 108–458. Subsec. (c) of section 7110 of Pub. L. 108–458 amended section 4003 of this title.

Section was enacted as part of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, and also as part of the 9/11 Commission Implementation Act of 2004, and not as part of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 which comprises this chapter.

§3922c. Integration of foreign economic policy

(a) In general

The Secretary, in conjunction with the Under Secretary of Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, shall establish—

(1) foreign economic policy priorities for each regional bureau, including for individual countries, as appropriate; and

(2) policies and guidance for integrating such foreign economic policy priorities throughout the Department.

(b) Deputy Assistant Secretary

Within each regional bureau of the Department, the Secretary shall task an existing Deputy Assistant Secretary with appropriate training and background in economic and commercial affairs with the responsibility for economic matters and interests within the responsibilities of each such regional bureau, including the integration of the foreign economic policy priorities established pursuant to subsection (a).

(c) Training

The Secretary shall establish curriculum at the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center to develop the practical foreign economic policy expertise and skill sets of Foreign Service officers, including by making available distance-learning courses in commercial, economic, and business affairs, including in the following:

(1) The global business environment.

(2) The economics of development.

(3) Development and infrastructure finance.

(4) Current trade and investment agreements negotiations.

(5) Implementing existing multilateral and World Trade Organization agreements, and United States trade and investment agreements.

(6) Best practices for customs and export procedures.

(7) Market analysis and global supply chain management.

(Pub. L. 114–323, title IV, §406, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1929.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Department of State Authorities Act, Fiscal Year 2017, and not as part of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 which comprises this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions

For definitions of "Secretary", "Department", and "Foreign Service" as used in this section, see section 2 of Pub. L. 114–323, set out as a note under section 2651 of this title.

§3923. Compatibility among agencies utilizing Foreign Service personnel system

(a) The Service shall be administered to the extent practicable in a manner that will assure maximum compatibility among the agencies authorized by law to utilize the Foreign Service personnel system. To this end, the other heads of such agencies shall consult regularly with the Secretary of State.

(b) Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed as diminishing the authority of the head of any agency authorized by law to utilize the Foreign Service personnel system.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §203, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2079.)

§3924. Uniform and consolidated administration of Service

The Secretary shall on a continuing basis consider the need for uniformity of personnel policies and procedures and for consolidation (in accordance with section 2695 of this title) of personnel functions among agencies utilizing the Foreign Service personnel system. Where feasible, the Secretary of State shall encourage (in consultation with the other heads of such agencies) the development of uniform policies and procedures and consolidated personnel functions.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §204, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2079.)

§3925. Compatibility between Foreign Service and other Government personnel systems

The Service shall be administered to the extent practicable in conformity with general policies and regulations of the Government. The Secretary shall consult with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the heads of such other agencies as the President shall determine, in order to assure compatibility of the Foreign Service personnel system with other Government personnel systems to the extent practicable.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §205, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2079.)

Executive Documents

Delegation of Functions

Functions of President under this section delegated to Secretary of State, see section 1 of Ex. Ord. No. 12293, Feb. 23, 1981, 46 F.R. 13969, set out as a note under section 3901 of this title.

Consultation With Other Federal Departments and Agencies

For authority for the Secretary of State to consult with the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Commerce, the Director of the United States Information Agency, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to ensure compatibility between the Foreign Service personnel system and other government personnel systems, see section 2 of Ex. Ord. No. 12293, Feb. 23, 1981, 46 F.R. 13969, as amended, set out as note under section 3901 of this title.

§3926. Regulations; delegation of functions

(a) The Secretary may prescribe such regulations as the Secretary deems appropriate to carry out functions under this chapter.

(b) The Secretary may delegate functions under this chapter which are vested in the Secretary to any employee of the Department or any member of the Service.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §206, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2079.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Regulations Regarding Foreign Language Competence Within Foreign Service

Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §191(a), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 418, as amended by Pub. L. 103–415, §1(u), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4302, provided that: "Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Apr. 30, 1994], the Secretary of State shall promulgate regulations—

"(1) establishing hiring preferences for Foreign Service Officer candidates competent in languages, with priority preference given to those languages in which the Department of State has a deficit;

"(2) establishing a standard that employees will not receive long-term training in more than 3 languages, and requiring that employees achieve full professional proficiency (S4/R4) in 1 language as a condition for training in a third, with exceptions for priority needs of the service at the discretion of the Director General;

"(3) requiring that employees receiving long-term training in a language, or hired with a hiring preference for a language, serve at least 2 tours in jobs requiring that language, with exceptions for certain limited-use languages and priority needs of the service at the discretion of the Director General;

"(4) requiring that significant consideration be given to foreign language competence and use in the evaluation, assignment, and promotion of all Foreign Service Officers of the Department of State, the Agency for International Development, and the United States Information Agency;

"(5) requiring the identification of appropriate Washington, D.C. metropolitan area positions as language-designated; and

"(6) requiring remedial training and suspension of language differential payments for employees receiving such payments who have failed to maintain required levels of proficiency."

[For abolition of United States Information Agency (other than Broadcasting Board of Governors and International Broadcasting Bureau), transfer of functions, and treatment of references thereto, see sections 6531, 6532, and 6551 of this title.]

§3927. Chief of mission

(a) Duties

Under the direction of the President, the chief of mission to a foreign country—

(1) shall have full responsibility for the direction, coordination, and supervision of all Government executive branch employees in that country (except for Voice of America correspondents on official assignment and employees under the command of a United States area military commander); and

(2) shall keep fully and currently informed with respect to all activities and operations of the Government within that country, and shall insure that all Government executive branch employees in that country (except for Voice of America correspondents on official assignment and employees under the command of a United States area military commander) comply fully with all applicable directives of the chief of mission.

(b) Duties of agencies with employees in foreign countries

Any executive branch agency having employees in a foreign country shall keep the chief of mission to that country fully and currently informed with respect to all activities and operations of its employees in that country, and shall insure that all of its employees in that country (except for Voice of America correspondents on official assignment and employees under the command of a United States area military commander) comply fully with all applicable directives of the chief of mission.

(c) Promotion of United States goods and services

Each chief of mission to a foreign country shall have as a principal duty the promotion of United States goods and services for export to such country.

(d) Promotion of United States economic interests

Each chief of mission to a foreign country shall have as a principal duty the promotion of United States economic and commercial interests in such country.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §207, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2079; Pub. L. 97–241, title I, §123, Aug. 24, 1982, 96 Stat. 281; Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §136, Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1345; Pub. L. 107–228, div. A, title V, §505(b), Sept. 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 1393; Pub. L. 116–94, div. J, title VII, §704, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3070.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 116–94 added subsec. (d).

2002—Subsecs. (a)(1), (2), (b). Pub. L. 107–228 inserted "Voice of America correspondents on official assignment and" after "except for".

1987—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–204, §136(1), (2), inserted "executive branch" after "Government" in par. (1) and after second reference to "Government" in par. (2).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–204, §136(3), inserted "executive branch" after "Any".

1982—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–241 added subsec. (c).

§3927a. Review by chief of mission

(a) Review of staff element under chief of mission authority; approval; process

The Secretary of State shall require each chief of mission to review, not less than once every 5 years, every staff element under chief of mission authority, including staff from other departments or agencies of the United States, and recommend approval or disapproval of each staff element. Each such review shall be conducted pursuant to a process established by the President for determining appropriate staffing at diplomatic missions and overseas constituent posts (commonly referred to as the "NSDD–38 process").

(b) Actions by Secretary of State

The Secretary of State, as part of the process established by the President referred to in subsection (a), shall take actions to carry out the recommendations made in each such review.

(Pub. L. 108–447, div. B, title IV, §409, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2904; Pub. L. 112–74, div. I, title VII, §7034(n), Dec. 23, 2011, 125 Stat. 1217.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2005, and also as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005, and not as part of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 which comprises this chapter.

Amendments

2011—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 112–74 struck out subsec. (c). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Not later than 1 year after December 8, 2004, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State shall submit a report on such reviews that occurred during the previous 12 months, together with the Secretary's recommendations regarding such reviews to the appropriate committees of Congress, the heads of all affected departments or agencies, and the Inspector General of the Department of State."

§3927b. Reporting requirement on chiefs of mission

Not later than 30 days following the end of each calendar quarter, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees—

(1) a list of every chief of mission or United States representative overseas with the rank of Ambassador who, during the prior quarter, was granted approval by the Under Secretary of State for Management to be outside a country of assignment for purposes other than official travel or temporary duty orders; and

(2) the number of days each such chief of mission or United States representative overseas with the rank of Ambassador was outside a country of assignment during the previous quarter for purposes other than official travel or temporary duty orders.

(Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXII, §6209, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 975.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Department of State Authorization Act of 2023, and also as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, and not as part of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 which comprises this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions

For definitions of "Secretary" and "appropriate congressional committees" as used in this section, see section 6002 of Pub. L. 118–31, set out as a note under section 2651 of this title.

§3928. Director General of Foreign Service

The President shall appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, a Director General of the Foreign Service, who shall be a current or former career member of the Foreign Service. The Director General should assist the Secretary of State in the management of the Service and perform such functions as the Secretary of State may prescribe.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §208, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2080; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §163, Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 411.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–236 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows: "There shall be a Director General of the Foreign Service, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, from among the career members of the Senior Foreign Service. The Director General shall assist the Secretary of State in the management of the Service and shall perform such functions as the Secretary of State may prescribe."

§3929. Inspector General

(a) Appointment; supervision by Secretary of State; prohibition against interference by State Department with certain duties; inspections, audits, and other functions; removal from office

(1) There shall be an Inspector General of the Department of State and the Foreign Service, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, without regard to political affiliation from among individuals exceptionally qualified for the position by virtue of their integrity and their demonstrated ability in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, law, management analysis, public administration, or investigations, or their knowledge and experience in the conduct of foreign affairs. The Inspector General shall report to and be under the general supervision of the Secretary of State. Neither the Secretary of State nor any other officer of the Department shall prevent or prohibit the Inspector General from initiating, carrying out, or completing any audit or investigation, or from issuing any subpena during the course of any audit or investigation. The Inspector General shall periodically (at least every 5 years) inspect and audit the administration of activities and operations of each Foreign Service post and each bureau and other operating unit of the Department of State, and shall perform such other functions as the Secretary of State may prescribe, except that the Secretary of State shall not assign to the Inspector General any general program operating responsibilities.

(2) The Inspector General may be removed from office by the President. The President shall communicate the reasons for any such removal to both Houses of Congress.

(b) Subject matter of inspections, investigations, and audits

Inspections, investigations, and audits conducted by or under the direction of the Inspector General shall include the systematic review and evaluation of the administration of activities and operations of Foreign Service posts and bureaus and other operating units of the Department of State, including an examination of—

(1) whether financial transactions and accounts are properly conducted, maintained, and reported;

(2) whether resources are being used and managed with the maximum degree of efficiency, effectiveness, and economy;

(3) whether the administration of activities and operations meets the requirements of applicable laws and regulations and, specifically, whether such administration is consistent with the requirements of section 3905 of this title;

(4) whether there exist instances of fraud or other serious problems, abuses, or deficiencies, and whether adequate steps for detection, correction, and prevention have been taken; and

(5) whether policy goals and objectives are being effectively achieved and whether the interests of the United States are being accurately and effectively represented.

(c) Policies and procedures governing inspection and audit activities; coordination and cooperation with Comptroller General; report to Attorney General on criminal law violations; provision of information to employees; conduct of investigations

(1) The Inspector General shall develop and implement policies and procedures for the inspection and audit activities carried out under this section. These policies and procedures shall be consistent with the general policies and guidelines of the Government for inspection and audit activities and shall comply with the standards established by the Comptroller General of the United States for audits of Government agencies, organizations, programs, activities, and functions.

(2) In carrying out the duties and responsibilities established under this section, the Inspector General shall give particular regard to the activities of the Comptroller General of the United States with a view toward insuring effective coordination and cooperation.

(3) In carrying out the duties and responsibilities established under this section, the Inspector General shall report expeditiously to the Attorney General whenever the Inspector General has reasonable grounds to believe there has been a violation of Federal criminal law.

(4) The Inspector General shall develop and provide to employees—

(A) information detailing their rights to counsel; and

(B) guidelines describing in general terms the policies and procedures of the Office of Inspector General with respect to individuals under investigation other than matters exempt from disclosure under other provisions of law.

(5) Investigations.—

(A) Conduct of investigations.—In conducting investigations of potential violations of Federal criminal law or Federal regulations, the Inspector General shall—

(i) abide by professional standards applicable to Federal law enforcement agencies; and

(ii) make every reasonable effort to permit each subject of an investigation an opportunity to provide exculpatory information.

(B) Final reports of investigations.—In order to ensure that final reports of investigations are thorough and accurate, the Inspector General shall—

(i) make every reasonable effort to ensure that any person named in a final report of investigation has been afforded an opportunity to refute any allegation of wrongdoing or assertion with respect to a material fact made regarding that person's actions;

(ii) include in every final report of investigation any exculpatory information, as well as any inculpatory information, that has been discovered in the course of the investigation.

(6) Required reporting of allegations and investigations and inspector general authority.—

(A) In general.—The head of a bureau, post, or other office of the Department of State (in this paragraph referred to as a "Department entity") shall submit to the Inspector General a report of any allegation of—

(i) waste, fraud, or abuse in a Department program or operation;

(ii) criminal or serious misconduct on the part of a Department employee at the FS–1, GS–15, or GM–15 level or higher;

(iii) criminal misconduct on the part of a Department employee; and

(iv) serious, noncriminal misconduct on the part of any Department employee who is authorized to carry a weapon, make arrests, or conduct searches, such as conduct that, if proved, would constitute perjury or material dishonesty, warrant suspension as discipline for a first offense, or result in loss of law enforcement authority.

(B) Deadline.—The head of a Department entity shall submit to the Inspector General a report of an allegation described in subparagraph (A) not later than 5 business days after the date on which the head of such Department entity is made aware of such allegation.

(d) Reports by Inspector General and Secretary of State

(1) The Inspector General shall keep the Secretary of State fully and currently informed, by means of the reports required by paragraphs (2) and (3) and otherwise, concerning fraud and other serious problems, abuses, and deficiencies relating to the administration of activities and operations administered or financed by the Department of State.

(2) The Inspector General shall, not later than April 30 of each year, prepare and furnish to the Secretary of State an annual report summarizing the activities of the Inspector General. Such report shall include—

(A) a description of significant problems, abuses, and deficiencies relating to the administration of activities and operations of Foreign Service posts, and bureaus and other operating units of the Department of State, which were disclosed by the Inspector General within the reporting period;

(B) a description of the recommendations for corrective action made by the Inspector General during the reporting period with respect to significant problems, abuses, or deficiencies described pursuant to subparagraph (A);

(C) an identification of each significant recommendation described in previous annual reports on which corrective action has not been completed;

(D) a summary of matters referred to prosecutive authorities and the prosecutions and convictions which have resulted;

(E) a listing of each audit report completed by the Inspector General during the reporting period; and

(F) a notification, which may be included, if necessary, in the classified portion of the report, of any instance in a case that was closed during the period covered by the report when the Inspector General decided not to afford an individual the opportunity described in subsection (c)(5)(B)(i) to refute any allegation and the rationale for denying such individual that opportunity.

The Secretary of State shall transmit a copy of such annual report within 30 days after receiving it to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and to other appropriate committees, together with a report of the Secretary of State containing any comments which the Secretary of State deems appropriate. Within 60 days after transmitting such reports to those committees, the Secretary of State shall make copies of them available to the public upon request and at a reasonable cost.

(3) The Inspector General shall report immediately to the Secretary of State whenever the Inspector General becomes aware of particularly serious or flagrant problems, abuses, or deficiencies relating to the administration of activities and operations of Foreign Service posts or bureaus or other operating units of the Department of State. The Secretary of State shall transmit any such report to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and to other appropriate committees within 7 days after receiving it, together with a report by the Secretary of State containing any comments the Secretary of State deems appropriate.

(4) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to authorize the public disclosure by any individual of any information which is—

(A) specifically prohibited from disclosure by any other provision of law; or

(B) specifically required by Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs.

(e) Applicability of powers and responsibilities under other statutory provisions; assignment of Service employees to Inspector General; participation in formal interviews

(1) The Inspector General shall have the same authority in carrying out the provisions of this section as is granted under section 406 of title 5 to each Inspector General of an establishment (as defined in section 401 of title 5) for carrying out the provisions of chapter 4 of title 5, and the responsibilities of other officers of the Government to the Inspector General shall be the same as the responsibilities of the head of an agency or establishment under section 406(c) and (d) of title 5.

(2) At the request of the Inspector General, employees of the Department and members of the Service may be assigned as employees of the Inspector General. The individuals so assigned and individuals appointed pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be responsible solely to the Inspector General, and the Inspector General or his or her designee shall prepare the performance evaluation reports for such individuals.

(3) The Inspector General shall ensure that only officials from the Office of the Inspector General may participate in formal interviews or other formal meetings with the individual who is the subject of an investigation, other than an intelligence-related or sensitive undercover investigation, or except in those situations when the Inspector General has a reasonable basis to believe that such notice would cause tampering with witnesses, destroying evidence, or endangering the lives of individuals, unless that individual receives prior adequate notice regarding participation by officials of any other agency, including the Department of Justice, in such interviews or meetings.

(f) Reception and investigation of complaints or information; disclosure of identity of informer

(1) The Inspector General may receive and investigate complaints or information from a member of the Service or employee of the Department concerning the possible existence of an activity constituting a violation of laws or regulations, constituting mismanagement, gross waste of funds, or abuse of authority, or constituting a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety.

(2) The Inspector General shall not, after receipt of a complaint or information from a member of the Service or employee of the Department, disclose the identity of such individual without the consent of such individual, unless the Inspector General determines such disclosure is unavoidable during the course of the investigation.

(g) Review of activities and operations of chiefs of mission

Under the general supervision of the Secretary of State, the Inspector General may review activities and operations performed under the direction, coordination, and supervision of chiefs of mission for the purpose of ascertaining their consonance with the foreign policy of the United States and their consistency with the responsibilities of the Secretary of State and the chief of mission.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §209, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2080; Pub. L. 99–399, title IV, §413(a)(6), Aug. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 868; Pub. L. 99–529, title IV, §405, Oct. 24, 1986, 100 Stat. 3020; Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. B, title XXII, §2208(a), (b), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–810; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §339(a), (b)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-443; Pub. L. 114–323, title II, §203, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1916; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(b)(42), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4348.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted "section 406 of title 5" for "section 6 of the Inspector General Act of 1978", "section 401 of title 5)" for "section 11(2) of such Act)", "chapter 4 of title 5," for "that Act,", and "section 406(c) and (d) of title 5." for "section 6(b) and (c) of such Act."

2016—Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 114–323 added par. (6).

1999—Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 106–113, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §339(a)], added par. (5).

Subsec. (d)(2)(F). Pub. L. 106–113, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §339(b)], added subpar. (F).

1998—Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 105–277, §2208(a), added par. (4).

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 105–277, §2208(b), added par. (3).

1986—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 99–529 repealed §413(a)(6) of Pub. L. 99–399 and reenacted last sentence which had been struck out by Pub. L. 99–399.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §339(e)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-444, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to cases opened on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1999]."

Construction of 1999 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §339(c)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-444, as amended by Pub. L. 117–286, §4(b)(43), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4348, provided that: "Nothing in the amendments made by this section [amending this section] may be construed to modify—

"(1) section 209(d)(4) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3929(d)(4));

"(2) section 407(b) of title 5, United States Code;

"(3) the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a);

"(4) the provisions of section 2302(b)(8) of title 5 (relating to whistleblower protection);

"(5) rule 6(e) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure [18 U.S.C. App.] (relating to the protection of grand jury information); or

"(6) any statute or executive order pertaining to the protection of classified information."

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions in subsec. (d)(2) of this section relating to the requirement that the Secretary of State transmit a copy of the annual report furnished by the Inspector General, together with any comments which the Secretary deems appropriate, to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and to other appropriate committees, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and page 129 of House Document No. 103–7.

No Grievance or Right of Action

Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §339(d)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-444, provided that: "A failure to comply with the amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall not give rise to any private right of action in any court or to an administrative complaint or grievance under any law."

§3929a. Abolishment of Inspector General of Department of State and Foreign Service

Notwithstanding section 3929 of this title, the Inspector General of the Department of State and the Foreign Service is hereby abolished.

(Pub. L. 99–93, title I, §150(b), Aug. 16, 1985, 99 Stat. 427; Pub. L. 99–399, title IV, §413(c), Aug. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 868.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1986 and 1987, and not as part of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 which comprises this chapter.

Another subsec. (c) of section 413 of Pub. L. 99–399 is classified to section 4861(c) of this title.

Amendments

1986—Pub. L. 99–399 substituted provision abolishing the Inspector General of the Department of State and the Foreign Service for provision limiting the authority of the Inspector General to such functions as necessary to carry out section 3929(g) of this title.

§3929b. Cooperation with Office of the Inspector General

(a) Administrative discipline

Not later than 30 days after December 27, 2021, the Secretary of State shall make explicit in writing to all Department of State personnel, including the Secretary of State, Department employees, contractors, and political appointees, and shall consider updating the Foreign Affairs Manual and the Foreign Affairs Handbook to explicitly specify, that if any of such personnel does not comply within 60 days with a request for an interview or access to documents from the Office of the Inspector General of the Department, such personnel may be subject to appropriate administrative discipline including, when circumstances warrant, suspension without pay or removal.

(b) Report

(1) In general

Not later than 180 days after December 27, 2021 and on a quarterly basis thereafter, the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of State and the United States Agency for Global Media shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees and the Secretary of State a report in unclassified form detailing the following:

(A) The number of individuals who have failed to comply within 60 days with a request for an interview or access to documents from the Office of the Inspector General pertaining to a noncriminal matter.

(B) The date on which such requests were initially made.

(C) Any extension of time that was voluntarily granted to such individual by the Office of the Inspector General.

(D) The general subject matters regarding which the Office of the Inspector General has requested of such individuals.

(2) Form

Additional information pertaining solely to the subject matter of a request described in paragraph (1) may be provided in a supplemental classified annex, if necessary, but all other information required by the reports required under such paragraph shall be provided in unclassified form.

(Pub. L. 117–81, div. E, title LIII, §5323, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2369.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Department of State Authorization Act of 2021 and also as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, and not as part of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 which comprises this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definition

For definition of "appropriate congressional committees" as used in this section, see section 5002 of Pub. L. 117–81, set out as a note under section 263c of this title.

§3930. Board of Foreign Service

The President shall establish a Board of the Foreign Service to advise the Secretary of State on matters relating to the Service, including furtherance of the objectives of maximum compatibility among agencies authorized by law to utilize the Foreign Service personnel system and compatibility between the Foreign Service personnel system and the other personnel systems of the Government. The Board of the Foreign Service shall be chaired by an individual appointed by the President and shall include one or more representatives of the Department of State, the Broadcasting Board of Governors, the Agency for International Development, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Labor, the Office of Personnel Management, the Office of Management and Budget, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and such other agencies as the President may designate.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §210, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2082; Pub. L. 97–241, title III, §303(b), Aug. 24, 1982, 96 Stat. 291; Pub. L. 99–93, title I, §153, Aug. 16, 1985, 99 Stat. 428; Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. A, title XIII, §1335(k)(2), title XIV, §1422(b)(4)(B), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–789, 2681-793.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1998—Pub. L. 105–277, §1422(b)(4)(B), substituted "Agency for International Development" for "United States International Development Cooperation Agency".

Pub. L. 105–277, §1335(k)(2), substituted "Broadcasting Board of Governors" for "United States Information Agency".

1985—Pub. L. 99–93 substituted "shall be chaired by an individual appointed by the President" for "shall be chaired by a career member of the Senior Foreign Service designated by the Secretary of State".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Broadcasting Board of Governors renamed United States Agency for Global Media pursuant to section 6204(a)(21) of this title. The renaming was effectuated by notice to congressional appropriations committees dated May 24, 2018, and became effective Aug. 22, 2018.

"United States Information Agency" substituted in text for "International Communication Agency" pursuant to section 303(b) of Pub. L. 97–241, set out as a note under section 1461 of this title.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by section 1335(k)(2) of Pub. L. 105–277 effective Oct. 1, 1999, see section 1301 of Pub. L. 105–277, set out as an Effective Date note under section 6531 of this title.

Amendment by section 1422(b)(4)(B) of Pub. L. 105–277 effective Apr. 1, 1999, see section 1401 of Pub. L. 105–277, set out as an Effective Date note under section 6561 of this title.

Executive Documents

Executive Order No. 11264

Ex. Ord. No. 11264, Dec. 31, 1965, 31 F.R. 67, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 11434, Nov. 8, 1968, 33 F.R. 16485; Ex. Ord. No. 11636, Dec. 17, 1971, 36 F.R. 24901; Ex. Ord. No. 12107, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1055; Ex. Ord. No. 12292, Feb. 23, 1981, 46 F.R. 13967, which provided for the establishment, functions, etc., of the Board of the Foreign Service and Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12363, May 21, 1982, 47 F.R. 22497. See sections 6 and 9 of Ex. Ord. No. 12293, as amended, set out as a note under section 3901 of this title.

Executive Order No. 11434

Ex. Ord. No. 11434, Nov. 8, 1968, 33 F.R. 16485, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12107, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1055; Ex. Ord. No. 12292, Feb. 23, 1981, 46 F.R. 13967, which related to administration of foreign service personnel systems, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12553, Feb. 25, 1986, 51 F.R. 7237.

§3931. Board of Examiners

(a) Establishment; membership; chairman

The President shall establish a Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service to develop, and supervise the administration of, examinations prescribed under section 3941(b) of this title to be given to candidates for appointment in the Service. The Board shall consist of 15 members appointed by the President (no fewer than 5 of whom shall be appointed from among individuals who are not Government employees and who shall be qualified for service on the Board by virtue of their knowledge, experience, or training in the fields of testing or equal employment opportunity). The Board shall include representatives of agencies utilizing the Foreign Service personnel system and representatives of other agencies which have responsibility for employment testing. The Board shall be chaired by a member of the Board, designated by the President, who is a member of the Service.

(b) Review of examinations; report to Secretary of State

The Board of Examiners shall periodically review the examinations prescribed under section 3941(b) of this title in order to determine—

(1) whether any such examination has an adverse impact on the hiring, promotion, or other employment opportunity of members of any race, sex, or ethnic group;

(2) methods of minimizing any such adverse impact;

(3) alternatives to any examinations which have such an adverse impact; and

(4) whether such examinations are valid in relation to job performance.

The Board of Examiners shall annually report its findings under this subsection to the Secretary of State and shall furnish to the Secretary of State its recommendations for improvements in the development, use, and administration of the examinations prescribed under section 3941(b) of this title.

(c) Vacancies

Any vacancy or vacancies on the Board shall not impair the right of the remaining members to exercise the full powers of the Board.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §211, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2083.)

Executive Documents

Establishment of Board of Examiners

For establishment of the Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service and appointment of its members, see section 6 of Ex. Ord. No. 12293, Feb. 23, 1981, 46 F.R. 13970, set out as note under section 3901 of this title.

SUBCHAPTER III—APPOINTMENTS

§3941. General provisions

(a) Citizenship requirement

Only citizens of the United States may be appointed to the Service, other than for service abroad as a consular agent or as a foreign national employee.

(b) Examinations

(1) The Secretary shall prescribe, as appropriate, written, oral, physical, foreign language, and other examinations for appointment to the Service (other than as a chief of mission or ambassador at large).

(2) The Secretary shall ensure that the Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service annually offers the oral assessment examinations described in paragraph (1) in cities, chosen on a rotating basis, located in at least three different time zones across the United States.

(c) Veteran or disabled veteran

The fact that an applicant for appointment as a Foreign Service officer candidate is a veteran or disabled veteran shall be considered an affirmative factor in making such appointments. As used in this subsection, the term "veteran or disabled veteran" means an individual who is a preference eligible under subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of section 2108(3) of title 5.

(d) Career and noncareer appointments

(1) Members of the Service serving under career appointments are career members of the Service. Members of the Service serving under limited appointments are either career candidates or noncareer members of the Service.

(2) Chiefs of mission, ambassadors at large, and ministers serve at the pleasure of the President.

(3) An appointment as a Foreign Service officer is a career appointment. Foreign Service employees serving as career candidates or career members of the Service shall not represent to the income tax authorities of the District of Columbia or any other State or locality that they are exempt from income taxation on the basis of holding a Presidential appointment subject to Senate confirmation or that they are exempt on the basis of serving in an appointment whose tenure is at the pleasure of the President.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §301, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2083; Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §179(a), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1362; Pub. L. 117–81, div. E, title LIV, §5406(b), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2374.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–81 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

1987—Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 100–204 inserted sentence at end relating to exemption from income taxation.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §179(b), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1363, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to tax years beginning after December 31, 1987."

Study of Foreign Service Examination

Pub. L. 101–246, title I, §153(g), Feb. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 44, required the Secretary of State to enter into a contract with a private organization for a comprehensive review and evaluation of the Foreign Service examination related to cultural, racial, ethnic, and sexual bias issues, and no later than 18 months after Feb. 16, 1990, submit a report to Congress containing the findings of the review and evaluation, together with the comments of the Secretary and measures which the Secretary has initiated to respond to any adverse findings of such review.

§3942. Appointments by the President

(a)(1) The President may, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoint an individual as a chief of mission, as an ambassador at large, as an ambassador, as a minister, as a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, or as a Foreign Service officer.

(2)(A) The President may, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, confer the personal rank of career ambassador upon a career member of the Senior Foreign Service in recognition of especially distinguished service over a sustained period.

(B)(i) Subject to the requirement of clause (ii), the President may confer the personal rank of ambassador or minister on an individual in connection with a special mission for the President of a temporary nature not exceeding six months in duration.

(ii) The President may confer such personal rank only if, prior to such conferral, he transmits to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a written report setting forth—

(I) the necessity for conferring such rank,

(II) the dates during which such rank will be held,

(III) the justification for not submitting the proposed conferral of personal rank to the Senate as a nomination for advice and consent to appointment, and

(IV) all relevant information concerning any potential conflict of interest which the proposed recipient of such personal rank may have with regard to the special mission.

Such report shall be transmitted not less than 30 days prior to conferral of the personal rank of ambassador or minister except in cases where the President certifies in his report that urgent circumstances require the immediate conferral of such rank.

(C) An individual upon whom a personal rank is conferred under subparagraph (A) or (B) shall not receive any additional compensation solely by virtue of such personal rank.

(3) Except as provided in paragraph (2)(B) of this subsection or in clause 3, section 2, article II of the Constitution (relating to recess appointments), an individual may not be designated as ambassador or minister, or be designated to serve in any position with the title of ambassador or minister, without the advice and consent of the Senate.

(b) If a member of the Service is appointed to any position in the executive branch by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, or by the President alone, the period of service in that position by the member shall be regarded as an assignment under subchapter V and the member shall not, by virtue of the acceptance of such assignment, lose his or her status as a member of the Service. A member of the Senior Foreign Service who accepts such an assignment may elect to continue to receive the salary of his or her salary class, to remain eligible for performance pay under subchapter IV, and to receive the leave to which such member is entitled under subchapter I of chapter 63, title 5, as a member of the Senior Foreign Service, in lieu of receiving the salary and leave (if any) of the position to which the member is appointed by the President.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §302, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2084; Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §177(b), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1362; Pub. L. 102–138, title I, §§141, 142(a), Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 667.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1991—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–138, §141, inserted "as an ambassador," after "ambassador at large,".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–138, §142(a), substituted "may elect to continue to receive the salary of his or her salary class, to remain eligible for performance pay under subchapter IV, and to receive the leave to which such member is entitled under subchapter I of chapter 63, title 5, as a member of the Senior Foreign Service, in lieu of receiving the salary and leave (if any) of the position to which the member is appointed by the President" for "shall receive the salary and leave (if any) of the position to which the member is appointed by the President and shall not be eligible for performance pay under subchapter IV of this chapter".

1987—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–204 substituted "shall receive the salary and leave (if any) of the position to which the member is appointed by the President and shall not be eligible for performance pay under subchapter IV of this chapter." for "may elect to continue to receive the salary of his or her salary class, to remain eligible for performance pay under subchapter IV of this chapter, and to receive the leave to which such member is entitled under subchapter I of chapter 63 of title 5 as a member of the Senior Foreign Service, in lieu of receiving the salary and leave (if any) of the position to which the member is appointed by the President."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §177(c), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1362, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section and section 3961 of this title] shall not apply to the salary of any individual serving under a Presidential appointment under section 302 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 [this section] immediately before the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 22, 1987] during the period such individual continues to serve in such position."

Executive Documents

Delegation of Functions

Functions of President under subsec. (a)(1) delegated to Secretary of State, see section 1 of Ex. Ord. No. 12293, Feb. 23, 1981, 46 F.R. 13969, set out as a note under section 3901 of this title.

Executive Order No. 10062

Ex. Ord. No. 10062, June 6, 1949, 14 F.R. 2695, as amended by act Aug. 10, 1949, ch. 412, §12(a), 63 Stat. 591; Ex. Ord. No. 10144, July 21, 1950, 15 F.R. 4705, eff. June 6, 1949, which established the position of United States High Commissioner for Germany, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 10608, May 5, 1955, 20 F.R. 3093, set out below.

Ex. Ord. No. 10608. United States Authority and Functions in Germany

Ex. Ord. No. 10608, May 5, 1955, 20 F.R. 3093, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12608, Sept. 9, 1987, 52 F.R. 34617, provided:

By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the statutes, including the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (94 Stat. 2071), as amended [this chapter], and as President of the United States and Commander in Chief of the armed forces of the United States, it is ordered as follows:

1. Executive Order No. 10062 of June 6, 1949, and Executive Order No. 10144 of July 21, 1950, amending that order, are hereby revoked, and the position of United States High Commissioner for Germany, established by that order, is hereby abolished.

2. The Chief of the United States Diplomatic Mission to the Federal Republic of Germany, hereinafter referred to as the Chief of Mission, shall have supreme authority, except as otherwise provided herein, with respect to all responsibilities, duties, and governmental functions of the United States in all Germany. The Chief of Mission shall exercise his authority under the supervision of the Secretary of State and subject to ultimate direction by the President.

3. The United States Military Commander having area responsibility in Germany, hereinafter referred to as the Commander, shall have authority with respect to all military responsibilities, duties, and functions of the United States in all Germany, including the command, security, and stationing of United States forces in Germany, the assertion and exercise of their rights and discharge of their obligations therein, and emergency measures which he may consider essential for their protection or the accomplishment of his mission. The Commander may delegate the authority conferred upon him. If action by the Commander or any representative of the Commander, pursuant to the authority herein conferred, affects the foreign policy of the United States or involves relations or negotiations with non-military German authorities, such action shall be taken only after consultation with and agreement by the Chief of Mission or pursuant to procedures previously agreed to between the Chief of Mission and the Commander or his representative. Either the Chief of Mission or the Commander may raise with the other any question which he believes requires such consultation. If agreement is not reached between them, any differences may be referred to the Department of State and the Department of Defense for resolution.

4. The Chief of Mission and the Commander or his designated representatives shall, to the fullest extent consistent with their respective missions, render assistance and support to each other in carrying out the agreements and policies of the United States.

5. With regard to the custody, care, and execution of sentences and disposition (including pardon, clemency, parole, or release) of war criminals confined or hereafter to be confined in Germany as a result of conviction by military tribunals (A) the Chief of Mission shall share the four-power responsibility in the case of persons convicted by the International Military Tribunal, (B) the Chief of Mission shall exercise responsibility in the case of persons convicted by military tribunals established by the United States Military Governor pursuant to Control Council Law No. 10, and (C) the Commander shall exercise responsibility in the case of persons convicted by other military tribunals established by United States Military Commanders in Germany and elsewhere. The Commanders shall, on request of the Chief of Mission, take necessary measures for carrying into execution any sentences adjudged against such persons in category (B) as to whom the Chief of Mission has responsibility and control. Transfer of custody of persons in categories (B) and (C) to the Federal Republic of Germany as provided in the Convention on the Settlement of Matters Arising Out of the War and Occupation shall terminate the responsibility of the Chief of Mission and the Commander with respect to such persons to the extent that the responsibility of the United States for them is thereupon terminated pursuant to the provisions of the said Convention.

6. If major differences arise over matters affecting the United States Forces in Germany, such differences may be referred to the Department of State and the Department of Defense for resolution.

7. This order shall become effective on the date that the Convention on Relations between the Three Powers and the Federal Republic of Germany and related Conventions, as amended, come into force.

Executive Order No. 11970

Ex. Ord. No. 11970, Feb. 5, 1977, 42 F.R. 7919, establishing the Presidential Advisory Board on Ambassadorial Appointments, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12299, Mar. 17, 1981, 46 F.R. 17751.

Term of the Presidential Advisory Board on Ambassadorial Appointments extended until Dec. 31, 1980, see Ex. Ord. No. 12110, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1069, formerly set out as a note under section 14 of the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§3943. Appointments by the Secretary

The Secretary may appoint the members of the Service (other than the members of the Service who are in the personnel categories specified in section 3942(a) of this title) in accordance with this chapter and such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §303, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2085.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 96–465, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2071, known as the Foreign Service Act of 1980, which is classified principally to this chapter (§3901 et seq.). For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3901 of this title and Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Lateral Entry Into the Foreign Service

Pub. L. 114–323, title IV, §404, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1928, as amended by Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXII, §6204(a), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 972, provided that:

"(a) Sense of Congress.—It is the sense of Congress that the Foreign Service [of the United States] should permit mid-career entry into the Foreign Service for qualified individuals who are willing to bring their outstanding talents and experiences to the work of the Foreign Service.

"(b) Pilot Program.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 16, 2016], the Secretary [of State] shall establish a 5-year pilot program for lateral entry into the Foreign Service that—

"(1) targets mid-career individuals from the civil service and private sector who have skills and experience that would be extremely valuable to the Foreign Service;

"(2) is in full comportment with current Foreign Service intake procedures, including the requirement to pass the Foreign Service exam;

"(3) offers participants in such pilot program placement in the Foreign Service at a grade level higher than FS–4 if such placement is warranted by the education and qualifying experience of such individuals;

"(4) requires only one directed assignment in a position appropriate to such pilot program participant's grade level;

"(5) includes, as part of the required initial training, a class or module that specifically prepares participants in such pilot program for life in the Foreign Service, including conveying to such participants essential elements of the practical knowledge that is normally acquired during a Foreign Service officer's initial assignments[;]

"(6) includes an annual assessment of the progress of such pilot program by a review board consisting of Department [of State] officials with appropriate expertise, including employees of the Foreign Service, in order to evaluate such pilot program's success;

"(7) does not include the use of Foreign Service-Limited or other noncareer Foreign Service hiring authorities; and

"(8) includes not fewer than 30 participants for each year of the pilot program.

"(c) Annual Reporting.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter for the duration of the pilot program described in subsection (b), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees [Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives] a report that describes the following:

"(1) The cumulative number of accepted and unaccepted applicants to such pilot program.

"(2) The cumulative number of pilot program participants placed into each Foreign Service cone.

"(3) The grade level at which each pilot program participant entered the Foreign Service.

"(4) Information about the first assignment to which each pilot program participant was directed.

"(5) The structure and operation of such pilot program, including—

"(A) the operation of such pilot program to date; and

"(B) any observations and lessons learned about such pilot program that the Secretary considers relevant.

"(d) Longitudinal Data.—The Secretary shall—

"(1) collect and maintain data on the career progression of each pilot program participant for the length of each participant's Foreign Service career; and

"(2) make the data described in paragraph (1) available to the appropriate congressional committees upon request.

"(e) Certification.—If the Secretary does not commence the lateral entry program within 180 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection [Dec. 22, 2023], the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees—

"(1) certifying that progress is being made on implementation of the pilot program and describing such progress, including the date on which applicants will be able to apply;

"(2) estimating the date by which the pilot program will be fully implemented; [and]

"(3) outlining how the Department will use the Lateral Entry Program to fill needed skill sets in key areas such as cyberspace, emerging technologies, economic statecraft, multilateral diplomacy, and data and other sciences."

Prohibition on Certain Employment at United States Diplomatic and Consular Missions in Communist Countries

Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §157, Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1354, provided that:

"(a) Prohibition.—After September 30, 1990, no national of a Communist country may be employed as a foreign national employee in any area of a United States diplomatic or consular facility in any Communist country where classified materials are maintained.

"(b) Definition.—As used in this section, the term 'Communist country' means a country listed in section 620(f) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 [22 U.S.C. 2370(f)].

"(c) Additional Funds for Hiring United States Citizens.—The Congress expresses its willingness to provide additional funds to the Department of State for the expenses of employing United States nationals to replace the individuals dismissed by reason of subsection (a).

"(d) Report and Request for Funds.—As a part of the Department of State's authorization request for fiscal years 1990 and 1991, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the heads of all relevant agencies, shall submit—

"(1) a report, which shall include—

"(A) a feasibility study of the implementation of this section; and

"(B) an analysis of the impact of the implementation of this section on the budget of the Department of State; and

"(2) a request for funds necessary for the implementation of this section pursuant to the findings and conclusions specified in the report under paragraph (1).

"(e) Waiver.—The President may waive this section—

"(1) if funds are not specifically authorized and appropriated to carry out this section; or

"(2) the President determines that it is in the national security interest of the United States to continue to employ foreign service nationals.

The President shall notify the appropriate committees of Congress each time he makes the waiver conferred on him by this section."

Soviet Employees at United States Diplomatic and Consular Missions in the Soviet Union

Pub. L. 99–93, title I, §136, Aug. 16, 1985, 99 Stat. 421, provided that:

"(a) Limitation.—To the maximum extent practicable, citizens of the Soviet Union shall not be employed as foreign national employees at United States diplomatic or consular missions in the Soviet Union after September 30, 1986.

"(b) Report.—Should the President determine that the implementation of subsection (a) poses undue practical or administrative difficulties, he is requested to submit a report to the Congress describing the number and type of Soviet foreign national employees he wishes to retain at or in proximity to United States diplomatic and consular posts in the Soviet Union, the anticipated duration of their continued employment, the reasons for their continued employment, and the risks associated with the retention of these employees."

Executive Documents

Employment of Soviet Nationals at U.S. Diplomatic and Consular Missions in Soviet Union

Determination of President of the United States, No. 92–4, Oct. 24, 1991, 56 F.R. 56567, provided:

Memorandum for the Secretary of State

By the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, including section 301 of title 3 of the United States Code and section 136 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1986 and 1987 (Public Law 99–93) ("the Act") [set out as a note above], I hereby determine that implementation of section 136(a) of the Act poses undue practical and administrative difficulties. Consistent with this determination, you are authorized to employ Soviet nationals in nonsensitive areas of the New Embassy Compound in Moscow under strict monitoring by cleared Americans. Further, I delegate to you the responsibility vested in me by section 136(b) of the Act to report to the Congress on circumstances relevant to this determination. Such responsibility may be redelegated within the Department of State.

You are authorized and directed to report this determination to the Congress and to publish it in the Federal Register.

George Bush.      

§3944. Chiefs of Mission

(a) Qualifications; preference for career members; political contributions as factor in appointment; demonstrated competency report

(1) An individual appointed or assigned to be a chief of mission should possess clearly demonstrated competence to perform the duties of a chief of mission, including, to the maximum extent practicable, a useful knowledge of the principal language or dialect of the country in which the individual is to serve, and knowledge and understanding of the history, the culture, the economic and political institutions, and the interests of that country and its people.

(2) Given the qualifications specified in paragraph (1), positions as chief of mission should normally be accorded to career members of the Service, though circumstances will warrant appointments from time to time of qualified individuals who are not career members of the Service.

(3) Contributions to political campaigns should not be a factor in the appointment of an individual as a chief of mission.

(4) The President shall provide the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, with each nomination for an appointment as a chief of mission, a report on the demonstrated competence of that nominee to perform the duties of the position in which he or she is to serve.

(b) Furnishing of information by Secretary; political campaign contributions report

(1) In order to assist the President in selecting qualified candidates for appointment or assignment as chiefs of mission, the Secretary of State shall from time to time furnish the President with the names of career members of the Service who are qualified to serve as chiefs of mission, together with pertinent information about such members.

(2) The Secretary shall also furnish to the President, on an annual basis and to assist the President in selecting qualified candidates for appointments or assignments as chief of mission, the names of between 5 and 10 career civil servants serving at the Department of State or the United States Agency for International Development who are qualified to serve as chiefs of mission, together with pertinent information about such individuals.

(3) Each individual nominated by the President to be a chief of mission, ambassador at large, or minister shall, at the time of nomination, file with the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a report of contributions made by such individual and by members of his or her immediate family during the period beginning on the first day of the fourth calendar year preceding the calendar year of the nomination and ending on the date of the nomination. The report shall be verified by the oath of the nominee, taken before any individual authorized to administer oaths. The chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate shall have each such report printed in the Congressional Record. As used in this paragraph, the term "contribution" has the same meaning given such term by section 30101(8) of title 52, and the term "immediate family" means the spouse of the nominee, and any child, parent, grandparent, brother, or sister of the nominee and the spouses of any of them.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §304, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2085; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title II, §208(b)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-422; Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXII, §6207, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 974.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (b)(2), (3). Pub. L. 118–31 added par. (2) and redesignated former par. (2) as (3).

1999—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 106–113 struck out subsec. (c) which read as follows: "Within 6 months after assuming the position, the chief of mission to a foreign country shall submit, to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, a report describing his or her own foreign language competence and the foreign language competence of the mission staff in the principal language or other dialect of that country."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Public Availability of Reports on Nominees To Be Chiefs of Mission

Pub. L. 114–323, title VII, §712, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1945, provided that: "Not later than 7 days after submitting the report required under section 304(a)(4) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3944(a)(4)) to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, the President shall make the report available to the public, including by posting the report on the website of the Department [of State] in a conspicuous manner and location."

§3945. Senior Foreign Service

(a) Salary class

Appointment to the Senior Foreign Service shall be to a salary class established under section 3962 of this title, and not to a position.

(b) Limited appointment

An individual may not be given a limited appointment in the Senior Foreign Service if that appointment would cause the number of members of the Senior Foreign Service serving under limited appointments to exceed 5 percent of the total number of members of the Senior Foreign Service, except that (1) members of the Senior Foreign Service assigned to the Peace Corps shall be excluded in the calculation and application of this limitation, and (2) members of the Senior Foreign Service serving under limited appointments with reemployment rights under section 3950 of this title as career appointees in the Senior Executive Service shall be considered to be career members of the Senior Foreign Service for purposes of this subsection.

(c) Appointments by Secretary of Commerce

(1) Appointments to the Senior Foreign Service by the Secretary of Commerce shall be excluded in the calculation and application of the limitation in subsection (b).

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (3), no more than one individual (other than an individual with reemployment rights under section 3950 of this title as a career appointee in the Senior Executive Service) may serve under a limited appointment in the Senior Foreign Service in the Department of Commerce at any time.

(3) The Secretary of Commerce may appoint an individual to a limited appointment in the Senior Foreign Service for a specific position abroad if—

(A) no career member of the Service who has the necessary qualifications is available to serve in the position; and

(B) the individual appointed has unique qualifications for the specific position.

(d) Recertification process

The Secretary shall by regulation establish a recertification process for members of the Senior Foreign Service that is equivalent to the recertification process for the Senior Executive Service under section 3393a of title 5.¹

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §305, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2086; Pub. L. 99–93, title I, §119(a), Aug. 16, 1985, 99 Stat. 412; Pub. L. 101–194, title V, §506(c)(1), Nov. 30, 1989, 103 Stat. 1759; Pub. L. 101–280, §6(d)(3), May 4, 1990, 104 Stat. 160.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 3393a of title 5, referred to in subsec. (d), was repealed by Pub. L. 107–296, title XIII, §1321(a)(1)(B), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2296.

Amendments

1990—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–280 made technical correction to Pub. L. 101–194. See 1989 Amendment note below.

1989—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–194, as amended by Pub. L. 101–280, added subsec. (d).

1985—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–93 added subsec. (c).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–194 effective Jan. 1, 1991, see section 506(d) of Pub. L. 101–194, set out as a note under section 3151 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Effective Date of 1985 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–93, title I, §119(c), Aug. 16, 1985, 99 Stat. 412, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section and provisions set out as a note under section 3901 of this title] shall take effect on October 1, 1985."

Effective Date

Section effective Feb. 15, 1981, with an exception that appointments to the Senior Foreign Service by the Secretary of Commerce shall be excluded in the calculation and limitation in subsec. (b) of this section until Oct. 1, 1985, which was repealed by section 119(b) of Pub. L. 99–93, see section 2403 of Pub. L. 96–465, set out as a note under section 3901 of this title.

Placement of Senior Foreign Service Personnel

Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §324], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-437, required the Director General of the Foreign Service to submit a report on the first day of each fiscal quarter to the appropriate congressional committees containing the number of members of the Senior Foreign Service, the number of vacant positions designated for such members, and the number of those members not assigned to positions, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 107–228, div. A, title VI, §671(4), Sept. 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 1407.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§3946. Career appointments

(a) Trial period under limited appointment

Before receiving a career appointment in the Service, an individual shall first serve under a limited appointment as a career candidate for a trial period of service prescribed by the Secretary. During such trial period of service, the Secretary shall decide whether—

(1) to offer a career appointment to the candidate under section 3943 of this title, or

(2) to recommend to the President that the candidate be given a career appointment under section 3942 of this title.

(b) Decisions by Secretary

Decisions by the Secretary under subsection (a) shall be based upon the recommendations of boards, established by the Secretary and composed entirely or primarily of career members of the Service, which shall evaluate the fitness and aptitude of career candidates for the work of the Service.

(c) Foreign Service Grievance Board decisions

Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the Secretary or the Foreign Service Grievance Board under section 4137 of this title.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §306, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2086; Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §181(c), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1363.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1987—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–204 added subsec. (c).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §181(e), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1364, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 4010 and 4137 of this title] shall not apply with respect to any grievance in which the Board has issued a final decision pursuant to section 1107 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4137) before the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 22, 1987]."

§3947. Entry levels for Foreign Service officer candidates

A career candidate for appointment as a Foreign Service officer may not be initially assigned under section 3964 of this title to a salary class higher than class 4 in the Foreign Service Schedule unless—

(1) the Secretary determines in an individual case that assignment to a higher salary class is warranted because of the qualifications (including foreign language competence) and experience of the candidate and the needs of the Service; or

(2) at the time such initial assignment is made, the candidate is serving under a career appointment in the Service and is receiving a salary at a rate equal to or higher than the minimum rate payable for class 4 in the Foreign Service Schedule.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §307, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2086.)

§3948. Recall and reappointment of career members

(a) Retired career members

Whenever the Secretary determines that the needs of the Service so require, the Secretary may recall any retired career member of the Service for active duty in the same personnel category as that member was serving at the time of retirement. A retired career member may be recalled under this section to any appropriate salary class or rate, except that a retired career member of the Senior Foreign Service may not be recalled to a salary class higher than the one in which the member was serving at the time of retirement unless appointed to such higher class by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(b) Former career members

Former career members of the Service may be reappointed under section 3942(a)(1) or 3943 of this title, without regard to section 3946 of this title, in a salary class which is appropriate in light of the qualifications and experience of the individual being reappointed.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §308, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2086.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

USAID Overseas Program

Pub. L. 118–47, div. F, title VII, §7065(a)–(d), Mar. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 846, provided that:

"(a) Authority.—Up to $170,000,000 of the funds made available in title III of this Act [title III of div. F of Pub. L. 118–47, 138 Stat. 740] pursuant to or to carry out the provisions of part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 [22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.], including funds appropriated under the heading 'Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia', may be used by the United States Agency for International Development to hire and employ individuals in the United States and overseas on a limited appointment basis pursuant to the authority of sections 308 and 309 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3948 and 3949).

"(b) Restriction.—The authority to hire individuals contained in subsection (a) shall expire on September 30, 2025.

"(c) Program Account Charged.—The account charged for the cost of an individual hired and employed under the authority of this section shall be the account to which the responsibilities of such individual primarily relate: Provided, That funds made available to carry out this section may be transferred to, and merged with, funds appropriated by this Act in title II [title II of div. F of Pub. L. 118–47, 138 Stat. 739] under the heading 'Operating Expenses'.

"(d) Foreign Service Limited Extensions.—Individuals hired and employed by USAID [United States Agency for International Development], with funds made available in this Act [div. F of Pub. L. 118–47, 138 Stat. 729] or prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs, pursuant to the authority of section 309 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3949), may be extended for a period of up to 4 years notwithstanding the limitation set forth in such section."

Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriation acts:

Pub. L. 117–328, div. K, title VII, §7065(a)–(d), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5086.

Pub. L. 117–103, div. K, title VII, §7065(a)–(d), Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 678.

Pub. L. 116–260, div. K, title VII, §7064(a)–(d), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 1809.

Pub. L. 116–94, div. G, title VII, §7064(a)–(d), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 2928, 2929, as amended by Pub. L. 116–136, div. B, title XI, §21004, Mar. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 591.

Pub. L. 116–6, div. F, title VII, §7057(a)–(e), Feb. 15, 2019, 133 Stat. 371.

Pub. L. 115–141, div. K, title VII, §7057(a)–(e), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 941.

Pub. L. 115–31, div. J, title VII, §7057(a)–(e), May 5, 2017, 131 Stat. 695.

Pub. L. 114–113, div. K, title VII, §7057(a)–(e), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2803, 2804.

Pub. L. 113–235, div. J, title VII, §7057(a)–(e), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2664, 2665.

Pub. L. 113–76, div. K, title VII, §7057(a)–(e), Jan. 17, 2014, 128 Stat. 549.

Pub. L. 112–74, div. I, title VII, §7057(a)–(e), Dec. 23, 2011, 125 Stat. 1244.

Pub. L. 111–117, div. F, title VII, §7059(a)–(g), Dec. 16, 2009, 123 Stat. 3380, 3381.

Pub. L. 111–8, div. H, title VII, §7059(a)–(g), Mar. 11, 2009, 123 Stat. 896.

Pub. L. 110–161, div. J, title VI, §676, Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2357.

Pub. L. 109–102, title V, §577, Nov. 14, 2005, 119 Stat. 2231.

Pub. L. 108–447, div. D, title V, §588, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3034.

Pub. L. 108–199, div. D, title V, §525, Jan. 23, 2004, 118 Stat. 176, provided that: "Funds appropriated by this and subsequent appropriations Acts to carry out the provisions of part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 [22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.], including funds appropriated under the heading 'Assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States', may be made available to employ individuals overseas on a limited appointment basis pursuant to the authority of sections 308 and 309 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 [22 U.S.C. 3948, 3949]: Provided, That in fiscal years 2004, 2005, and 2006 the authority of this section may be used to hire not more than 85 individuals in each such year."

§3949. Limited appointments

(a) A limited appointment in the Service, including an appointment of an individual who is an employee of an agency, may not exceed 5 years in duration and, except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), may not be extended or renewed. A limited appointment in the Service which is limited by its terms to a period of one year or less is a temporary appointment.

(b) A limited appointment may be extended for continued service—

(1) as a consular agent;

(2) in accordance with section 3951(a) of this title;

(3) as a career candidate, if—

(A) continued service is determined appropriate to remedy a matter that would be cognizable as a grievance under subchapter XI; or

(B) the individual is serving in the uniformed services (as defined in section 4303 of title 38) and the limited appointment expires in the course of such service;

(4) as a career employee in another Federal personnel system serving in a Foreign Service position on detail from another agency;

(5) as a foreign national employee;

(6) in exceptional circumstances if the Secretary determines the needs of the Service require the extension of—

(A) a limited noncareer appointment for a period not to exceed 1 year; or

(B) a limited appointment of a career candidate for the minimum time needed to resolve a grievance, claim, investigation, or complaint not otherwise provided for in this section.

(c)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) noncareer employees who have served for 5 consecutive years under a limited appointment under this section may be reappointed to a subsequent noncareer limited appointment if there is at least a 1-year break in service before such new appointment.

(2) The Secretary may waive the 1-year break requirement under paragraph (1) in cases of special need.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §309, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2086; Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §176, Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1361; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §180(a)(1), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 415; Pub. L. 103–415, §1(hh), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4303; Pub. L. 114–323, title IV, §409, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1930.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–323, §409(1), substituted "subsections (b) and (c)" for "subsection (b)".

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 114–323, §409(2)(A), substituted "if—" for "if", inserted subpar. (A) designation before "continued service" and "or" after semicolon at end, and added subpar. (B).

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 114–323, §409(2)(B)–(D), added par. (6).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–323, §409(3), added subsec. (c).

1994—Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 103–236, as amended by Pub. L. 103–415, added par. (5).

1987—Pub. L. 100–204 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), substituted "subsection (b)" for "section 3951(a) of this title", and added subsec. (b).

§3950. Reemployment rights following limited appointment

Any employee of an agency who accepts a limited appointment in the Service with the consent of the head of the agency in which the employee is employed shall be entitled, upon the termination of such limited appointment, to be reemployed in accordance with section 3597 of title 5.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §310, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2087.)

Executive Documents

Entitlement to Benefits for Services Performed Outside United States; Service Exceeding Thirty Months

Persons appointed, employed, or assigned after May 19, 1959, under former section 1787(c) of this title or section 2385(d) of this title for the purpose of performing functions under the Mutual Security Act of 1954 (see Short Title note set out under section 1754 of this title) and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (section 2151 et seq. of this title) outside the United States shall not, unless otherwise agreed by the agency in which such benefits may be exercised, be entitled to the benefits provided for by this section in cases in which their service under the appointment, employment, or assignment exceeds thirty months. See Ex. Ord. No. 12163, §1–602(b), Sept. 29, 1979, 44 F.R. 56677, as amended, set out as a note under section 2381 of this title.

§3951. United States citizens hired abroad

(a) Appointment of family members

The Secretary, under section 3943 of this title, may appoint United States citizens, who are family members of government employees assigned abroad or are hired for service at their post of residence, for employment in positions customarily filled by Foreign Service officers, Foreign Service personnel, and foreign national employees.

(b) Family nexus as affirmative hiring factor

The fact that an applicant for employment in a position referred to in subsection (a) is a family member of a Government employee assigned abroad shall be considered an affirmative factor in employing such person.

(c) Compensation of family and non-family member employees

(1) Non-family members employed under this section for service at their post of residence shall be paid in accordance with local compensation plans established under section 3968 of this title.

(2) Family members employed under this section shall be paid in accordance with the Foreign Service Schedule or the salary rates established under section 3967 of this title.

(3) In exceptional circumstances, non-family members may be paid in accordance with the Foreign Service Schedule or the salary rates established under section 3967 of this title, if the Secretary determines that the national interest would be served by such payments.

(d) Non-family member employees ineligible for certain benefits

Nonfamily member United States citizens employed under this section shall not be eligible by reason of such employment for benefits under subchapter VIII of this chapter, or under chapters ¹ 83 or 84 of title 5.

(e) Employment standards

The Secretary shall hold a family member of a government employee described in subsection (a) seeking employment in a position described in that subsection to the same employment standards as those applicable to Foreign Service officers, Foreign Service personnel, or foreign national employees seeking the same or a substantially similar position.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §311, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2087; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §180(a)(2), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 415; Pub. L. 103–415, §1(h)(1), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4300; Pub. L. 117–81, div. F, title LXII, §6205, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2391.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 117–81 added subsec. (e).

1994—Pub. L. 103–415 substituted "United States citizens hired abroad" for "Employment of family members of Government employees" as section catchline and inserted "by reason of such employment" after "eligible" in subsec. (d).

Pub. L. 103–236 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows:

"(a) The Secretary, when employing individuals abroad in positions to which career members of the Service are not customarily assigned (including, when continuity over a long term is not a significant consideration, vacant positions normally filled by foreign national employees), shall give equal consideration to employing available qualified family members of members of the Service or of other Government employees assigned abroad. Family members so employed shall serve under renewable limited appointments in the Service and may be paid either in accordance with the Foreign Service Schedule or a local compensation plan established under section 3968 of this title.

"(b) Employment of family members in accordance with this section may not be used to avoid fulfilling the need for full-time career positions."

¹ So in original. Probably should be "chapter".

§3952. Diplomatic and consular missions

(a) Recommendations by Secretary of State; appointment by President; vice consul; performance of official functions under commission

The Secretary of State may recommend to the President that a member of the Service who is a citizen of the United States be commissioned as a diplomatic or consular officer or both. The President may, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, commission such member of the Service as a diplomatic or consular officer or both. The Secretary of State may commission as a vice consul a member of the Service who is a citizen of the United States. All official functions performed by a diplomatic or consular officer, including a vice consul, shall be performed under such a commission.

(b) Function of commissioned Service members

Members of the Service commissioned under this section may, in accordance with their commissions, perform any function which any category of diplomatic officer (other than a chief of mission) or consular officer is authorized by law to perform.

(c) Limits of consular districts

The Secretary of State shall define the limits of consular districts.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §312, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2087.)

SUBCHAPTER IV—COMPENSATION

§3961. Salaries of chiefs of mission

(a) Except as provided in section 3942(b) of this title, each chief of mission shall receive a salary, as determined by the President, at one of the annual rates payable for levels II through V of the Executive Schedule under sections 5313 through 5316 of title 5, except that the total compensation, exclusive of danger pay, for any chief of mission shall be subject to the limitation on certain payments under section 5307 of title 5 or the limitation under section 3962(a)(3) of this title, whichever is higher.

(b) The salary of a chief of mission shall commence upon the effective date of appointment to that position. The official services of a chief of mission are not terminated by the appointment of a successor, but shall continue for such additional period, not to exceed 50 days after relinquishment of charge of the mission, as the Secretary of State may determine. During that period, the Secretary of State may require the chief of mission to perform such functions as the Secretary of State deems necessary in the interest of the Government.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §401, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2087; Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §177(a), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1362; Pub. L. 102–138, title I, §142(b), Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 668; Pub. L. 108–447, div. B, title IV, §412(c), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2905.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2004—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–447, which directed the substitution of "shall be subject to the limitation on certain payments under section 5307 of title 5 or the limitation under section 3962(a)(3) of this title, whichever is higher" for "shall not exceed the annual rate of pay payable for level I of such Executive Schedule", was executed by making the substitution for "shall not exceed the annual rate payable for level I of such Executive Schedule" to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

1991—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–138 substituted "Except as provided in section 3942(b) of this title, each" for "Each" and "level I of such" for "level II of such".

1987—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–204 substituted "Each chief" for "Except as provided in section 3942(b) of this title, each chief", and inserted before period at end ", except that the total compensation, exclusive of danger pay, for any chief of mission shall not exceed the annual rate payable for level II of such Executive Schedule".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–204 not applicable to salary of any individual serving under Presidential appointment under section 3942 of this title immediately before Dec. 22, 1987, during the period such individual continues to serve in such position, see section 177(c) of Pub. L. 100–204, set out as a note under section 3942 of this title.

§3962. Salaries of Senior Foreign Service members

(a) Prescription by President; basic salary rates; adjustments; determinations by Secretary

(1) The President shall prescribe salary classes for the Senior Foreign Service and shall prescribe an appropriate title for each class. The President shall also prescribe ranges of basic salary rates for each class. Except as provided in paragraph (3), basic salary rates for the Senior Foreign Service may not exceed the maximum rate or be less than the minimum rate of basic pay payable for the Senior Executive Service under section 5382 of title 5.

(2) The Secretary shall determine which basic salary rate within the ranges prescribed by the President under paragraph (1) shall be paid to each member of the Senior Foreign Service based on individual performance, contribution to the mission of the Department, or both, as determined under a rigorous performance management system. Except as provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary and, to the extent possible, consistent with regulations governing the Senior Executive Service, the Secretary may adjust the basic salary rate of a member of the Senior Foreign Service not more than once during any 12-month period.

(3) Upon a determination by the Secretary that the Senior Foreign Service performance appraisal system, as designed and applied, makes meaningful distinctions based on relative performance—

(A) the maximum rate of basic pay payable for the Senior Foreign Service shall be level II of the Executive Schedule; and

(B) the applicable aggregate pay cap shall be equivalent to the aggregate pay cap set forth in section 5307(d)(1) of title 5 for members of the Senior Executive Service.

(b) Career appointees in Senior Executive Service accepting limited appointment in Senior Foreign Service; adjustment

(1) An individual who is a career appointee in the Senior Executive Service receiving basic pay at one of the rates payable under section 5382 of title 5 and who accepts a limited appointment in the Senior Foreign Service in a salary class for which the basic salary rate is less than such basic rate of pay, shall be paid a salary at his or her former basic rate of pay (with adjustments as provided in paragraph (2)) until the salary for his or her salary class in the Senior Foreign Service equals or exceeds the salary payable to such individual under this subsection.

(2) The salary paid to an individual under this subsection shall be adjusted by 50 percent of each adjustment, which takes effect after the appointment of such individual to the Senior Foreign Service, in the basic rate of pay at which that individual was paid under section 5382 of title 5 immediately prior to such appointment.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §402, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2087; Pub. L. 97–241, title I, §124, Aug. 24, 1982, 96 Stat. 281; Pub. L. 108–447, div. B, title IV, §412(a), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2905.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Level II of the Executive Schedule, referred to in subsec. (a)(3)(A), is set out in section 5313 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Amendments

2004—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 108–447, §412(a)(1), substituted "The President shall also prescribe ranges of basic salary rates for each class. Except as provided in paragraph (3), basic salary rates for the Senior Foreign Service may not exceed the maximum rate or be less than the minimum rate of basic pay payable for the Senior Executive Service under section 5382 of title 5." for "The President shall also prescribe one or more basic salary rates for each class. Basic salary rates for the Senior Foreign Service may not exceed the maximum rate or be less than the minimum rate of basic pay payable for the Senior Executive Service under section 5382 of title 5, and shall be adjusted at the same time and in the same manner as rates of basic pay are adjusted for the Senior Executive Service."

Subsec. (a)(2), (3). Pub. L. 108–447, §412(a)(2), added pars. (2) and (3) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "The Secretary shall determine which of the basic salary rates prescribed by the President under paragraph (1) for any salary class shall be paid to each member of the Senior Foreign Service who is appointed to that class. The Secretary may adjust the basic salary rate of a member of the Senior Foreign Service not more than once during any 12-month period."

1982—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–241 designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted provision authorizing the President to prescribe one or more basic salary rates for each class, and added par. (2).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Feb. 15, 1981, except that subsec. (a), for purposes of implementing section 4151 of this title, is effective Oct. 17, 1980, see section 2403(a) and (d)(2) of Pub. L. 96–465, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3901 of this title.

Executive Documents

Establishment of Salary Classes With Titles for Senior Foreign Service

For establishment of salary classes with titles for the Senior Foreign Service, at basic rates of pay equivalent to that established from time to time for the Senior Executive Service under section 5382 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, see section 4 of Ex. Ord. No. 12293, Feb. 23, 1981, 46 F.R. 13969, set out as a note under section 3901 of this title.

§3963. Foreign Service Schedule

The President shall establish a Foreign Service Schedule which shall consist of 9 salary classes and which shall apply to members of the Service who are citizens of the United States and for whom salary rates are not otherwise provided for by this subchapter. The maximum salary rate for the highest class established under this section, which shall be designated class 1, may not exceed the maximum rate of basic pay prescribed for GS–15 of the General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5. Salary rates established under this section shall be adjusted in accordance with section 5303 of title 5.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §403, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2088; Pub. L. 101–509, title V, §529 [title I, §101(b)(1)], Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1427, 1439.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1990—Pub. L. 101–509 substituted "section 5303" for "subchapter I of chapter 53".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–509 effective on such date as the President shall determine, but not earlier than 90 days, and not later than 180 days, after Nov. 5, 1990, see section 529 [title I, §305] of Pub. L. 101–509, set out as a note under section 5301 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Effective Date

Section effective Feb. 15, 1981, except that for purposes of implementing section 4151 of this title it is effective Oct. 17, 1980, see section 2403(a) and (d)(2) of Pub. L. 96–465, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3901 of this title.

Executive Documents

Executive Order No. 12249

Ex. Ord. No. 12249, Oct. 25, 1980, 45 F.R. 71347, which provided for a Foreign Service Schedule, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12330, Oct. 15, 1981, 46 F.R. 50921, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Adjustment of Foreign Service Schedule

For adjustment of Foreign Service Schedule pay rates under this section, see the executive order detailing the adjustment of certain rates of pay set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§3964. Assignments to salary class

(a) The Secretary shall assign all Foreign Service officers and Foreign Service personnel (other than Foreign Service personnel who are paid in accordance with section 3967 of this title or section 3968 of this title) to appropriate salary classes in the Foreign Service Schedule.

(b)(1) The salary class to which a member of the Service is assigned under this section shall not be affected by the assignment of the member to a position classified under subchapter V.

(2) Except as authorized by subchapter I of chapter 35 of title 5, changes in the salary class of a member of the Senior Foreign Service or a member of the Service assigned to a salary class in the Foreign Service Schedule shall be made only in accordance with subchapter VI. The Secretary shall prescribe regulations (which shall be consistent with the relevant provisions of subchapter VI of chapter 53 of title 5 and with the regulations prescribed to carry out such provisions) providing for retention of pay by members of the Service in cases in which reduction-in-force procedures are applied.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §404, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2088; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §180(a)(3), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 415.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–236 struck out "who are family members of Government employees paid in accordance with a local compensation plan established under" after "section 3967 of this title or".

§3965. Performance pay

(a) Eligibility; additional lump sum payment; excessive compensation not precluding award

Subject to subsection (e), members of the Senior Foreign Service who are serving—

(1) under career or career candidate appointments, or

(2) under limited appointments with reemployment rights under section 3950 of this title as career appointees in the Senior Executive Service,

shall be eligible to compete for performance pay in accordance with this section. Performance pay shall be paid in a lump sum and shall be in addition to the basic salary prescribed under section 3962 of this title and any other award. The fact that a member of the Senior Foreign Service competing for performance pay would, as a result of the payment of such performance pay, receive compensation exceeding the compensation of any other member of the Service shall not preclude the award or its payment.

(b) Criteria; limitations

Awards of performance pay shall take into account the criteria established by the Office of Personnel Management for performance awards under section 5384 of title 5 and rank awards under section 4507 of title 5. Awards of performance pay under this section shall be subject to the following limitations:

(1) Not more than 33 percent of the members of the Senior Foreign Service may receive performance pay in any fiscal year.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (3), performance pay for a member of the Senior Foreign Service may not exceed 20 percent of the annual rate of basic salary for that member.

(3) Not more than 6 percent of the members of the Senior Foreign Service may receive performance pay in any fiscal year in an amount which exceeds the percentage limitation specified in paragraph (2). Payments under this paragraph to a member of the Senior Foreign Service may not exceed, in any fiscal year, the percentage of basic pay established under section 4507(e)(1) of title 5 for a Meritorious Executive, except that payments of the percentage of the basic pay established under section 4507(e)(2) of such title for Distinguished Executives may be made in any fiscal year to up to 1 percent of the members of the Senior Foreign Service.

(4) Any award under this section shall be subject to the limitation on certain payments under section 5307 of title 5, or the limitation under section 3962(a)(3) of this title, whichever is higher.

(5) The Secretary of State shall prescribe regulations, consistent with section 5582 of title 5, under which payment under this section shall be made in the case of any individual whose death precludes payment under paragraph (4) of this subsection.

(c) Determination of amount by Secretary; distribution on basis of selection board recommendations

The Secretary shall determine the amount of performance pay available under subsection (b)(2) each year for distribution among the members of the Senior Foreign Service and shall distribute performance pay to particular individuals on the basis of recommendations by selection boards established under section 4002 of this title.

(d) Recommendations for meritorious or distinguished service awards

The President may grant awards of performance pay under subsection (b)(3) on the basis of annual recommendations by the Secretary of State of members of the Senior Foreign Service who are nominated by their agencies as having performed especially meritorious or distinguished service. Such service in the promotion of internationally recognized human rights, including the right to freedom of religion, shall serve as a basis for granting awards under this section. Recommendations by the Secretary of State under this subsection shall be made on the basis of recommendations by special interagency selection boards established by the Secretary of State for the purpose of reviewing and evaluating the nominations of agencies.

(e) Recognition in lieu of award

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of State may provide for recognition of the meritorious or distinguished service of any member of the Foreign Service described in subsection (a) (including any member of the Senior Foreign Service) by means other than an award of performance pay in lieu of making such an award under this section.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §405, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2088; Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §175(b), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1361; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §173(d), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 412; Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. B, title XXIII, §2311(a), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–826; Pub. L. 105–292, title V, §504(a), Oct. 27, 1998, 112 Stat. 2811; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §323], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-437; Pub. L. 107–228, div. A, title III, §312(a), Sept. 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 1378; Pub. L. 108–447, div. B, title IV, §412(b), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2905.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2004—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 108–447 inserted ", or the limitation under section 3962(a)(3) of this title, whichever is higher" before period at end.

2002—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 107–228 inserted second sentence and struck out former second sentence which read as follows: "Payments under this paragraph to a member of the Senior Foreign Service may not exceed $10,000 in any fiscal year, except that payments of up to $20,000 in any fiscal year may be made under this paragraph to up to 1 percent of the members of the Senior Foreign Service."

1999—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 106–113 substituted "33" for "50".

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–277, §2311(a)(1), substituted "Subject to subsection (e), members" for "Members" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–292 inserted "Such service in the promotion of internationally recognized human rights, including the right to freedom of religion, shall serve as a basis for granting awards under this section." after first sentence.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–277, §2311(a)(2), added subsec. (e).

1994—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 103–236 amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) read as follows: "The total amount of basic salary plus performance pay received in any fiscal year by any member of the Senior Foreign Service may not exceed the salary payable for level I of the Executive Schedule under section 5312 of title 5 as in effect at the end of that fiscal year. Any amount which is not paid to a member of the Senior Foreign Service during a fiscal year because of this limitation shall be paid to that individual in a lump sum at the beginning of the following fiscal year. Any amount paid under this authority during a fiscal year shall be taken into account for purposes of applying the limitation in the first sentence of this subparagraph with respect to such fiscal year."

1987—Subsec. (b)(4), (5). Pub. L. 100–204 inserted at end of par. (4) "Any amount which is not paid to a member of the Senior Foreign Service during a fiscal year because of this limitation shall be paid to that individual in a lump sum at the beginning of the following fiscal year. Any amount paid under this authority during a fiscal year shall be taken into account for purposes of applying the limitation in the first sentence of this subparagraph with respect to such fiscal year." and added par. (5).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–228, div. A, title III, §312(b), Sept. 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 1378, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect October 1, 2002."

Senior Foreign Service Performance Pay

Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §173(a)–(c), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 412, as amended by Pub. L. 103–415, §1(gg), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4303, provided that:

"(a) Prohibition on Awards.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of State may not award or pay performance payments for fiscal years 1994 and 1995 under section 405 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3965), unless the Secretary awards or pays performance awards to other Federal employees for such fiscal years.

"(b) Awards in Subsequent Fiscal Years.—The Secretary may not make a performance award or payment in any fiscal year after a fiscal year referred to in subsection (a) for the purpose of providing an individual with a performance award or payment to which the individual would otherwise have been entitled in a fiscal year referred to in such subsection but for the prohibition described in such subsection.

"(c) Application to USIA, AID, and ACDA.—Subsections (a) and (b) shall apply to the United States Information Agency, the Agency for International Development, and the United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency in the same manner as such subsections apply to the Department of State, except that the Director of the United States Information Agency, the Administrator of the Agency for International Development, and the Director of the United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency shall be subject to the limitations and authority of the Secretary of State under subsections (a) and (b) for their respective agencies."

[For abolition of United States Information Agency (other than Broadcasting Board of Governors and International Broadcasting Bureau), transfer of functions, and treatment of references thereto, see sections 6531, 6532, and 6551 of this title, and for abolition, transfer of functions, and treatment of references to United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, see section 6511 et seq. of this title.]

Review of Performance Pay Programs

Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §175(a), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1361, provided that:

"(1) Suspension of awards during review.—During the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 22, 1987], and ending on the date on which the Inspector General of the Department of State reports to the Congress pursuant to paragraph (2), performance pay may not be awarded under section 405 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3965) to any member of the Senior Foreign Service in the Department of State.

"(2) Review by inspector general.—The Inspector General of the Department of State shall conduct a complete and thorough review of—

"(A) the procedures in the Department of State under which performance pay recipients are chosen to determine whether the procedures and award determinations are free from bias and reflect fair standards; and

"(B) the adequacy of the criteria and the equity of the criteria actually applied in making those awards.

The review should be conducted in accordance with generally accepted Government auditing standards. The Inspector General shall report the results of this review to the Secretary of State and to the Congress no later than May 1, 1988.

"(3) Report by secretary of state.—No later than 60 days after the report of the Inspector General is submitted to the Secretary of State under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report containing the comments of the Secretary on the report of the Inspector General and describing the actions taken and proposed to be taken by the Secretary as a result of the report."

§3966. Within-class salary increases

(a) Time period; limitation

Any member of the Service receiving a salary under the Foreign Service Schedule shall be advanced to the next higher salary step in the member's class at the beginning of the first applicable pay period following the completion by that member of a period of—

(1) 52 calendar weeks of service in each of salary steps 1 through 9, and

(2) 104 calendar weeks of service in each of salary steps 10 through 13,

unless the performance of the member during that period is found in a review by a selection board established under section 4002 of this title to fall below the standards of performance for his or her salary class.

(b) Additional increase for meritorious service

The Secretary may grant, on the basis of especially meritorious service, to any member of the Service receiving an increase in salary under subsection (a), an additional salary increase to any higher step in the salary class in which the member is serving.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §406, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2089.)

§3967. Salaries for Foreign Service personnel abroad who perform routine duties

(a) The Secretary may establish salary rates at rates lower than those established for the Foreign Service Schedule for the Foreign Service personnel described in subsection (b). The rates established under this subsection may be no less than the then applicable minimum wage rate specified in section 206(a)(1) of title 29.

(b) The Secretary may pay Foreign Service personnel who are recruited abroad, who are not available or are not qualified for assignment to another Foreign Service post, and who perform duties of a more routine nature than are generally performed by Foreign Service personnel assigned to class 9 in the Foreign Service Schedule, in accordance with the salary rates established under subsection (a).

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §407, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2090.)

§3968. Local compensation plans

(a) Establishment; rates of pay; leaves of absence; supplemental payments; transfer from Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund

(1) The Secretary shall establish compensation (including position classification) plans for foreign national employees of the Service and United States citizens employed under section 3951(c)(1) of this title. To the extent consistent with the public interest, each compensation plan shall be based upon prevailing wage rates and compensation practices (including participation in local social security plans) for corresponding types of positions in the locality of employment, except that such compensation plans shall provide for payment of wages to United States citizens at a rate which is no less than the then applicable minimum wage rate specified in section 206(a)(1) of title 29. Any compensation plan established under this section may include provision for (A) leaves of absence with pay for employees in accordance with prevailing law and employment practices in the locality of employment without regard to any limitation contained in section 6310 of title 5, (B) programs for voluntary transfers of such leave and voluntary leave banks, which shall, to the extent practicable, be established in a manner consistent with the provisions of subchapters III and IV, respectively, of chapter 63 of title 5, and (C) payments by the Government and employees to (i) a trust or other fund in a financial institution in order to finance future benefits for employees, including provision for retention in the fund of accumulated interest and dividends for the benefit of covered employees; or (ii) a Foreign Service National Savings Fund established in the Treasury of the United States, which (I) shall be administered by the Secretary, at whose direction the Secretary of the Treasury shall invest amounts not required for the current needs of the Fund; and (II) shall be public monies, which are authorized to be appropriated and remain available without fiscal year limitation to pay benefits, to be invested in public debt obligations bearing interest at rates determined by the Secretary of the Treasury taking into consideration current average market yields on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States of comparable maturity, and to pay administrative expenses. For United States citizens under a compensation plan, the Secretary shall define those allowances and benefits provided under United States law which shall be included as part of the total compensation package, notwithstanding any other provision of law, except that this section shall not be used to override United States minimum wage requirements, or any provision of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] or title 26.

(2) The Secretary may make supplemental payments to any civil service annuitant who is a former foreign national employee of the Service (or who is receiving an annuity as a survivor of a former foreign national employee of the Service) in order to offset exchange rate losses, if the annuity being paid such annuitant is based on—

(A) a salary that was fixed in a foreign currency that has appreciated in value in terms of the United States dollar; and

(B) service in a country in which (as determined by the Secretary) the average retirement benefits being received by individuals who retired from competitive local organizations are superior to the local currency value of civil service annuities plus any other retirement benefits payable to foreign national employees who retired during similar time periods and after comparable careers with the Government.

(3)(A) Whenever a foreign national employee so elects during a one-year period established by the Secretary of State with respect to each post abroad, the Secretary of the Treasury (at the direction of the Secretary of State) shall transfer such employee's interest in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund to a trust or other local retirement plan certified by the United States Government under a local compensation plan established for foreign national employees pursuant to this section (excluding local social security plans).

(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the phrase "employee's interest in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund" means the total contributions of the employee and the employing agency with respect to such employee, pursuant to sections 8331(8) and 8334(a)(1) of title 5, respectively, plus interest at the rate provided in section 8334(e)(3) of such title.

(C) Any such transfer shall void any annuity rights or entitlement to lump-sum credit under subchapter III of chapter 83 of such title.

(b) Employment programs

For the purpose of performing functions abroad, any agency or other Government establishment (including any establishment in the legislative or judicial branch) may administer employment programs for its employees who are foreign nationals, are United States citizens employed in the Service abroad who were hired while residing abroad, or are family members of Government employees assigned abroad, in accordance with the applicable provisions of this chapter.

(c) Regulations

The Secretary of State may prescribe regulations governing the establishment and administration of local compensation plans under this section by all agencies and other Government establishments.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §408, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2090; Pub. L. 98–164, title I, §127(a), Nov. 22, 1983, 97 Stat. 1026; Pub. L. 101–246, title I, §141(a), Feb. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 35; Pub. L. 102–138, title I, §§148, 152, Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 670, 672; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §180(a)(4), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 415; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §322], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-436; Pub. L. 107–228, div. A, title III, §313, Sept. 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 1378.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620, which is classified generally to chapter 7 (§301 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 96–465, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2071, known as the Foreign Service Act of 1980, which is classified principally to this chapter (§3901 et. seq.). For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3901 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2002—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 107–228 in third sentence substituted "payments by the Government and employees to (i) a trust or other fund in a financial institution in order to finance future benefits for employees, including provision for retention in the fund of accumulated interest and dividends for the benefit of covered employees; or (ii) a Foreign Service National Savings Fund established in the Treasury of the United States, which (I) shall be administered by the Secretary, at whose direction the Secretary of the Treasury shall invest amounts not required for the current needs of the Fund; and (II) shall be public monies, which are authorized to be appropriated and remain available without fiscal year limitation to pay benefits, to be invested in public debt obligations bearing interest at rates determined by the Secretary of the Treasury taking into consideration current average market yields on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States of comparable maturity, and to pay administrative expenses." for "payments by the Government and employees to a trust or other fund in a financial institution in order to finance future benefits for employees, including provision for retention in the fund of accumulated interest for the benefit of covered employees."

1999—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 106–113, in last sentence, struck out "(A) provide such citizens with a total compensation package (including wages, allowances, benefits, and other employer payments, such as for social security) that has the equivalent cost to that received by foreign national employees occupying a similar position at that post and (B)" after "Secretary shall" and substituted "the total compensation package" for "this total compensation package".

1994—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 103–236, §180(a)(4)(D), inserted at end "For United States citizens under a compensation plan, the Secretary shall (A) provide such citizens with a total compensation package (including wages, allowances, benefits, and other employer payments, such as for social security) that has the equivalent cost to that received by foreign national employees occupying a similar position at that post and (B) define those allowances and benefits provided under United States law which shall be included as part of this total compensation package, notwithstanding any other provision of law, except that this section shall not be used to override United States minimum wage requirements, or any provision of the Social Security Act or title 26."

Pub. L. 103–236, §180(a)(4)(B), (C), in second sentence struck out "employed in the Service abroad who were hired while residing abroad and to those family members of Government employees who are paid in accordance with such plans" after "United States citizens" and in third sentence struck out "foreign national" before "employees" wherever appearing.

Pub. L. 103–236, §180(a)(4)(A), inserted first sentence and struck out former first sentence which read as follows: "The Secretary shall establish compensation (including position classification) plans for foreign national employees of the Service, United States citizens employed in the Service abroad who were hired while residing abroad, and for United States citizens employed in the Service abroad who are family members of Government employees."

1991—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–138, §152(a), inserted "United States citizens employed in the Service abroad who were hired while residing abroad," after "employees of the Service," and "to United States citizens employed in the Service abroad who were hired while residing abroad and" after "payment of wages".

Pub. L. 102–138, §148, added cl. (B) and redesignated former cl. (B) as (C).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–138, §152(b), inserted ", are United States citizens employed in the Service abroad who were hired while residing abroad," after "foreign nationals".

1990—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 101–246 added par. (3).

1983—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 98–164 designated existing provisions as cl. (A) and added cl. (B).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Date of Transfer From Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund

Pub. L. 101–246, title I, §141(c), Feb. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 35, provided that: "The transfer of an employee's interest in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund shall occur after October 1, 1990."

Foreign National Pay Plans

Pub. L. 96–60, title I, §107(a), Aug. 15, 1979, 93 Stat. 397, provided that: "It is the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of State should—

"(1) improve coordination between the Department of State and the Department of Defense and other departments and agencies of the United States operating outside the United States with respect to foreign national pay systems and wage schedules to the extent that—

"(A) joint wage surveys and compatible pay schedules are adopted in countries where two or more departments or agencies of the United States directly employ foreign nationals, and

"(B) Department of Defense wage rates are included in wage surveys of the Department of State where the Department of Defense operates under indirect-hire arrangements;

"(2) monitor the establishment of wage rates outside the United States more closely to insure that United States missions—

"(A) operate under salary schedules that reflect private sector average pay or average pay ranges,

"(B) include the cost of severance in making pay adjustments, and

"(C) survey jobs in the private sector which represent as closely as possible the work force of the mission; and

"(3) substitute, whenever possible, prevailing local retirement plans for civil service retirement with respect to the retirement of foreign nationals employed by the United States."

§3968a. Locally-employed staff wages

(a) Market-responsive staff wages

Not later than 180 days after December 16, 2016, and every 3 years thereafter, the Secretary shall establish and implement a prevailing wage rates goal for positions in the local compensation plan, as described in section 3968 of this title, at each diplomatic post that—

(1) is based on the specific recruiting and retention needs of each such post and local labor market conditions, as determined annually; and

(2) is not less than the 50th percentile of the prevailing wage for comparable employment in the labor market surrounding each such post.

(b) Exception

The prevailing wage rate goal established under subsection (a) shall not apply if compliance with such subsection would be inconsistent with applicable United States law, the law in the locality of employment, or the public interest.

(c) Recordkeeping requirement

The analytical assumptions underlying the calculation of wage levels at each diplomatic post under subsection (a), and the data upon which such calculation is based—

(1) shall be filed electronically and retained for not less than 5 years; and

(2) shall be made available to the appropriate congressional committees upon request.

(Pub. L. 114–323, title IV, §401, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1926; Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXII, §6226(a), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 980.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Department of State Authorities Act, Fiscal Year 2017, and not as part of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 which comprises this chapter.

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 118–31 substituted "every 3 years" for "periodically" in introductory provisions.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions

For definitions of "Secretary" and "appropriate congressional committees" as used in this section, see section 2 of Pub. L. 114–323, set out as a note under section 2651 of this title.

§3969. Salaries of consular agents

The Secretary of State shall establish the salary rate for each consular agent. Such salary rate shall be established after taking into account the workload of the consular agency and the prevailing wage rates in the locality where the agency is located, except that, in the case of a consular agent who is a citizen of the United States, the salary rate may not be less than the then applicable minimum wage rate specified in section 206(a)(1) of title 29.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §409, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2091.)

§3970. Compensation for imprisoned foreign national employees

(a) Eligibility; rates of compensation; terms and conditions of payment; applicability of powers under other statutory provisions

The head of any agency or other Government establishment (including any in the legislative or judicial branch) may compensate any current or former foreign national employee, or any foreign national who is or was employed under a personal services contract, who is or has been imprisoned by a foreign government if the Secretary of State (or, in the case of a foreign national employed by the Central Intelligence Agency, the Director of Central Intelligence) determines that such imprisonment is the result of the employment of the foreign national by the United States. Such compensation may not exceed the amount that the agency head determines approximates the salary and other benefits to which the foreign national would have been entitled had he or she been employed during the period of such imprisonment. Such compensation may be paid under such terms and conditions as the Secretary of State deems appropriate. For purposes of this section, an agency head shall have the same powers with respect to imprisoned foreign nationals who are or were employed by the agency as an agency head has under subchapter VII of chapter 55 of title 5 to the extent that such powers are consistent with this section.

(b) Time spent imprisoned considered as period of employment

Any period of imprisonment of a current or former foreign national employee which is compensable under this section shall be considered for purposes of any other employee benefit to be a period of employment by the Government, except that a period of imprisonment shall not be creditable—

(1) for purposes of subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, unless it is expressly creditable under that subchapter; or

(2) for purposes of subchapter I of chapter 81 of title 5, unless the individual was employed by the Government at the time of his or her imprisonment.

(c) Time of filing of claims

No compensation or other benefit shall be awarded under this section unless a claim therefor is filed within 3 years after—

(1) the termination of the period of imprisonment giving rise to the claim, or

(2) the date of the claimant's first opportunity thereafter to file such a claim, as determined by the appropriate agency head.

(d) Regulations

The Secretary of State may prescribe regulations governing payments under this section by all agencies and other Government establishments.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §410, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2091.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Reference to the Director of Central Intelligence or the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency in the Director's capacity as the head of the intelligence community deemed to be a reference to the Director of National Intelligence. Reference to the Director of Central Intelligence or the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency in the Director's capacity as the head of the Central Intelligence Agency deemed to be a reference to the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. See section 1081(a), (b) of Pub. L. 108–458, set out as a note under section 3001 of Title 50, War and National Defense.

§3971. Temporary service as principal officer

For such time (in excess of such minimum period as the Secretary of State may establish) as any member of the Service is temporarily in charge of a Foreign Service post during the absence or incapacity of the principal officer, that member shall receive, in addition to the basic salary paid to the member and notwithstanding sections 5535 and 5536 of title 5, an amount equal to that portion (which the Secretary of State may determine to be appropriate) of the difference between such salary and the basic salary provided for the principal officer, or, if there is no principal officer, for the former principal officer.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §411, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2091.)

§3972. Special differentials

(a) Additional work requirements

The Secretary may pay special differentials, in addition to compensation otherwise authorized, to Foreign Service officers who are required because of the nature of their assignments to perform additional work on a regular basis in substantial excess of normal requirements.

(b) Salary limitations

The Inspector General of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) shall limit the payment of special differentials to USAID Foreign Service criminal investigators to levels at which the aggregate of basic pay and special differential for any pay period would equal, for such criminal investigators, the bi-weekly pay limitations on premium pay regularly placed on other criminal investigators within the Federal law enforcement community. This provision shall be retroactive to January 1, 2013.

(c) Compensatory time off

Nothing in this chapter, or in subchapter V of chapter 55 of title 5 shall preclude the granting of compensatory time off for Foreign Service officers.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §412, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2092; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §139(6), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 398; Pub. L. 114–323, title II, §206, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1917.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–323 added subsec. (b).

1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–236 struck out subsec. (b) which read as follows: "Before implementing any proposal to limit either the number of Foreign Service officers who may receive a special differential under subsection (a) of this section or the amounts of such special differentials, the Secretary shall submit such proposal to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives."

§3973. Death gratuities

(a) Criteria; amount; payment deemed gift

The Secretary may provide for payment of a gratuity to the surviving dependents of any Foreign Service employee, who dies as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of duty abroad, in an amount equal to one year's salary at level II of the Executive Schedule under section 5313 of title 5 at the time of death, except that for employees compensated under local compensation plans established under section 3968 of this title the amount shall be equal to the greater of either one year's salary at the time of death, or one year's basic salary at the highest step of the highest grade on the local compensation plan from which the employee was being paid at the time of death. Any death gratuity payment made under this section shall be held to have been a gift and shall be in addition to any other benefit payable from any source.

(b) Other executive agencies

The head of an executive agency shall, pursuant to guidance issued under subsection (c), make a death gratuity payment authorized by this section to the survivors of any employee of that agency or of an individual in a special category serving in an uncompensated capacity for that agency, as identified in guidance issued under subsection (c), who dies as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of duty abroad while subject to the authority of the chief of mission pursuant to section 3927 of this title.

(c) Guidance

Not later than 60 days after January 17, 2014, the Secretary shall, in consultation with the heads of other relevant executive agencies, issue guidance with criteria for determining eligibility for, and order of payments to, survivors and beneficiaries of any employee or of an individual in a special category serving in an uncompensated capacity for that agency who dies as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of duty while subject to the authority of the chief of mission pursuant to section 3927 of this title.

(d) Eligibility to elect monthly compensation as condition to payment

A death gratuity payment shall be made under this section only if the survivor entitled to payment under subsection (c) is entitled to elect monthly compensation under section 8133 of title 5, because the death resulted from an injury (excluding a disease proximately caused by the employment) sustained in the performance of duty, without regard to whether such survivor elects to waive compensation under such section 8133.

(e) Definitions

As used in this section—

(1) the term "Foreign Service employee" means any member of the Service or United States representative to an international organization or commission; and

(2) each of the terms "widow", "widower", "child", and "parent" shall have the same meaning given each such term by section 8101 of title 5.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §413, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2092; Pub. L. 113–76, div. K, title VII, §7082(a), Jan. 17, 2014, 128 Stat. 565.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–76, §7082(a)(1), substituted "at level II of the Executive Schedule under section 5313 of title 5, United States Code, at the time of death, except that for employees compensated under local compensation plans established under section 3968 of this title the amount shall be equal to the greater of either one year's salary at the time of death, or one year's basic salary at the highest step of the highest grade on the local compensation plan from which the employee was being paid at the time of death" for "at the time of death".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–76, §7082(a)(2), (3), added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsec. (b) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–76, §7082(a)(4), amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "A death gratuity payment under this section shall be made as follows:

"(1) First, to the widow or widower.

"(2) Second, to the child, or children in equal shares, if there is no widow or widower.

"(3) Third, to the dependent parent, or dependent parents in equal shares, if there is no widow, widower, or child.

"If there is no survivor entitled to payment under this subsection, no payment shall be made."

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 113–76, §7082(a)(2), redesignated subsecs. (b) and (d) as (d) and (e), respectively.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Pub. L. 113–76, div. K, title VII, §7082(c), Jan. 17, 2014, 128 Stat. 567, provided that: "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, sections 413, 415, and 416 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 [22 U.S.C. 3973, 3975, 3976], as amended or added by this section, shall apply in the case of a Foreign Service employee or executive branch employee subject to the authority of the chief of mission pursuant to section 207 of the Foreign Service Act (22 U.S.C. 3927), serving at a United States diplomatic or consular mission abroad, who died on or after April 18, 1983, as a result of injuries sustained in an act of terrorism, as defined in section 140(d) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1998 and 1999 [probably means "1988 and 1989"] (22 U.S.C. 2656f(d))."

§3974. Border equalization pay adjustment

(a) In general

An employee who regularly commutes from the employee's place of residence in the continental United States to an official duty station in Canada or Mexico shall receive a border equalization pay adjustment equal to the amount of comparability payments under section 5304 of title 5 that the employee would receive if the employee were assigned to an official duty station within the United States locality pay area closest to the employee's official duty station.

(b) Employee defined

For purposes of this section, the term "employee" means a person who—

(1) is an "employee" as defined under section 2105 of title 5; and

(2) is employed by the Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development, or the International Joint Commission of the United States and Canada (established under Article VII of the treaty signed January 11, 1909) (36 Stat. 2448), except that the term shall not include members of the Service (as specified in section 3903 of this title).

(c) Treatment as basic pay

An equalization pay adjustment paid under this section shall be considered to be part of basic pay for the same purposes for which comparability payments are considered to be part of basic pay under section 5304 of title 5.

(d) Regulations

The heads of the agencies referred to in subsection (b)(2) may prescribe regulations to carry out this section.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §414, as added Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §333(a)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-439.)

§3975. Group life insurance supplement applicable to those killed in terrorist attacks

(a) Foreign Service employees

(1) In general

Notwithstanding the amounts specified in chapter 87 of title 5, a Foreign Service employee who dies as a result of injuries sustained while on duty abroad because of an act of terrorism, as defined in section 2656f(d) of this title, shall be eligible for a special payment of $400,000, which shall be in addition to any employer provided life insurance policy coverage. In the case of an employee compensated under a local compensation plan established under section 3968 of this title, the amount of such payment shall be determined by regulations implemented by the Secretary of State and shall be no greater than $400,000. The group life insurance supplement employee benefit paid or scheduled to be paid pursuant to this section should not be used to reduce any other payment to which a recipient is otherwise eligible under Federal law.

(2) Designation of beneficiary

A payment made under paragraph (1) shall be made in accordance with the guidance issued under section 3973(c) of this title.

(b) Other executive agencies

The head of an executive agency shall provide the additional payment authorized by this section, consistent with the provisions set forth in subsection (a), with respect to any employee of that agency or of an individual in a special category serving in an uncompensated capacity for that agency who dies as a result of injuries sustained while on duty abroad because of an act of terrorism, as defined in section 2656f(d) of this title, while subject to the authority of the chief of mission pursuant to section 3927 of this title.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §415, as added Pub. L. 113–76, div. K, title VII, §7082(b)(1), Jan. 17, 2014, 128 Stat. 565; amended Pub. L. 114–113, div. K, title VII, §7034(d)(5)(A), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2763; Pub. L. 115–31, div. J, title VII, §7034(k)(8), May 5, 2017, 131 Stat. 651.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 2656f(d) of this title, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1) and (b), was in the original "section 140(d) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1998 and 1999", and was translated as meaning "section 140(d) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 115–31, which directed amendment by adding "The group life insurance supplement employee benefit paid or scheduled to be paid pursuant to this section should not be used to reduce any other payment to which a recipient is otherwise eligible under Federal law." in par. (1) without specifying a particular location, was executed by inserting the amendment at the end of par. (1) to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

2015—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 114–113 substituted "a special payment of $400,000, which shall be in addition to any employer provided life insurance policy coverage" for "a payment from the United States in an amount that, when added to the amount of the employee's employer-provided group life insurance policy coverage (if any), equals $400,000".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section applicable in the case of a Foreign Service or executive branch employee subject to the authority of the chief of mission pursuant to section 3927 of this title, serving at a United States diplomatic or consular mission abroad, who died on or after April 18, 1983, as a result of injuries from an act of terrorism, as defined in section 2656f(d) of this title, see section 7082(c) of Pub. L. 113–76, set out as an Effective Date of 2014 Amendment note under section 3973 of this title.

Applicability

Pub. L. 114–113, div. K, title VII, §7034(d)(5)(B), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2763, provided that: "The insurance benefit under section 415 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3975), as amended by subparagraph (A), shall be applicable to eligible employees who die as a result of injuries sustained while on duty abroad because of an act of terrorism, as defined in section 140(d) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1998 and 1999 (22 U.S.C. 2656f(d)), anytime on or after April 18, 1983."

§3976. Survivors' and dependents' educational assistance

(a) Foreign Service employees

The Secretary shall, pursuant to guidance issued under section 3973(c) of this title, provide educational assistance to a beneficiary of any United States national Foreign Service employee who dies while on duty abroad as a result of an act of terrorism, as defined in section 2656f(d) of this title, to meet, in whole or in part, the expenses incurred by the beneficiary in pursuing a program of education at an educational institution, including subsistence, tuition, fees, supplies, books, equipment, and other educational costs.

(b) Other executive agencies

The head of an executive agency shall, pursuant to guidance issued under section 3973(c) of this title provide educational assistance authorized by this section to a beneficiary of any employee of that agency who dies as a result of an act of terrorism or terrorism, as defined in section 2656f(d) of this title, while on duty abroad and subject to the authority of the chief of mission pursuant to section 3927 of this title.

(c) Amount of assistance

Educational assistance under this section may be made available up to the amounts provided for in section 3532 of title 38, as adjusted by section 3564 of title 38, and for an aggregate period not in excess of 48 months.

(d) Program of education and educational institution defined

For purposes of this section, the terms "program of education" and "educational institution" have the meanings given the terms in section 3501 of title 38.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §416, as added Pub. L. 113–76, div. K, title VII, §7082(b)(1), Jan. 17, 2014, 128 Stat. 566.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 2656f(d) of this title, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b), was in the original "section 140(d) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1998 and 1999", and was translated as meaning "section 140(d) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section applicable in the case of a Foreign Service or executive branch employee subject to the authority of the chief of mission pursuant to section 3927 of this title, serving at a United States diplomatic or consular mission abroad, who died on or after April 18, 1983, as a result of injuries from an act of terrorism, as defined in section 2656f(d) of this title, see section 7082(c) of Pub. L. 113–76, set out as an Effective Date of 2014 Amendment note under section 3973 of this title.

SUBCHAPTER V—CLASSIFICATION OF POSITIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

§3981. Authority of Secretary

The Secretary shall designate and classify positions in the Department and at Foreign Service posts which are to be occupied by members of the Service (other than by chiefs of mission and ambassadors at large). Positions designated under this section are excepted from the competitive service. If a position designated under this section is unfilled for more than 365 calendar days, such position may be filled, as appropriate, on a temporary basis, in accordance with section 3949 of this title. Position classifications under this section shall be established, without regard to chapter 51 of title 5, in relation to the salaries established under subchapter IV. In classifying positions at Foreign Service posts abroad, the Secretary shall give appropriate weight to job factors relating to service abroad and to the compensation practices applicable to United States citizens employed abroad by United States corporations.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §501, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2092; Pub. L. 117–81, div. E, title LI, §5109(1), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2349.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 117–81 inserted after second sentence "If a position designated under this section is unfilled for more than 365 calendar days, such position may be filled, as appropriate, on a temporary basis, in accordance with section 3949 of this title."

§3982. Assignments to Foreign Service positions

(a) Positions assignable; basis for assignment

(1) The Secretary (with the concurrence of the agency concerned) may assign a member of the Service to any position classified under section 3981 of this title in which that member is eligible to serve (other than as chief of mission or ambassador at large), and may assign a member from one such position to another such position as the needs of the Service may require.

(2) In making assignments under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall assure that a member of the Service is not assigned to or prohibited from being assigned to a position at a post in a particular geographic area, or domestically, in a position working on issues relating to a particular country or geographic area, on the basis of the race, ethnicity, or religion of that member.

(b) Filling of positions by members of Service; employment of members of State Department and other agencies

Positions designated as Foreign Service positions normally shall be filled by the assignment of members of the Service to those positions. Subject to that limitation—

(1) Foreign Service positions may be filled by the assignment for specified tours of duty of employees of the Department and, under interagency agreements, employees of other agencies; and

(2) Senior Foreign Service positions may also be filled by other members of the Service.

(c) Charge d'affaires

The President may assign a career member of the Service to serve as charge d'affaires or otherwise as the head of a mission (or as the head of a United States office abroad which is designated under section 3902(a)(3) ¹ of this title by the Secretary of State as diplomatic in nature) for such period as the public interest may require.

(d) Competitive ability with respect to chief of mission positions and for assignments outside areas of specialization

The Secretary of State, in conjunction with the heads of the other agencies utilizing the Foreign Service personnel system, shall implement policies and procedures to insure that Foreign Service officers and members of the Senior Foreign Service of all agencies are able to compete for chief of mission positions and have opportunities on an equal basis to compete for assignments outside their areas of specialization.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §502, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2093; Pub. L. 98–164, title I, §130(b), Nov. 22, 1983, 97 Stat. 1027; Pub. L. 114–323, title IV, §414(d), Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1933; Pub. L. 117–81, div. E, title LI, §5109(2), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2349.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 3902(a)(3) of this title, referred to in subsec. (c), was redesignated section 3902(3) of this title pursuant to Pub. L. 98–164, which struck out the designation "(a)" and subsec. (b) of section 3902.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 117–81 inserted ", or domestically, in a position working on issues relating to a particular country or geographic area," after "particular geographic area".

2016—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 114–323 inserted "or prohibited from being assigned to" after "assigned to" and struck out "exclusively" before "on the basis".

1983—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 98–164 added subsec. (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Supporting Tandem Spouses in the Foreign Service

Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXII, §6227, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 980, provided that:

"(a) Sense of Congress.—It is the sense of Congress that—

"(1) challenges finding and maintaining spousal employment and family dissatisfaction are one of the leading reasons employees cite for leaving the Department [of State];

"(2) tandem Foreign Service personnel represent important members of the Foreign Service community, who act as force multipliers for our diplomacy;

"(3) the Department can and should do more to keep tandem spouses posted together and consider family member employment needs when assigning tandem officers; and

"(4) common sense steps providing more flexibility in the assignments process would improve outcomes for tandem officers without disadvantaging other Foreign Service Officers.

"(b) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) Family togetherness.—The term 'family togetherness' means facilitating the placement of Foreign Service personnel at the same United States diplomatic post when both spouses are members of a tandem couple of Foreign Service personnel.

"(2) Tandem foreign service personnel; tandem.—The terms 'tandem Foreign Service personnel' and 'tandem' mean a member of a couple of which one spouse is a career or career candidate employee of the Foreign Service and the other spouse is a career or career candidate employee of the Foreign Service or an employee of one of the agencies authorized to use the Foreign Service Personnel System under section 202 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3922).

"(c) Family Togetherness in Assignments.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this division [Dec. 22, 2023], the Department shall amend and update its policies to further promote the principle of family togetherness in the Foreign Service, which shall include the following:

"(1) Entry-level foreign service personnel.—The Secretary [of State] shall adopt policies and procedures to facilitate the assignment of entry-level tandem Foreign Service personnel on directed assignments to the same diplomatic post or country as their tandem spouse if they request to be assigned to the same post or country. The Secretary shall also provide a written justification to the requesting personnel explaining any denial of a request that would result in tandem spouses not serving together at the same post or country.

"(2) Tenured foreign service personnel.—The Secretary shall add family togetherness to the criteria when making a needs of the Service determination, as defined by the Foreign Affairs Manual, for the placement of tenured tandem Foreign Service personnel at United States diplomatic posts.

"(3) Updates to antinepotism policy.—The Secretary shall update antinepotism policies so that nepotism rules only apply when an employee and a relative are placed into positions wherein they jointly and exclusively control government resources, property, or money or establish government policy.

"(4) Temporary supervision of tandem spouse.—The Secretary shall update policies to allow for a tandem spouse to temporarily supervise another tandem spouse for up to 90 days in a calendar year, including at a United States diplomatic mission.

"(d) Report.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this division, and annually thereafter for two years, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees [Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives] a report that includes—

"(1) the number of Foreign Service tandem spouses currently serving;

"(2) the number of Foreign Service tandems currently serving in separate locations, or, to the extent possible, that are on leave without pay (LWOP); and

"(3) an estimate of the cost savings that would result if all Foreign Service tandem spouses were placed at a single post."

Report Respecting Policies and Procedures Adopted To Improve Competitive Ability of Personnel

Pub. L. 98–164, title I, §130(c), Nov. 22, 1983, 97 Stat. 1028, directed Secretary of State, not later than one year after Nov. 22, 1983, to submit a report to Speaker of House of Representatives and chairman of Committee on Foreign Relations of Senate describing policies and procedures adopted pursuant to the amendment made by section 130(b) of Pub. L. 98–164, adding subsec. (d) of this section, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §139(10), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 398.

Executive Documents

Delegation of Functions

Functions of President under subsec. (c) delegated to Secretary of State, see section 1 of Ex. Ord. No. 12293, Feb. 23, 1981, 46 F.R. 13969, set out as a note under section 3901 of this title.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§3983. Assignments to non-Service and other positions

(a) Positions assignable

The Secretary may (with the concurrence of the agency, organization, or other body concerned) assign a member of the Service for duty—

(1) in a non-Foreign Service (including Senior Executive Service) position in the Department or another agency, or with an international organization, international commission, or other international body;

(2) with a domestic or international trade, labor, agricultural, scientific, or other conference, congress, or gathering;

(3) for special instruction, training, or orientation at or with a public or private organization; and

(4) in the United States (or in any territory or possession of the United States or in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico), with a State or local government, a public or private nonprofit organization (including an educational institution), or a Member or office of the Congress.

(b) Salary; travel and other expenses

(1) The salary of a member of the Service assigned under this section shall be the higher of the salary which that member would receive but for the assignment under this section or the salary of the position to which that member is assigned.

(2) The salary of a member of the Service assigned under this section shall be paid from appropriations made available for the payment of salaries and expenses of the Service. Such appropriations may be reimbursed for all or any part of the costs of salaries and other benefits for members assigned under this section.

(3) A member of the Service assigned under subsection (a)(4) to a Member or office of the Congress shall be deemed to be an employee of the House of Representatives or the Senate, as the case may be, for purposes of payment of travel and other expenses.

(c) Length of assignment

Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d)(5), assignments under this section may not exceed four years of continuous service for any member of the Service unless the Secretary approves an extension of such period for that member because of special circumstances.

(d) Assignment to the American Institute in Taiwan

(1) The Secretary may assign a member of the Service, or otherwise detail an employee of the Department, for duty at the American Institute in Taiwan, if the Secretary determines that to do so is in the national interest of the United States.

(2) The head of any other department or agency of the United States may, with the concurrence of the Secretary, detail an employee of that department or agency to the American Institute in Taiwan, if the Secretary determines that to do so is in the national interest of the United States.

(3) In this subsection, the term "employee" does not include—

(A) a noncareer appointee, limited term appointee, or limited emergency appointee (as such terms are defined in section 3132(a) of title 5) in the Senior Executive Service; or

(B) an employee in a position that has been excepted from the competitive service by reason of its confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating character.

(4) An assignment or detail under this subsection may be made with or without reimbursement from the American Institute in Taiwan.

(5) The period of an assignment or detail under this subsection shall not exceed a total of 6 years, except that the Secretary (or any other head of a department or agency of the United States, with the concurrence of the Secretary) may extend the period of an assignment or detail for an additional period of not more than 6 years.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §503, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2093; Pub. L. 107–228, div. A, title III, §326, Sept. 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 1386.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2002—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107–228, §326(2), substituted "Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d)(5), assignments" for "Assignments".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 107–228, §326(1), added subsec. (d).

§3984. Service in United States and abroad

(a) Obligation to serve abroad; length of stay in United States

Career members of the Service shall be obligated to serve abroad and shall be expected to serve abroad for substantial portions of their careers. The Secretary shall establish by regulation limitations upon assignments of members of the Service within the United States. A member of the Service may not be assigned to duty within the United States for any period of continuous service exceeding eight years unless the Secretary approves an extension of such period for that member because of special circumstances.

(b) Intermittent duty within United States

Consistent with the needs of the Service, the Secretary shall seek to assign each career member of the Service who is a citizen of the United States (other than those employed in accordance with section 3951 of this title) to duty within the United States at least once during each period of fifteen years that the member is in the Service.

(c) Sabbaticals

The Secretary may grant a sabbatical to a career member of the Senior Foreign Service for not to exceed eleven months in order to permit the member to engage in study or uncompensated work experience which will contribute to the development and effectiveness of the member. A sabbatical may be granted under this subsection under conditions specified by the Secretary in light of the provisions of section 3396(c) of title 5, which apply to sabbaticals granted to members of the Senior Executive Service.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §504, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2094; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §180(a)(5), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 416.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–236 inserted "(other than those employed in accordance with section 3951 of this title)" after "citizen of the United States".

§3985. Temporary details

A period of duty of not more than six months in duration by a member of the Service shall be considered a temporary detail and shall not be considered an assignment within the meaning of this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §505, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2094.)

SUBCHAPTER VI—PROMOTION AND RETENTION

§4001. Promotions

(a) Method of promotion

Career members of the Senior Foreign Service are promoted by appointment under section 3942(a) of this title to a higher salary class in the Senior Foreign Service. Members of the Senior Foreign Service serving under career candidate appointments or noncareer appointments are promoted by appointment under section 3943 of this title to a higher salary class in the Senior Foreign Service. Foreign Service officers, and Foreign Service personnel who are assigned to a class in the Foreign Service Schedule, are promoted by appointment under section 3942(a) of this title as career members of the Senior Foreign Service or by assignment under section 3964 of this title to a higher salary class in the Foreign Service Schedule.

(b) Recommendations and rankings of selection boards

Except as provided in section 4006(a) of this title, promotions of—

(1) members of the Senior Foreign Service, and

(2) members of the Service assigned to a salary class in the Foreign Service Schedule (including promotions of such members into the Senior Foreign Service),

shall be based upon the recommendations and rankings of selection boards established under section 4002 of this title, except that the Secretary may by regulation specify categories of career members, categories of career candidates, and other members of the Service assigned to salary classes in the Foreign Service Schedule who may receive promotions on the basis of satisfactory performance.

(c) Eligibility; request for promotion; time of consideration; withdrawal of request; basis for decision; affidavits

(1) Promotions into the Senior Foreign Service shall be recommended by selection boards only from among career members of the Service assigned to class 1 in the Foreign Service Schedule who request that they be considered for promotion into the Senior Foreign Service. The Secretary shall prescribe the length of the period after such a request is made (within any applicable time in class limitation established under section 4007(a) of this title) during which such members may be considered by selection boards for entry into the Senior Foreign Service. A request by a member for consideration for promotion into the Senior Foreign Service under this subsection may be withdrawn by the member, but if it is withdrawn, that member may not thereafter request consideration for promotion into the Senior Foreign Service.

(2) Decisions by the Secretary on the numbers of individuals to be promoted into and retained in the Senior Foreign Service shall be based upon a systematic long-term projection of personnel flows and needs designed to provide—

(A) a regular, predictable flow of recruitment in the Service;

(B) effective career development patterns to meet the needs of the Service; and

(C) a regular, predictable flow of talent upward through the ranks and into the Senior Foreign Service.

(3) The affidavit requirements of sections 3332 and 3333(a) of title 5 shall not apply with respect to a member of the Service who has previously complied with those requirements and who subsequently is promoted by appointment to any class in the Senior Foreign Service without a break in service.

(4), (5) Repealed. Pub. L. 114–323, title VII, §715(b)(5), Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1946.

(6)(A) The promotion, on or after January 1, 2017, of any Foreign Service officer, appointed under section 3942(a)(1) of this title, who has general responsibility for carrying out the functions of the Service to the Senior Foreign Service shall be contingent upon such individual completing at least one tour in—

(i) a global affairs bureau; or

(ii) a global affairs position.

(B) The requirements under subparagraph (A) shall not apply if the Secretary certifies that the individual proposed for promotion to the Senior Foreign Service—

(i) has met all other requirements applicable to such promotion; and

(ii) was unable to complete a tour in a global affairs bureau or global affairs position because there was not a reasonable opportunity for such individual to be assigned to such a position.

(C) In this paragraph—

(i) the term "global affairs bureau" means any bureau of the Department that is under the responsibility of—

(I) the Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and Environment;

(II) the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Affairs;

(III) the Under Secretary for Management;

(IV) the Assistant Secretary for International Organization Affairs;

(V) the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs; or

(VI) the Under Secretary for Civilian, Security, Democracy, and Human Rights; and

(ii) the term "global affairs position" means any position funded with amounts appropriated to the Department under the heading "Diplomatic Policy and Support".

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §601, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2094; Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §185(b), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1366; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §180(a)(6), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 416; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §326], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-437; Pub. L. 114–291, §6, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1498; Pub. L. 114–323, title IV, §403, title VII, §715(b)(5), Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1927, 1946; Pub. L. 117–81, div. E, title LIII, §5307, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2362.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (c)(6)(A). Pub. L. 117–81, in introductory provisions, substituted "promotion, on or after January 1, 2017," for "promotion" and "Foreign Service officer, appointed under section 3942(a)(1) of this title, who has general responsibility for carrying out the functions of the Service" for "individual joining the Service on or after January 1, 2017,".

2016—Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 114–323, §715(b)(5), struck out par. (4) which read as follows: "Not later than March 1, 2001, and every four years thereafter, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate which shall include a workforce plan for the subsequent five years, including projected personnel needs, by grade and by skill. Each such plan shall include for each category the needs for foreign language proficiency, geographic and functional expertise, and specialist technical skills. Each workforce plan shall specifically account for the training needs of Foreign Service personnel and shall delineate an intake program of generalist and specialist Foreign Service personnel to meet projected future requirements."

Pub. L. 114–291 substituted "include a workforce plan" for "include the following:

"(A) A description of the steps taken and planned in furtherance of—

"(i) maximum compatibility among agencies utilizing the Foreign Service personnel system, as provided for in section 3923 of this title, and

"(ii) the development of uniform policies and procedures and consolidated personnel functions, as provided for in section 3924 of this title.

"(B) A workforce plan".

Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 114–323, §715(b)(5), struck out par. (5) which read as follows: "If there are substantial modifications to any workforce plan under paragraph (4)(B) during any year in which a report under paragraph (4) is not required, a supplemental annual notification shall be submitted in the same manner as reports are required to be submitted under paragraph (4)."

Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 114–323, §403, added par. (6).

1999—Subsec. (c)(4), (5). Pub. L. 106–113 added pars. (4) and (5) and struck out former par. (4), which required report not later than Mar. 1 of each year, describing steps taken and planned in furtherance of compatibility and development of uniform procedures and consolidated personnel functions, specifying upper and lower limits planned for recruitment, retention, and advancement of members, and specifying numbers of members assigned to positions more than one grade higher or lower than the member.

1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–236, which directed amendment of par. (2) by striking "and" the last place it appears and by inserting "and other members of the Service" after "categories of career candidates,", was executed by striking "and" after "categories of career members," and making the insertion in concluding provisions below par. (2), to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

1987—Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 100–204 added par. (4).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Reports Eliminated

Pub. L. 104–66, title II, §2241, Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 733, which provided that reports required under section 4001(c)(4) of this title would not cover activities of the United States Information Agency, was repealed by Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. A, title XIII, §1336(5), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–790.

Language Training in Foreign Service

Pub. L. 102–138, title I, §155, Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 675, as amended by Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. A, title XIII, §1335(q), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–789, provided that: "The Department of State and the Department of Commerce shall ensure that the precepts for promotion of Foreign Service employees provide that end-of-training reports for employees in full-time language training shall be weighed as heavily as the annual employee efficiency reports, in order to ensure that employees in language training are not disadvantaged in the promotion process."

Foreign Service Promotion Panels

Pub. L. 101–246, title I, §163, Feb. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 47, as amended by Pub. L. 107–132, §1(b), Jan. 16, 2002, 115 Stat. 2412, provided that: "It is the sense of the Congress that, to the greatest extent possible, Foreign Service promotion panels should—

"(1) only promote candidates to the Senior Foreign Service who have demonstrated foreign language proficiency in at least one language at the General Professional Speaking Proficiency level, as defined by the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center;

"(2) strive for the objective stipulated in the Foreign Service Manual 'to be able to use two foreign languages at a minimum professional level of proficiency of S–3/R–3, which is the general professional speaking proficiency level'; and

"(3) have at least one person on each Foreign Service promotion panel who has attained at least the General Professional Speaking Proficiency level in one language level."

Language Proficiency in Employee Evaluation Report

Pub. L. 101–246, title I, §164, Feb. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 47, required revision of employee and officer evaluation reports for Foreign Service officers of Department of State and Agency for International Development to include separate assessment of employee's effectiveness in using foreign language and required that precedence in promotion be given to officers achieving certain levels of proficiency in foreign language, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §191(b), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 418. See section 191(a) of Pub. L. 103–236, set out as a note under section 3926 of this title.

§4002. Establishment of selection boards

(a) Evaluation of performance; recommendations

The Secretary shall establish selection boards to evaluate the performance of members of the Senior Foreign Service and members of the Service assigned to a salary class in the Foreign Service Schedule. Selection boards shall, in accordance with precepts prescribed by the Secretary, rank the members of a salary class on the basis of relative performance and may make recommendations for—

(1) promotions in accordance with section 4001 of this title;

(2) awards of performance pay under section 3965(c) of this title;

(3) denials of within-class step increases under section 3966(a) of this title;

(4) offer or renewal of limited career extensions under section 4007(b) of this title; and

(5) such other actions as the Secretary may prescribe by regulation.

(b) Public members; appointment of women and minority groups

All selection boards established under this section shall include public members. The Secretary shall assure that a substantial number of women and members of minority groups are appointed to each selection board established under this section.

(c) Disqualification for service on foreign service selection boards

No public members appointed pursuant to this section may be, at the time of their appointment or during their appointment, an agent of a foreign principal (as defined by section 611(b) of this title) or a lobbyist for a foreign entity (as defined in section 1602(6) of title 2) or receive income from a government of a foreign country.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §602, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2095; Pub. L. 101–246, title I, §142, Feb. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 36; Pub. L. 104–65, §12(c), Dec. 19, 1995, 109 Stat. 701.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1995—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 104–65 inserted "or a lobbyist for a foreign entity (as defined in section 1602(6) of title 2)" before "or receive income".

1990—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–246 added subsec. (c).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1995 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–65 effective Jan. 1, 1996, except as otherwise provided, see section 24 of Pub. L. 104–65, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1601 of Title 2, The Congress.

§4003. Recommendations and rankings

(a) Recommendations and rankings by selection boards shall be based upon records of the character, ability, conduct, quality of work, industry, experience, dependability, usefulness, and general performance of members of the Service. Such records may include reports prepared by or on behalf of the Inspector General of the Department of State and the Foreign Service, performance evaluation reports of supervisors, records of commendations, reports of language test scores from the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center, awards, reprimands, and other disciplinary actions, and (with respect to members of the Senior Foreign Service) records of current and prospective assignments.

(b) Precepts for selection boards shall include a description of the needs of the Service for performance requirements, skills, and qualities, which are to be considered in recommendations for promotion. The precepts for selection boards responsible for recommending promotions into and within the Senior Foreign Service shall emphasize performance which demonstrates the strong policy formulation capabilities, executive leadership qualities, and highly developed functional and area expertise, which are required for the Senior Foreign Service. The precepts for selection boards shall include, whether the member of the Service or the member of the Senior Foreign Service, as the case may be, and when occupying positions for which the following is, to any degree, an element of the member's duties, has demonstrated—

(1) a willingness and ability to explain United States policies in person and through the media;

(2) experience serving at an international organization, multilateral institution, or engaging in multinational negotiations;

(3) willingness to serve in hardship posts overseas where applicable and across geographically distinct regions;

(4) experience advancing policies or developing expertise that enhance the United States' competitiveness with regard to critical and emerging technologies;

(5) willingness to participate in appropriate and relevant professional development opportunities offered by the Foreign Service Institute or other educational institutions associated with the Department;

(6) willingness to enable and encourage subordinates at various levels to avail themselves of appropriate and relevant professional development opportunities offered by the Foreign Service Institute or other educational institutions associated with the Department;

(7) a willingness and ability to regularly and meaningfully engage with civil society and other local actors in country;

(8) other demonstrated experience in public diplomacy; or

(9) the ability to effectively manage and assess risk associated with the conduct of diplomatic operations.

(c)(1) A member of the Service or member of the Senior Foreign Service whose performance will be evaluated by a selection board may submit to such selection board a gap memo in advance of such evaluation.

(2) Members of a selection board may not consider as negative the submission of a gap memo by a member described in paragraph (1) when evaluating the performance of such member.

(3) In this subsection, the term "gap memo" means a written record, submitted to a selection board in a standard format established by the Director General of the Foreign Service, which indicates and explains a gap in the record of a member of the Service or member of the Senior Foreign Service whose performance will be evaluated by such selection board, which gap is due to personal circumstances, including for health, family, or other reason as determined by the Director General in consultation with the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §603, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2095; Pub. L. 107–132, §1(b), Jan. 16, 2002, 115 Stat. 2412; Pub. L. 108–458, title VII, §7110(c), Dec. 17, 2004, 118 Stat. 3794; Pub. L. 117–81, div. E, title LIII, §5325(a), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2370; Pub. L. 117–263, div. I, title XCIII, §9302(k), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3889; Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXII, §6201, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 971.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (b)(2) to (9). Pub. L. 118–31 added pars. (2) to (6) and redesignated former pars. (2) to (4) as (7) to (9), respectively.

2022—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–263, §9302(k)(1), inserted "and when occupying positions for which the following is, to any degree, an element of the member's duties," after "as the case may be," in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 117–263, §9302(k)(2), substituted semicolon at end for "when occupying positions for which such willingness and ability is, to any degree, an element of the member's duties, or".

Subsec. (b)(2), (3). Pub. L. 117–263, §9302(k)(3), (4), added pars. (2) and (3) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "other experience in public diplomacy."

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 117–263, §9302(k)(5), which directed that par. (4) be added after par. (3) "as redesignated", was executed by adding par. (4) after par. (3) as added by Pub. L. 117–263, §9302(k)(3), to reflect the probable intent of Congress. See above.

2021—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 117–81 added subsec. (c).

2004—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 108–458 inserted at end "The precepts for selection boards shall include, whether the member of the Service or the member of the Senior Foreign Service, as the case may be, has demonstrated—" and pars. (1) and (2).

2002—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–132 substituted "George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center" for "Foreign Service Institute".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Consultation and Guidance

Pub. L. 117–81, div. E, title LIII, §5325(b), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2370, provided that:

"(1) Consultation.—Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2021], the Director General of the Foreign Service shall consult with the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate regarding the development of the gap memo under subsection (c) of section 603 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4003), as added by subsection (a) of this section.

"(2) Definition.—In this subsection, the term 'gap memo' has the meaning given such term in subsection (c) of section 603 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4003), as added by subsection (a) of this section."

§4004. Records

(a) The records described in section 4003(a) of this title shall be maintained in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Except to the extent that they pertain to the receipt, disbursement, and accounting for public funds, such records shall be confidential and subject to inspection only by the President, the Secretary, such employees of the Government as may be authorized by law or assigned by the Secretary to work on such records, the legislative and appropriations committees of the Congress charged with considering legislation and appropriations for the Service, and representatives duly authorized by such committees. Access to such records relating to a member of the Service shall be granted to such member, upon written request.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a), any record of disciplinary action that includes a suspension of more than five days taken against a member of the Service, including any correction of that record under section 4137(b)(1) of this title, shall remain a part of the personnel records until the member is tenured as a career member of the Service or next promoted.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §604, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2096; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §327(a)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-438.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1999—Pub. L. 106–113, in section catchline, substituted "Records" for "Confidentiality of records", designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), and added subsec. (b).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §327(b)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-438, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] apply to all disciplinary actions initiated on or after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1999]."

§4005. Implementation of selection board recommendations

(a) Recommendations for promotion made by selection boards shall be submitted to the Secretary in rank order by salary class or in rank order by specialization within a salary class. The Secretary shall make promotions and, with respect to career appointments into or within the Senior Foreign Service, shall make recommendations to the President for promotions, in accordance with the rankings of the selection boards.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a), in special circumstances set forth by regulation, the Secretary may remove the name of an individual from the rank order list submitted by a selection board or delay the promotion of an individual named in such a list.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §605, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2096.)

§4006. Other bases for promoting or increasing pay

(a) The Secretary may pursuant to a recommendation of the Foreign Service Grievance Board, an equal employment opportunity appeals examiner, or the Special Counsel of the Merit Systems Protection Board, and shall pursuant to a decision or order of the Merit Systems Protection Board—

(1) recommend to the President a promotion of a member of the Service under section 3942(a) of this title;

(2) promote a member of the Service under section 3943 of this title;

(3) grant performance pay to a member of the Senior Foreign Service under section 3965(c) of this title; or

(4) grant a within-class salary increase under section 3966 of this title to a member of the Service who is assigned to a salary class in the Foreign Service Schedule.

(b) In implementing subsection (a) of this section and in cases in which the Secretary has exercised the authority of section 4005(b) of this title, the Secretary may, in special circumstances set forth by regulation, make retroactive promotions, grant performance pay, make retroactive within-class salary increases, and recommend retroactive promotions by the President.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §606, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2096.)

§4007. Retirement for expiration of time in class

(a) Maximum time

(1) The Secretary shall, by regulation, establish maximum time in class limitations for—

(A) career members of the Senior Foreign Service,

(B) Foreign Service officers, and

(C) other career members of the Service who are in such occupational categories as may be designated by the Secretary and who are assigned to salary classes in the Foreign Service Schedule to which Foreign Service officers may also be assigned.

(2) Maximum time in class limitations under this subsection (which may not be less than 3 years for career members of the Senior Foreign Service) may apply with respect to the time a member may remain in a single salary class or in a combination of salary classes.

(3) The Secretary may, by regulation, increase or decrease any maximum time in class established under this subsection as the needs of the Service may require. If maximum time in class is decreased, the Secretary shall provide any member of the Service who is in a category and salary class subject to the new time in class limitation an opportunity to remain in class (notwithstanding the new limitation) for a period which is at least as long as the shorter of—

(A) the period which the member would have been permitted to remain in class but for the decrease in maximum time in class, or

(B) such minimum period as the Secretary determines is necessary to provide members of the Service who are in the same category and salary class as that member a reasonable opportunity to be promoted into the next higher class or combination of classes, as the case may be.

(b) Limited career extension

Members of the Service whose maximum time in class under subsection (a) expires—

(1) after they have attained the highest salary class for their respective occupational categories, or

(2) in the case of members of the Senior Foreign Service, while they are in salary classes designated by the Secretary,

may continue to serve only under limited extentions of their career appointments. Such limited extensions may not exceed 5 years in duration and may be granted and renewed by the Secretary in accordance with the recommendations of selection boards established under section 4002 of this title. Members of the Service serving under such limited career extensions shall continue to be career members of the Service.

(c) Members subject to retirement; reception of retirement benefits

Any member of the Service—

(1) whose maximum time in class under subsection (a) expires and who is not promoted to a higher class or combination of classes, as the case may be, or

(2) whose limited career extension under subsection (b) expires and is not renewed,

shall be retired from the Service and receive benefits in accordance with section 4009 of this title, subject to any career extension under subsection (d) of this section.

(d) Extensions

Notwithstanding any other provision of this section—

(1) the career appointment of a member of the Service whose maximum time in class under subsection (a) expires, or whose limited career extension under subsection (b) expires, while that member is occupying a position to which he or she was appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall be extended until the appointment to that position is terminated; and

(2) if the Secretary determines it to be in the public interest, the Secretary may extend temporarily the career appointment of a career member of the Service whose maximum time in class or limited career extension expires, but in no case may any extension under this paragraph exceed one year and such extensions may be granted only in special circumstances.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §607, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2096.)

§4008. Retirement based on failure to meet standard of performance

(a) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations concerning the standards of performance to be met by career members of the Service who are citizens of the United States. Whenever a selection board review indicates that the performance of such a career member of the Service may not meet the standards of performance for his or her class, the Secretary shall provide for administrative review of the performance of the member. The review shall include an opportunity for the member to be heard.

(b) In any case where the administrative review conducted under subsection (a) substantiates that a career member of the Service has failed to meet the standards of performance for his or her class, the member shall be retired from the Service and receive benefits in accordance with section 4009 of this title.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §608, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2097.)

§4009. Retirement benefits

(a) Entitlement

A member of the Service—

(1) who is retired under section 4007(c)(2) of this title; or

(2) who is retired under section 4007(c)(1) or 4008(b) or 4010a of this title—

(A) after becoming eligible for voluntary retirement under section 4051 of this title or any other applicable provision of chapter 84 of title 5, or

(B) from the Senior Foreign Service or while assigned to class 1 in the Foreign Service Schedule,

shall receive retirement benefits in accordance with section 4046 of this title or section 4071d of this title, as appropriate.

(b) Computation of amount; refund; death of member

Any member of the Service (other than a member to whom subsection (a) applies) who is retired under section 4007(c)(1) or 4008(b) or 4010a of this title shall receive—

(1) one-twelfth of a year's salary at his or her then current salary rate for each year of service and proportionately for a fraction of a year, but not exceeding a total of one year's salary at his or her then current salary rate, payable without interest from the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund in 3 equal installments, such installments to be paid on January 1 of each of the first 3 calendar years beginning after the retirement of the member (except that in special cases, the Secretary of State may accelerate or combine such installments); and

(2)(A) for those participants in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System, a refund as provided in section 4055 of this title of the contributions made by the member to the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund, except that in lieu of such refund a member who has at least 5 years of service credit toward retirement under the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System (excluding military and naval service) may elect to receive an annuity, computed under section 4046 of this title, commencing at age 60; and (B) for those participants in the Foreign Service Pension System, benefits as provided in section 4071 of this title.

In the event that a member of the Service has elected to receive retirement benefits under paragraph (2) and dies before reaching age 60 (for participants in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System) or age 62 (for participants in the Foreign Service Pension System), his or her death shall be considered a death in service within the meaning of section 4049 of this title.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §609, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2098; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §181(a)(3), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 417; Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. B, title XXIII, §2312(a), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–827.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–277, §2312(a)(2), inserted "or section 4071d of this title, as appropriate" after "section 4046 of this title" in concluding provisions.

Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 105–277, §2312(a)(1), inserted "or any other applicable provision of chapter 84 of title 5" after "section 4051 of this title".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–277, §2312(a)(4), inserted "(for participants in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System) or age 62 (for participants in the Foreign Service Pension System)" after "age 60" in concluding provisions.

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 105–277, §2312(a)(3), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), inserted "for those participants in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System," before "a refund", and added subpar. (B).

1994—Subsecs. (a)(2), (b). Pub. L. 103–236 inserted "or 4010a" after "4008(b)".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. B, title XXIII, §2312(c), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–827, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 4071d of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 21, 1998].

"(2) Exceptions.—The amendments made by paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (a) and paragraphs (1)(A) and (2) of subsection (b) [amending this section and section 4071d of this title] shall apply with respect to any actions taken under section 611 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 [22 U.S.C. 4010a] on or after January 1, 1996."

Special Annuity for Certain Foreign Service Officers

Pub. L. 95–105, title IV, §411, Aug. 17, 1977, 91 Stat. 855, as amended by Pub. L. 95–426, title IV, §412(b), Oct. 7, 1978, 92 Stat. 981, provided that:

"(a) Subject to the conditions established in subsection (b), any Foreign Service officer—

"(1) who was retired under section 633(a)(1) of the Foreign Service Act of 1946 [former section 1003(a)(1) of this title, see section 4007(a) of this title] before the date of enactment of this section, [Aug. 17, 1977];

"(2) who was not in class 1, 2, or 3 at the time of retirement;

"(3) who was 40 years of age or older at the time of retirement; and

"(4) who had at least 20 years of service, exclusive of credit for unused sick leave, creditable for purposes of section 821 of such Act [former section 1076 of this title, see section 4046 of this title] at the time of retirement;

shall be entitled to receive retirement benefits in accordance with the provisions of such section 821 [former section 1076 of this title, see section 4046 of this title] in lieu of any retirement benefits which the officer may be entitled to elect under section 634(b)(2) of such Act [former section 1004(b)(2) of this title, see subsec. (b)(2) of this section]. Such retirement benefits shall be paid from the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund and shall be effective on the date the officer reaches age 50, the date of enactment of this section [Aug. 17, 1977], or October 1, 1977, whichever date is latest.

"(b) Retirement benefits may not be paid under this section unless (1) any refund of contributions paid to the officer under section 634(b)(2) of the Foreign Service Act of 1946 [former section 1004(b)(2) of this title, see subsec. (b)(2) of this section] is repaid to the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund, with interest, in accordance with sections 811(d) and (f) of such Act [former section 1071(d) and (f) of this title, see section 4045(d) and (f) of this title]; and (2) the service forming the basis for such retirement benefits is not used as the basis for any other retirement benefits under any retirement system.

"(c) In the event that an officer who is entitled to retirement benefits under this section dies before reaching the age of fifty, but after the date of enactment of this section [Aug. 17, 1977], his or her death shall be considered a death in service within the meaning of section 832 of the Foreign Service Act of 1946 [former section 1082 of this title, see section 4049 of this title], except that no survivor's annuity (other than a survivor's annuity which would be payable under the first complete sentence in section 634(b)(2) of such Act [former section 1004(b)(2) of this title, see subsec. (b)(2) of this section] but for the enactment of this section) shall become effective before October 1, 1977.

"(d) An officer entitled to retirement benefits under this section may make the election described in section 821(b) or (f), as appropriate, of the Foreign Service Act of 1946 [former section 1076(b) or (f) of this title, see section 4046(b) and (f) of this title] at any time before reaching the age of fifty or before the end of the sixty-day period beginning on the date of enactment of this section [Aug. 17, 1977], whichever is later."

§4010. Separation for cause; suspension

(a) Authorization of Secretary; right to hearing; attorneys fees and backpay; leave without pay

(1) The Secretary may separate any member from the Service for such cause as will promote the efficiency of the Service, including upon receiving notification from the Bureau of Diplomatic Security that such member has engaged in criminal misconduct, such as murder, rape, or other sexual assault.

(2)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), whenever the Secretary decides under paragraph (1) to separate, on the basis of misconduct, any member of the Service (other than a United States citizen employed under section 3951 of this title who is not a family member) who either—

(i) is serving under a career appointment, or

(ii) is serving under a limited appointment,

the member may not be separated from the Service until the member receives a hearing before the Foreign Service Grievance Board and the Board decides that cause for separation has been established, unless the member waives, in writing, the right to such a hearing, or the member's appointment has expired, whichever is sooner.

(B) The right to a hearing in subparagraph (A) does not apply in the case of an individual who has been convicted of a crime for which a sentence of imprisonment of more than one year may be imposed.

(3) If the Board decides that cause for separation has not been established, the Board may direct the Department to pay reasonable attorneys' fees to the extent and in the manner provided by section 4137(b)(5) of this title. The hearing provided under this paragraph shall be conducted in accordance with the hearing procedures applicable to grievances under section 4136 of this title and shall be in lieu of any other administrative procedure authorized or required by this or any other Act. Section 4140 of this title shall apply to proceedings under this paragraph.

(4) Notwithstanding the hearing required by paragraph (2), at the time that the Secretary decides to separate a member of the Service for cause, the member shall be placed on leave without pay. If the member does not waive the right to a hearing, and the Board decides that cause for separation has not been established, the member shall be reinstated with back pay.

(b) Refund of contributions to Fund; annuity election

Any participant in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System who is separated under subsection (a) shall be entitled to receive a refund as provided in section 4055 of this title of the contributions made by the participant to the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund. Except in cases where the Secretary determines that separation was based in whole or in part on the ground of disloyalty to the United States, a participant who has at least 5 years of service credit toward retirement under the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System (excluding military and naval service) may elect, in lieu of such refund, to an annuity, computed under section 4046 of this title, commencing at age 60.

(c) Suspension

(1) In order to promote the efficiency of the Service, the Secretary may indefinitely suspend without duties a member of the Service when—

(A) the member's security clearance is suspended; or

(B) there is reasonable cause to believe that the member has committed a crime for which a sentence of imprisonment may be imposed.

(2) Any member of the Service for whom a suspension is proposed under this subsection shall be entitled to—

(A) written notice stating the specific reasons for the proposed suspension;

(B) a reasonable time to respond orally and in writing to the proposed suspension;

(C) obtain at such member's own expense representation by an attorney or other representative; and

(D) a final written decision, including the specific reasons for such decision, as soon as practicable.

(3) Any member suspended under this subsection may file a grievance in accordance with the procedures applicable to grievances under subchapter XI of this chapter.

(4) If a grievance is filed pursuant to paragraph (3)—

(A) the review by the Foreign Service Grievance Board shall be limited to a determination of whether the provisions of paragraphs (1) and (2) have been fulfilled; and

(B) the Board may not exercise the authority provided under section 4136(8) of this title.

(5) For each member of the Service suspended under paragraph (1)(A) whose security clearance remains suspended for more than one calendar year, not later than 30 days after the end of such calendar year, the Secretary of State shall report to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate in writing regarding the specific reasons relating to the duration of each such suspension.

(6) Any member of the Service suspended under paragraph (1)(B) may be suspended without pay only after a final written decision is provided to such member pursuant to paragraph (2).

(7) In this subsection, the term "reasonable time" means—

(A) with respect to a member of the Service assigned to duty in the United States, 15 days after receiving notice of the proposed suspension; and

(B) with respect to a member of the Service assigned to duty outside the United States, 30 days after receiving notice of the proposed suspension.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §610, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2098; Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §181(d), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1364; Pub. L. 101–167, title V, §586(b), Nov. 21, 1989, 103 Stat. 1252; Pub. L. 101–246, title I, §143, Feb. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 36; Pub. L. 102–138, title I, §143(a), Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 668; Pub. L. 103–415, §1(h)(2), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4300; Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. B, title XXIII, §2313, Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–827; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §328], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-438; Pub. L. 107–228, div. A, title III, §314(a), Sept. 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 1378; Pub. L. 114–323, title IV, §415(a), Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1933; Pub. L. 117–81, div. E, title LIII, §5317, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2367; Pub. L. 117–263, div. I, title XCII, §9202(b)(1), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3864.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 117–263 struck out "decide to" after "The Secretary may" and inserted before period at end ", including upon receiving notification from the Bureau of Diplomatic Security that such member has engaged in criminal misconduct, such as murder, rape, or other sexual assault".

2021—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 117–81, §5317(1), substituted "indefinitely suspend without duties" for "suspend" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(5), (6). Pub. L. 117–81, §5317(3), added pars. (5) and (6). Former par. (5) redesignated (7).

Subsec. (c)(7). Pub. L. 117–81, §5317(2), (4), redesignated par. (5) as (7), struck out subpar. (A) designation before "The term", substituted "this subsection, the term" for "this subsection: The term", redesignated cls. (i) and (ii) as subpars. (A) and (B), realigned margins, and struck out former subpar. (B) which read as follows: "The terms 'suspend' and 'suspension' mean placing a member of the Foreign Service in a temporary status without duties."

2016—Pub. L. 114–323, §415(a)(1), substituted "Separation for cause; suspension" for "Separation for cause" in section catchline.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–323, §415(a)(2), added subsec. (c).

2002—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 107–228, §314(a)(1), inserted "decide to" after "may".

Subsec. (a)(2) to (6). Pub. L. 107–228, §314(a)(2), (3), added pars. (2) to (4) and struck out former pars. (2) to (6) which related to the rights of members of the Service to hearings before the Foreign Service Grievance Board prior to being separated from the Service, suspensions from the Service pending final resolution of the underlying matter, procedural rights of suspended members, review of suspensions by the Board, and leave without pay pending final resolution for members recommended for separation.

1999—Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 106–113 added par. (6).

1998—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 105–277, in first sentence, substituted "Except in the case of an individual who has been convicted of a crime for which a sentence of imprisonment of more than 1 year may be imposed, a member" for "A member".

1994—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 103–415 inserted "(other than a United States citizen employed under section 3951 of this title who is not a family member)" after "A member of the Service".

1991—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 102–138, §143(a)(1), substituted "a member has been convicted of a crime" for "there is reasonable cause to believe that a member has committed a crime".

Subsec. (a)(4)(A). Pub. L. 102–138, §143(a)(2), substituted "suspension" for "suspension, including the grounds for reasonable cause to believe a crime has been committed".

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 102–138, §143(a)(3), substituted "the conviction requirements of subsection (a)(3) of this section have been fulfilled" for "there exists reasonable cause to believe a crime has been committed for which a sentence of imprisonment may be imposed".

1990—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 101–246 inserted before period at end of first sentence "or, notwithstanding section 4136(8) of this title, unless the member has been convicted of a crime related to the cause for separation, subject to reinstatement with back pay (for any period during which separation for cause had not been established by such a hearing) if such conviction is reversed on appeal" and inserted sentence at end that section 4140 of this title apply to proceedings under this paragraph.

1989—Subsec. (a)(3) to (5). Pub. L. 101–167 added pars. (3) to (5).

1987—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 100–204 inserted after first sentence "If such cause is not established at such hearing, the Grievance Board shall have the authority to direct the Department to pay reasonable attorneys fees to the extent and in the manner provided by section 4137(b)(5) of this title."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–204 not applicable with respect to any grievance in which the Board has issued a final decision pursuant to section 4137 of this title before Dec. 22, 1987, see section 181(e) of Pub. L. 100–204, set out as a note under section 3946 of this title.

Update to Foreign Affairs Manual

Pub. L. 117–263, div. I, title XCII, §9202(b)(2), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3864, provided that: "The Director of Global Talent Management shall—

"(A) update the 'Grounds for Disciplinary Action' and 'List of Disciplinary Offenses and Penalties' sections of the Foreign Affairs Manual to reflect the amendments made under paragraph (1) [amending this section]; and

"(B) communicate such updates to Department [of State] staff through publication in Department Notices."

Expedited Separation Out

Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. B, title XXIII, §2311(b), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–826, provided that:

"(1) Separation of lowest ranked foreign service members.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 21, 1998], the Secretary of State shall develop and implement procedures to identify, and recommend for separation, any member of the Foreign Service ranked by promotion boards of the Department of State in the bottom 5 percent of his or her class for 2 or more of the 5 years preceding the date of enactment of this Act (in this subsection referred to as the 'years of lowest ranking') if the rating official for such member was not the same individual for any two of the years of lowest ranking.

"(2) Special internal reviews.—In any case where the member was evaluated by the same rating official in any 2 of the years of lowest ranking, an internal review of the member's file shall be conducted to determine whether the member should be considered for action leading to separation.

"(3) Procedures.—The Secretary of State shall develop procedures for the internal reviews required under paragraph (2)."

Definition of "Reasonable Cause"

Pub. L. 101–167, title V, §586(c), Nov. 21, 1989, 103 Stat. 1252, provided that for purposes of amendments by section 586(a) and (b) of Pub. L. 101–167, which amended this section and section 4136 of this title, reasonable cause to believe that a member has committed a crime for which a sentence of imprisonment may be imposed was to be defined as a member of the Service having been convicted of, and sentence of imprisonment having been imposed for, a job-related crime, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–138, title I, §143(c), Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 668.

§4010a. Reductions in force

(a) Authorization and regulations

The Secretary may conduct reductions in force and shall prescribe regulations for the separation of members of the Service holding a career or career candidate appointment under subchapter III of this chapter, under such reductions in force which give due effect to the following:

(1) Organizational changes.

(2) Documented employee knowledge, skills, or competencies.

(3) Tenure of employment.

(4) Documented employee performance.

(5) Military preference, subject to section 3501(a)(3) of title 5.

(b) Applicability of retirement benefits

The provisions of section 4009 of this title shall be applicable to any member of the Service holding a career or career candidate appointment under subchapter III of this chapter, who is separated under the provisions of this section.

(c) Grievance procedure

An employee against whom action is taken under this section may elect either to file a grievance under subchapter XI or to appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board under procedures prescribed by the Board. Grievances under subchapter XI shall be limited to cases of reprisal, interference in the conduct of an employee's official duties, or similarly inappropriate use of the authority of this section.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §611, as added Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §181(a)(2), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 417; amended Pub. L. 103–415, §1(ii), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4303.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 611 of Pub. L. 96–465 was renumbered section 612 and is classified to section 4011 of this title.

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–415 made technical amendment relating to style of section catchline.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Employment Assistance Referral System for Certain Members of Foreign Service

Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §179, Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 415, as amended by Pub. L. 103–415, §1(g), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4300, provided that:

"(a) Referral System.—Certain members of the Foreign Service (as described in subsection (b)), may participate in the Office of Personnel Management's Interagency Placement programs or any successor program. Such members of the Foreign Service shall be treated in the same manner as employees participating in such a program as of the effective date of this Act [Apr. 30, 1994].

"(b) Certain Members of the Foreign Service.—For purposes of this section, the term 'members of the Foreign Service' means any individuals holding career or career candidate appointments under chapter 3 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 [22 U.S.C. 3941 et seq.]."

Consultation With Director of Office of Personnel Management Prior to Prescribing Regulations for Reductions in Force

Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §181(c), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 418, as amended by Pub. L. 103–415, §1(i), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4301, provided that: "The Secretary of State (or in the case of any other agency authorized by law to utilize the Foreign Service personnel system, the head of that agency) shall consult with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management before prescribing regulations for reductions in force under section 611 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 [22 U.S.C. 4010a] (as added by subsection (a) of this section), and shall publish such regulations."

§4011. Termination of limited appointments

Except as provided in section 4010(a)(2) of this title, the Secretary may terminate at any time the appointment of any member of the Service serving under a limited appointment who is in the Senior Foreign Service, who is assigned to a salary class in the Foreign Service Schedule or who is paid in accordance with section 3967 of this title or is a United States citizen paid under a compensation plan under section 3968 of this title.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §612, formerly §611, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2099; renumbered §612 and amended Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §§180(a)(7), 181(a)(1), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 416.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 612 of Pub. L. 96–465 was renumbered section 613 and is classified to section 4012 of this title.

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–236, §180(a)(7), substituted "or who is paid in accordance with section 3967 of this title or is a United States citizen paid under a compensation plan under section 3968 of this title." for ", or who is a family member of a Government employee serving under a local compensation plan established under section 3968 of this title."

§4012. Termination of appointments of consular agents and foreign national employees

(a) The Secretary of State may terminate at any time the appointment of any consular agent in light of the criteria and procedures normally followed in the locality in similar circumstances.

(b) The Secretary may terminate at any time the appointment of any foreign national employee in light of the criteria and procedures normally followed in the locality in similar circumstances.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §613, formerly §612, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2099; renumbered §613, Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §181(a)(1), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 416.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 613 of Pub. L. 96–465 was renumbered section 614 and is classified to section 4013 of this title.

§4012a. Foreign national employees separation pay

(a) Establishment

There is established in the Treasury of the United States a fund to provide separation pay for foreign national employees of agencies of the United States Government, other than the Department of Defense.

(b) Funding

There shall be deposited in such account—

(1) all amounts previously obligated for accrued separation pay of foreign national employees of such agencies of the United States Government; and

(2) amounts obligated for fiscal years after 1991 by such agencies for the current and future costs of separation pay of foreign national employees.

(c) Availability

Amounts shall be deposited in the fund annually and are authorized to be available until expended.

(d) Expenditures from fund

Amounts deposited in the fund shall be available for expenditure to make separation payments to foreign national employees in countries in which such pay is legally authorized.

(Pub. L. 102–138, title I, §151, Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 672.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993, and not as part of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 which comprises this chapter.

§4013. Department awards

The President shall establish a system of awards to confer appropriate recognition of outstanding contributions to the Nation by members of the Service or Civil Service. The awards system established under this section shall provide for presentation by the President and by the Secretary of medals or other suitable commendations for performance in the course of or beyond the call of duty which involves distinguished, meritorious service to the Nation, including extraordinary valor in the face of danger to life or health. Distinguished, meritorious service in the promotion of internationally recognized human rights, including the right to freedom of religion, shall serve as a basis for granting awards under this section.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §614, formerly §613, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2099; renumbered §614, Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §181(a)(1), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 416; amended Pub. L. 105–292, title V, §504(b), Oct. 27, 1998, 112 Stat. 2811; Pub. L. 117–81, div. E, title LIII, §5308(a), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2362.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 117–81, §5308(a)(1), amended section catchline generally, substituting "Department awards" for "Foreign Service awards".

Pub. L. 117–81, §5308(a)(2), inserted "or Civil Service" after "the Service" before period at end of first sentence.

1998—Pub. L. 105–292 inserted at end "Distinguished, meritorious service in the promotion of internationally recognized human rights, including the right to freedom of religion, shall serve as a basis for granting awards under this section."

Executive Documents

Delegation of Functions

Functions of President under this section delegated to Secretary of State, see section 1 of Ex. Ord. No. 12293, Feb. 23, 1981, 46 F.R. 13969, set out under section 3901 of this title.

The Richard C. Holbrooke Award for Diplomacy

Memorandum of President of the United States, Dec. 22, 2010, 77 F.R. 75507, provided:

Memorandum for the Secretary of State

To honor the legacy of one of America's greatest diplomats and to reaffirm our commitment to diplomacy, I hereby direct you to establish the Richard C. Holbrooke Award for Diplomacy, to be awarded annually. You are authorized to take all necessary steps to establish an appropriate award program under the auspices of your department to recognize distinguished Americans who have made especially meritorious contributions to diplomacy.

Sixty days prior to presenting the award, you shall present to me a list of nominees, from which I will select up to five individuals or groups of individuals to receive this award. In preparing your list of nominees, you may consider the recommendations of appropriate individuals and groups, coordinate your nominations in consultation with other executive agencies as appropriate, and may include recommendations for posthumous awards.

You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

Barack Obama.      

SUBCHAPTER VII—CAREER DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING, AND ORIENTATION

§4021. Institution for training

(a) Institution or center for training

The Secretary of State shall maintain and operate an institution or center for training (hereinafter in this subchapter referred to as the "institution"), originally established under section 701 of the Foreign Service Act of 1946, in order to promote career development within the Service and to provide necessary training and instruction in the field of foreign relations to members of the Service and to employees of the Department and of other agencies. The institution shall be headed by a Director, who shall be appointed by the Secretary of State. The institution shall be designated the "George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center" ¹

(b) Provision of training

To the extent practicable, the Secretary of State shall provide training under this subchapter which meets the needs of all agencies, and other agencies shall avoid duplicating the facilities and training provided by the Secretary of State through the institution and otherwise.

(c) Training and instruction to citizens of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

Training and instruction may be provided at the Institute ² for not to exceed sixty citizens of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands in order to prepare them to serve as members of the foreign services of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau. The authority of this subsection shall expire when the Compact of Free Association is approved by the Congress.

(d) Training and instruction of employees of foreign governments

(1) The Secretary of State is authorized to provide for special professional foreign affairs training and instruction of employees of foreign governments through the institution.

(2) Training and instruction under paragraph (1) shall be on a reimbursable or advance-of-funds basis. Such reimbursements or advances to the Department of State may be provided by an agency of the United States Government or by a foreign government and shall be credited to the currently available applicable appropriation account.

(3) In making such training available to employees of foreign governments, priority consideration should be given to officials of newly emerging democratic nations and then to such other countries as the Secretary determines to be in the national interest of the United States.

(e) Training or services for United States person

(1) The Secretary may provide appropriate training or related services, except foreign language training, through the institution to any United States person (or any employee or family member thereof) that is engaged in business abroad.

(2) The Secretary may provide job-related training or related services, including foreign language training, through the institution to a United States person under contract to provide services to the United States Government or to any employee thereof that is performing such services.

(3) Training under this subsection may be provided only to the extent that space is available and only on a reimbursable or advance-of-funds basis. Reimbursements and advances shall be credited to the currently available applicable appropriation account.

(4) Training and related services under this subsection is authorized only to the extent that it will not interfere with the institution's primary mission of training employees of the Department and of other agencies in the field of foreign relations.

(5) In this subsection, the term "United States person" means—

(A) any individual who is a citizen or national of the United States; or

(B) any corporation, company, partnership, association, or other legal entity that is 50 percent or more beneficially owned by citizens or nationals of the United States.

(f) Programs for Members of Congress or the Judiciary

(1) The Secretary is authorized to provide, on a reimbursable basis, training programs to Members of Congress or the Judiciary.

(2) Employees of the legislative branch and employees of the judicial branch may participate, on a reimbursable basis, in training programs offered by the institution.

(3) Reimbursements collected under this subsection shall be credited to the currently available applicable appropriation account.

(4) Training under this subsection is authorized only to the extent that it will not interfere with the institution's primary mission of training employees of the Department and of other agencies in the field of foreign relations.

(g) Applicability of section 4024 of this title

The authorities of section 4024 of this title shall apply to training and instruction provided under this section.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §701, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2099; Pub. L. 98–164, title I, §126, Nov. 22, 1983, 97 Stat. 1026; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §126(2), (3), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 393, 394; Pub. L. 103–415, §1(y), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4302; Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. B, title XXII, §2205(a)(1), (3), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–808, 2681-809; Pub. L. 107–132, §1(a), Jan. 16, 2002, 115 Stat. 2412; Pub. L. 107–228, div. A, title III, §318(2), Sept. 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 1379.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 701 of the Foreign Service Act of 1946, referred to in subsec. (a), which was classified to section 1041 of this title, was repealed by Pub. L. 96–465, title II, §2205(1), Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2159.

Amendments

2002—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–132 inserted at end "The institution shall be designated the 'George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center' ".

Subsecs. (d)(4) to (g). Pub. L. 107–228 repealed Pub. L. 105–277, §2205(a)(3). See 1998 Amendment notes below.

1998—Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 105–277, §2205(a)(3)(B), which directed the redesignation of subsec. (g) as (d)(4), effective Oct. 1, 2002, was repealed by Pub. L. 107–228, effective Sept. 30, 2002.

Pub. L. 105–277, §2205(a)(1)(A), redesignated subsec. (d)(4) as (g).

Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 105–277, §2205(a)(3)(A), which directed the striking out of subsecs. (e) and (f), effective Oct. 1, 2002, was repealed by Pub. L. 107–228, effective Sept. 30, 2002.

Pub. L. 105–277, §2205(a)(1)(B), added subsecs. (e) and (f).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 105–277, §2205(a)(3)(B), which directed the redesignation of subsec. (g) as (d)(4), effective Oct. 1, 2002, was repealed by Pub. L. 107–228, effective Sept. 30, 2002.

Pub. L. 105–277, §2205(a)(1)(A), redesignated subsec. (d)(4) as (g).

1994—Pub. L. 103–415 made technical amendment relating to style of section catchline.

Pub. L. 103–236, §126(2)(A), substituted "Institution for training" for "Foreign Service Institute" as section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–236, §126(2)(B), inserted heading, substituted "an institution or center for training (hereinafter in this subchapter referred to as the 'institution')" for "the Foreign Service Institute (hereinafter in this subchapter referred to as the 'Institute'),", and substituted "institution shall" for "Institute shall".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–236, §126(3), substituted "institution" for "Institute".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–236, §126(2)(C), added subsec. (d).

1983—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–164 added subsec. (c).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Pub. L. 107–132, §1(b), Jan. 16, 2002, 115 Stat. 2412, provided that: "Any reference in any provision of law to the National Foreign Affairs Training Center or the Foreign Service Institute shall be considered to be a reference to the 'George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center'."

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. B, title XXII, §2205(a)(2), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–809, provided that: "The amendments made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 1998."

Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. B, title XXII, §2205(a)(3), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–809, which provided that the amendment made by section 2205(a)(3) was effective Oct. 1, 2002, was repealed by Pub. L. 107–228, div. A, title III, §318(2), Sept. 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 1379.

Designation of Foreign Language Resources Coordinator

Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §192, Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 419, provided that:

"(a) Policy.—It is the sense of the Congress that—

"(1) the Department of State, by virtue of the Secretary's overall responsibility under section 701(a) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4011(a) [22 U.S.C. 4021(a)]) for training and instruction in the field of foreign relations to meet the needs of all Federal agencies, should take the lead in this interagency effort; and

"(2) in order to promote efficiency and quality in the training provided by the Secretary of State and other Federal agencies, the Secretary should call upon other agencies to share in the joint management and coordination of Federal foreign language resources.

"(b) Foreign Language Resources Coordinator.—

"(1) The Secretary of State should appoint a Foreign Language Resources Coordinator (in this subsection referred to as the 'Coordinator') who shall be responsible—

"(A) for coordinating the efforts of the appropriate agencies of Government—

"(i) to strengthen mechanisms for sharing of foreign language resources; and

"(ii) to identify Federal foreign language resource requirements in the areas of diplomacy, military preparedness, international security, and other foreign policy objectives; and

"(B) for making recommendations to the Secretary of State as to which Federal foreign language assets, if any, should be made available to the private sector in support of national global economic competitiveness goals.

"(2) All appropriate United States Government agencies maintaining and utilizing Federal foreign language training and related resources shall cooperate fully with any Coordinator."

Foreign Service Institute Facilities

Pub. L. 99–93, title I, §123, Aug. 16, 1985, 99 Stat. 413, as amended by Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §135, Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1345; Pub. L. 102–138, title I, §124, Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 659; Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. B, title XXII, §2219(a)(3), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–817, provided that:

"(a) Purpose.—The purpose of this section is to promote comprehensive training to meet the foreign relations and national security objectives of the United States and to provide facilities designed for that purpose to assure cost efficient training.

"(b) Construction of Training Facilities.—The Administrator of General Services may construct a consolidated training facility for the Foreign Service Institute on a site made available by the Secretary of State or acquired by the Administrator of General Services. Such site shall be located outside the District of Columbia but within reasonable proximity to the Department of State. The Administrator of General Services may carry out this subsection only to the extent that funds are provided in advance in appropriation Acts to the Department of State and are transferred to the Administrator of General Services for carrying out this section.

"(c) Use of Funds.—(1)(A) Of amounts authorized to be appropriated to the Department of State for fiscal years 1986 and 1987 for 'Administration of Foreign Affairs' by section 101(1) [Pub. L. 99–93, §101(1), which is not classified to the Code], a total of not to exceed $11,000,000 may be transferred by the Secretary of State to the Administrator of General Services for carrying out feasibility studies, site acquisition, and design, architectural, and engineering planning under subsection (b) of this section.

"(B) Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated to the Department of State for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 1987, the Secretary of State may transfer a total not to exceed $11,000,000 for 'Administration of Foreign Affairs' to the Administrator of General Services for carrying out feasibility studies, site preparation, and design, architectural, and engineering planning under subsection (b).

"(2) Of amounts authorized to be appropriated to the Department of State for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 1987, for 'Administration of Foreign Affairs', a total not to exceed $70,000,000 may be transferred by the Secretary of State to the Administrator of General Services for carrying out construction under subsection (b) of this section.

"(3) Funds may not be obligated for construction of a facility under this section before the end of the period of 30 days of continuous session of Congress beginning on the date on which plans and estimates developed to carry out this section are submitted to the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Public Works and Transportation of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Foreign Relations and Environment and Public Works of the Senate. In determining days of continuous session of Congress for purposes of this paragraph—

"(A) continuity of session is broken only by an adjournment of Congress sine die; and

"(B) the days on which either House is not in session because of an adjournment of more than 3 days to a day certain are excluded in the determination.

If both Houses of Congress are not in session on the day any plans and estimates are submitted to such committees, such submittal shall be deemed to have been submitted on the first succeeding day on which both Houses are in session. If all such committees do not receive a submittal on the same day, such period shall not begin until the date on which all such committees have received it.

"(d) Jurisdiction and Custody.—The facility constructed under this section and the site of such facility shall be under jurisdiction and in the custody of the Administrator of General Services.

"(e) Operation, Maintenance, Security, Alteration, and Repair.—(1) The Administrator of General Services shall delegate, in accordance with section 205 of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 486) [see 40 U.S.C. 121 and Historical and Revision notes thereunder] and section 15 of the Public Buildings Act of 1959 (40 U.S.C. 614) [now 40 U.S.C. 3315], to the Secretary of State responsibility for the operation, maintenance, and security of and alterations and repairs to the facility constructed pursuant to this section, provided the facility is used by the Secretary for the purposes authorized by this section.

"[(2) Repealed. Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. B, title XXII, §2219(a)(3), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–817.]

"(f) Exemption From Payment of Charges.—(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Department of State shall be exempt from the charges required by section 210(j) of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 490(j)) [now 40 U.S.C. 586(a), (b)] for the use of the facility constructed under this section for the Foreign Service Institute.

"(2) The Administrator of General Services shall charge the Department of State under such section 210(j) for the costs of any operation, maintenance, repairs, or alterations of such facility carried out by the Administrator of General Services."

Language Training for Family Members of Foreign Service Personnel

Pub. L. 95–105, title IV, §414, Aug. 17, 1977, 91 Stat. 857, as amended by Pub. L. 97–241, title V, §505(a)(3), (b)(1), Aug. 24, 1982, 96 Stat. 299, provided that: "It is the sense of Congress that, in order to increase the effectiveness of United States diplomatic representation abroad, the Secretary of State should make greater use of his authority under section 701 of the Foreign Service Act of 1946 [former section 1041 of this title] in order to increase the language training opportunities available to the family members of Foreign Service personnel."

Executive Documents

Termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

For termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, see note set out preceding section 1681 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

¹ So in original. Probably should be followed by a period.

² So in original. Probably should be "institution".

§4022. Foreign language requirements

(a) In general

The Secretary shall establish foreign language proficiency requirements for members of the Service who are to be assigned abroad in order that Foreign Service posts abroad will be staffed by individuals having a useful knowledge of the language or dialect common to the country in which the post is located.

(b) Training

The Secretary of State shall arrange for appropriate language training of members of the Service by the institution or otherwise in order to assist in meeting the requirements established under subsection (a).

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §702, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2099; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §126(3), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 394; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title II, §208(a)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-422; Pub. L. 107–228, div. A, title III, §327, Sept. 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 1387; Pub. L. 117–81, div. E, title LI, §5114(b)(3), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2352.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 117–81 struck out subsec. (c) which read as follows: "Not later than January 31 of each year, the Director General of the Foreign Service shall submit a report to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on International Relations of the House of Representatives summarizing the number of positions in each overseas mission requiring foreign language competence that—

"(1) became vacant during the previous fiscal year; and

"(2) were filled by individuals having the required foreign language competence."

2002—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107–228 substituted "January 31" for "March 31" in introductory provisions and "fiscal year" for "calendar year" in par. (1).

1999—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 106–113 added subsec. (c).

1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–236 substituted "institution" for "Institute".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Committee on International Relations of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Foreign Affairs of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Tenth Congress, Jan. 5, 2007.

§4023. Career development program

(a) Establishment; primary attention and emphasis

The Secretary shall establish a professional development program to assure that members of the Service obtain the skills and knowledge required at the various stages of their careers. With regard to Foreign Service officers, primary attention shall be given to training for career candidate officers and for midcareer officers, both after achieving tenure and as they approach eligibility for entry to the Senior Foreign Service, to enhance and broaden their qualifications for more senior levels of responsibility in the Service. Training for other members of the Service shall emphasize programs designed to enhance their particular skills and expert knowledge, including development of the management skills appropriate to their occupational categories.

(b) Primary direction for Junior Foreign Service officer training and midcareer training

Junior Foreign Service officer training shall be directed primarily toward providing expert knowledge in the basic functions of analysis and reporting as well as in consular, administrative, and linguistic skills relevant to the full range of future job assignments. Midcareer training shall be directed primarily toward development and perfection of management, functional, negotiating, and policy development skills to prepare the officers progressively for more senior levels of responsibility.

(c) Purpose; completion of training as condition for placement or appointment

At each stage the program of professional development should be designed to provide members of the Service with the opportunity to acquire skills and knowledge relevant to clearly established professional standards of expected performance. Career candidates should satisfactorily complete candidate training prior to attainment of career status. Members of the Service should satisfactorily complete midcareer training before appointment to the Senior Foreign Service.

(d) University degree credit

In formulating programs under this section, the Secretary should establish a system to provide, insofar as possible, credit toward university degrees for successful completion of courses comparable to graduate-level, university courses.

(e) Institutions conducting training

Training provided under this section shall be conducted by the Department and by other governmental and nongovernmental institutions as the Secretary may consider appropriate.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §703, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2100; Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §185(c)(1), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1366.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1987—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 100–204 struck out subsec. (f) which related to report to Congress and President.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Professional Development

Pub. L. 117–263, div. I, title XCII, §9211, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3874, provided that:

"(a) Requirements.—The Secretary [of State] shall strongly encourage that Foreign Service officers seeking entry into the Senior Foreign Service participate in professional development described in subsection (c).

"(b) Requirements.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Secretary shall submit recommendations on requiring that Foreign Service officers complete professional development described in subsection (c) to be eligible for entry into the Senior Foreign Service.

"(c) Professional Development Described.—Professional development described in this subsection is not less than 6 months of training or experience outside of the Department [of State], including time spent—

"(1) as a detailee to another government agency, including Congress or a State, Tribal, or local government; or

"(2) in Department-sponsored and -funded university training that results in an advanced degree, excluding time spent at a university that is fully funded or operated by the Federal Government.

"(d) Promotion Precepts.—The Secretary shall instruct promotion boards to consider positively long-term training and out-of-agency detail assignments as described in this section."

§4024. Functions of Secretary

(a) Nature and correlation of training and instruction; encouragement of complementary programs; employment of personnel; acquisition of property and equipment

In the exercise of functions under this subchapter, the Secretary of State may—

(1) provide for the general nature of the training and instruction to be furnished by the institution, including functional and geographic area specializations;

(2) correlate training and instruction furnished by the institution with courses given at other Government institutions and at private institutions which furnish training and instruction useful in the field of foreign affairs;

(3) encourage and foster programs complementary to those furnished by the institution, including through grants and other gratuitous assistance to nonprofit institutions cooperating in any of the programs under this subchapter;

(4)(A) employ in accordance with the civil service laws such personnel as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this subchapter, and

(B) if and to the extent determined to be necessary by the Secretary of State, obtain without regard to the provisions of law governing appointments in the competitive service, by appointment or contract (subject to the availability of appropriations), the services of individuals to serve as education and training specialists, including language instructors and linguists, and other specialists who perform work directly relating to the design, delivery, oversight, or coordination of training delivered by the institution (including, in the absence of suitably qualified United States citizens, qualified individuals who are not citizens of the United States); and

(5) acquire such real and personal property and equipment as may be necessary for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the facilities necessary to carry out the provisions of this subchapter without regard to sections 3101(a) and (c), 3104, 3106, 3301(b)(2), and 6101 of title 41.

(b) Payment of salary, tuition, and other expenses; special monetary or other incentives

In furtherance of the objectives of this chapter, the Secretary may—

(1) pay the tuition and other expenses of members of the Service and employees of the Department who are assigned or detailed in accordance with law for special instruction or training, including orientation, language, and career development training;

(2) pay the salary (excluding premium pay or any special differential under section 3972 of this title) of members of the Service selected and assigned for training; and

(3) provide special monetary or other incentives to encourage members of the Service to acquire or retain proficiency in foreign languages or special abilities needed in the Service.

(c) Orientation and training for family members

The Secretary may provide to family members of members of the Service or of employees of the Department or other agencies, in anticipation of their assignment abroad or while abroad—

(1) appropriate orientation and language training; and

(2) functional training for anticipated prospective employment under section 3951 of this title.

(d) Training and certification for employees performing consular functions

(1) Before a United States citizen employee (other than a diplomatic or consular officer of the United States) may be designated by the Secretary of State, pursuant to regulation, to perform a consular function abroad, the United States citizen employee shall—

(A) be required to complete successfully a program of training essentially equivalent to the training that a consular officer who is a member of the Foreign Service would receive for purposes of performing such function; and

(B) be certified by an appropriate official of the Department of State to be qualified by knowledge and experience to perform such function.

(2) As used in this subsection, the term "consular function" includes the issuance of visas, the performance of notarial and other legalization functions, the adjudication of passport applications, the adjudication of nationality, and the issuance of citizenship documentation.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §704, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2100; Pub. L. 97–241, title I, §125(1), Aug. 24, 1982, 96 Stat. 281; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §126(3), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 394; Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. B, title XXII, §2222(f), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–819; Pub. L. 114–323, title IV, §407, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1930.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 96–465, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2071, known as the Foreign Service Act of 1980, which is classified principally to this chapter (§3901 et seq.). For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3901 of this title and Tables.

Codification

In subsec. (a)(5), "sections 3101(a) and (c), 3104, 3106, 3301(b)(2), and 6101 of title 41" substituted for "section 3709 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (41 U.S.C. 5) and section 302 of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41 U.S.C. 252)" on authority of Pub. L. 111–350, §6(c), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3854, which Act enacted Title 41, Public Contracts.

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (a)(4)(B). Pub. L. 114–323 substituted "education and training specialists, including language instructors and linguists, and other specialists who perform work directly relating to the design, delivery, oversight, or coordination of training delivered by the institution" for "language instructors, linguists, and other academic and training specialists".

1998—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–277 added subsec. (d).

1994—Subsec. (a)(1) to (3). Pub. L. 103–236 substituted "institution" for "Institute".

1982—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 97–241 substituted "section 3972 of this title" for "section 3971 of this title".

§4025. Training grants

(a) Family members attending approved programs of study; limitations

To facilitate training provided to members of families of Government employees under this subchapter, the Secretary may make grants (by advance payment or by reimbursement) to family members attending approved programs of study. No such grant may exceed the amount actually expended for necessary costs incurred in conjunction with such attendance.

(b) Compensation for individuals unable to participate in language training furnished by Government

If a member of the Service who is assigned abroad, or a member of his or her family, is unable to participate in language training furnished by the Government through the institution or otherwise, the Secretary may compensate that individual for all or part of the costs of language training, related to the assignment abroad, which is undertaken at a public or private institution.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §705, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2101; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §126(3), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 394.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–236 substituted "institution" for "Institute" after "through the".

§4026. Career counseling

(a) Facilitation of transition from Service

In order to facilitate their transition from the Service, the Secretary may provide (by contract or otherwise, subject to the availability of appropriations) professional career counseling, advice, and placement assistance to members of the Service, and to former members of the Service who were assigned to receive counseling and assistance under this subsection before they were separated from the Service, other than those separated for cause. Career counseling and related services provided pursuant to this chapter shall not be construed to permit an assignment that consists primarily of paid time to conduct a job search and without other substantive duties for more than one month.

(b) Facilitation of employment of spouses of members; establishment of family liaison office

(1) The Secretary shall implement such measures as the Secretary considers necessary to facilitate the employment of spouses and members of the Service. The measures may include—

(A) providing regular career counseling for such spouses;

(B) maintaining a centralized system for cataloging their skills and the various governmental and nongovernmental employment opportunities available to them; and

(D) ¹ otherwise assisting them in obtaining employment.

(2) The Secretary may prescribe regulations—

(A) to provide preference to eligible family members in hiring for any civilian position in the Department, notwithstanding the prohibition on marital discrimination found in 5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(1)(E), if —

(i) the eligible family member is among persons determined to be best qualified for the position; and

(ii) the position is located in the overseas country of assignment of their sponsoring employee;

(B) to ensure that notice of any vacant position in the Department is provided in a manner reasonably designed to reach eligible family members of sponsoring employees whose permanent duty stations are in the same country as that in which the position is located; and

(C) to ensure that an eligible family member who applies for a vacant position in the Department shall, to the extent practicable, be considered for any such position located in the same country as the permanent duty station of their sponsoring employee.

(3) Nothing in this section may be construed to provide an eligible family member with entitlement or preference in hiring over an individual who is preference eligible.

(4) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, a chief of mission may, consistent with all applicable laws and regulations pertaining to the ICASS system, make available to an eligible family member and a non-Department entity space in an embassy or consulate for the purpose of the non-Department entity providing employment-related training for eligible family members.

(5) The Secretary may work with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management and the heads of other Federal departments and agencies to expand and facilitate the use of existing Federal programs and resources in support of eligible family member employment.

(6) The Secretary shall establish a family liaison office to carry out this subsection and such other functions as the Secretary may determine.

(7) In this subsection, the term "eligible family member" refers to family members of government employees assigned abroad or hired for service at their post of residence who are appointed by the Secretary of State or the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development pursuant to sections 3902, 3922, 3943, and 3951 of this title.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §706, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2101; Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. B, title XXIII, §2314(a), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–827; Pub. L. 117–81, div. F, title LXII, §6203, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2389.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 117–81, §6203(1)(A), which directed substitution of "The Secretary shall implement such measures as the Secretary considers necessary to facilitate the employment of spouses and members of the Service. The measures may include—" for "The Secretary may facilitate the employment of spouses of members of the Foreign Service by—" in introductory provisions, was executed by making the substitution for "The Secretary may facilitate the employment of spouses of members of the Service by—", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 117–81, §6203(1)(C), which directed amendment of subpar. (C) to read as follows: "establishing a program for assisting eligible family members in accessing employment and education opportunities, as appropriate, including by exercising the authorities, in relevant part, under sections 1784 and 1784a of title 10 and subject to such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe modeled after those prescribed pursuant to subsection (b) of such section 1784;", could not be executed because of the prior redesignation of subpar. (C) as (D) by Pub. L. 117–81, §6203(1)(B). See below.

Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 117–81, §6203(1)(B), redesignated subpar. (C) as (D).

Subsec. (b)(2) to (5). Pub. L. 117–81, §6203(3), added pars. (2) to (5). Former par. (2) redesignated (6).

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 117–81, §6203(2), redesignated par. (2) as (6).

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 117–81, §6203(4), added par. (7).

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–277 inserted at end "Career counseling and related services provided pursuant to this chapter shall not be construed to permit an assignment that consists primarily of paid time to conduct a job search and without other substantive duties for more than one month."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. B, title XXIII, §2314(b), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–828, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall be effective 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 21, 1998]."

Authority of Secretary of State

Except as otherwise provided, Secretary of State to have and exercise any authority vested by law in any official or office of Department of State and references to such officials or offices deemed to refer to Secretary of State or Department of State, as appropriate, see section 2651a of this title and section 161(d) of Pub. L. 103–236, set out as a note under section 2651a of this title.

¹ So in original. There is no subpar. (C).

§4027. Visiting Scholars Program

(a) Establishment of program

There is authorized to be established at the institution a program whereby selected scholars would participate fully in the educational and training activities of the institution. This program may be referred to as the "Visiting Scholars Program".

(b) Selection and appointment of scholars

(1) Scholars participating in the Visiting Scholars Program shall be selected by a five-member board described in subsection (c).

(2) Each visiting scholar shall serve a term of one year, except that such term may be extended for one additional one-year period.

(c) Establishment of selection board

The board referred to in subsection (b) shall be composed of the Director of the institution, who shall serve as chairperson, and four other members appointed by the Secretary of State.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §707, as added Pub. L. 101–246, title I, §144(a), Feb. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 36; amended Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §126(3), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 394.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Subsecs. (a), (c). Pub. L. 103–236 substituted "institution" for "Foreign Service Institute" and "Institute" in subsec. (a) and "institution" for "Foreign Service Institute" in subsec. (c).

§4028. Training for Foreign Service officers

(a) Human rights, religious freedom, and human trafficking training

(1) In general

The Secretary of State, with the assistance of other relevant officials, such as the Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom appointed under section 6411(b) of this title, the Director of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking, and the director of the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center, shall establish as part of the standard training provided after January 1, 1999, for officers of the Service, including chiefs of mission, instruction in the field of internationally recognized human rights. Such training shall include—

(A) instruction on international documents and United States policy in human rights, which shall be mandatory for all members of the Service having reporting responsibilities relating to human rights and for chiefs of mission;

(B) instruction on the internationally recognized right to freedom of religion, the nature, activities, and beliefs of different religions, and the various aspects and manifestations of violations of religious freedom;

(C) instruction on international documents and United States policy on trafficking in persons, including provisions of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (division A of Public Law 106–386; 22 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.) which may affect the United States bilateral relationships; and

(D) for Foreign Service Officers who will be assigned to a country experiencing or at risk of mass atrocities, as determined by the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence and relevant civil society organizations, instruction on recognizing patterns of escalation and early warning signs of potential atrocities, and methods of preventing and responding to atrocities, including conflict assessment methods, peacebuilding, mediation for prevention, early action and response, and appropriate transitional justice measures to address atrocities.

(2) Religious freedom training

(A) In general

In carrying out the training required under paragraph (1)(B), the Director of the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center shall, not later than the one year after December 16, 2016, conduct training on religious freedom for all Foreign Service officers, including all entry level officers, all officers prior to departure for posting outside the United States, and all outgoing deputy chiefs of mission and ambassadors. Such training shall be included in—

(i) the A–100 course attended by all Foreign Service officers;

(ii) the courses required of every Foreign Service officer prior to a posting outside the United States, with segments tailored to the particular religious demography, religious freedom conditions, and United States strategies for advancing religious freedom, in each receiving country; and

(iii) the courses required of all outgoing deputy chiefs of mission and ambassadors.

(B) Development of curriculum

In carrying out the training required under paragraph (1)(B), the Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, in coordination with the Director of the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center and other Federal officials, as appropriate, and in consultation with the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom established under section 6431(a) of this title, shall make recommendations to the Secretary of State regarding a curriculum for the training of United States Foreign Service officers under paragraph (1)(B) on the scope and strategic value of international religious freedom, how violations of international religious freedom harm fundamental United States interests, how the advancement of international religious freedom can advance such interests, how United States international religious freedom policy should be carried out in practice by United States diplomats and other Foreign Service officers, and the relevance and relationship of international religious freedom to United States defense, diplomacy, development, and public affairs efforts. The Secretary of State should ensure the availability of sufficient resources to develop and implement such curriculum.

(C) Information sharing

The curriculum and training materials developed under this paragraph shall be shared with the United States Armed Forces and other Federal departments and agencies with personnel who are stationed overseas, as appropriate, to provide training on—

(i) United States religious freedom policies;

(ii) religious traditions;

(iii) religious engagement strategies;

(iv) religious and cultural issues; and

(v) efforts to counter violent religious extremism.

(b) Refugees

The Secretary of State shall provide sessions on refugee law and adjudications and on religious persecution to each individual seeking a commission as a United States consular officer. The Secretary shall also ensure that any member of the Service who is assigned to a position that may be called upon to assess requests for consideration for refugee admissions, including any consular officer, has completed training on refugee law and refugee adjudications in addition to the training required in this section.

(c) Child soldiers

The Secretary of State, with the assistance of other relevant officials, shall establish as part of the standard training provided for chiefs of mission, deputy chiefs of mission, and other officers of the Service who are or will be involved in the assessment of child soldier use or the drafting of the annual Human Rights Report instruction on matters related to child soldiers, and the substance of the Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008.

(d) Economic and commercial diplomacy

The Secretary of State, with the assistance of other relevant officials and the private sector, shall establish as part of the standard training provided for economic and commercial officers of the Foreign Service, chiefs of mission, and deputy chiefs of mission, training on matters related to economic and commercial diplomacy, with particular attention to market access and other elements of an enabling framework for United States businesses, commercial advocacy, and United States foreign economic policy, in addition to awareness about the support of the United States Government available to United States businesses, including support provided by the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Commerce, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Trade and Development Agency, the Department of the Treasury, the United States Agency for International Development, and the United States International Development Finance Corporation.

(e) Training in multilateral diplomacy

(1) In general

The Secretary, in consultation with other senior officials as appropriate, shall establish training courses on—

(A) the conduct of diplomacy at international organizations and other multilateral institutions; and

(B) broad-based multilateral negotiations of international instruments.

(2) Required training

Members of the Service, including appropriate chiefs of mission and other officers who are assigned to United States missions representing the United States to international organizations and other multilateral institutions or who are assigned in other positions that have as their primary responsibility formulation of policy related to such organizations and institutions, or participation in negotiations of international instruments, shall receive specialized training in the areas described in paragraph (1) prior to the beginning of service for such assignment or, if receiving such training at that time is not practical, within the first year of beginning such assignment.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §708, as added and amended Pub. L. 105–292, title I, §104, title VI, §602(b), Oct. 27, 1998, 112 Stat. 2795, 2812; Pub. L. 107–132, §2(b), Jan. 16, 2002, 115 Stat. 2412; Pub. L. 109–164, title I, §104(d), Jan. 10, 2006, 119 Stat. 3565; Pub. L. 110–457, title IV, §406, Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5091; Pub. L. 114–281, title I, §103(a), Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1430; Pub. L. 115–441, §4, Jan. 14, 2019, 132 Stat. 5587; Pub. L. 116–94, div. J, title VII, §705, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3071; Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXVII, §6702(a), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 1015.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(C), is div. A of Pub. L. 106–386, Oct. 28, 2000, 114 Stat. 1466, which is classified principally to chapter 78 (§7101 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 7101 of this title and Tables.

The Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008, referred to in subsec. (c), is title IV of Pub. L. 110–457, Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5087, which is classified principally to sections 2370c to 2370c–2 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2008 Amendment note set out under section 2151 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 118–31 added subsec. (e).

2019—Subsec. (a)(1)(D). Pub. L. 115–441 added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 116–94 added subsec. (d).

2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–281, §103(a)(1), inserted subsec. heading, designated existing provisions as par. (1) and inserted par. heading, redesignated former pars. (1) to (3) as subpars. (A) to (C), respectively, and added par. (2).

Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 114–281, §103(a)(2), (3), inserted headings.

2008—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 110–457 added subsec. (c).

2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–164 inserted ", the Director of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking," after "section 6411(b) of this title" in introductory provisions and added par. (3).

2002—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–132 inserted "George P. Shultz" after "director of the" in introductory provisions.

1998—Pub. L. 105–292, §602(b), designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–457 effective 180 days after Dec. 23, 2008, see section 407 of Pub. L. 110–457, set out as an Effective Date note under section 2370c of this title.

Economic and Commercial Diplomacy Training

Pub. L. 118–47, div. F, title VII, §7028(b), Mar. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 778, provided that: "In carrying out section 705 of title VII of division J of Public Law 116–94 [amending this section], the Secretary of State shall annually assess training needs across the economic and commercial diplomacy issue areas and ensure, after a review of course offerings, course attendance records, and course evaluation results, that current offerings meet training needs."

Training for Department Employees

Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXVII, §6702(b), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 1015, provided that: "The Secretary of State shall ensure that employees of the Department of State who are assigned to positions described in paragraph (2) of subsection (e) of section 708 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 [22 U.S.C. 4028(e)(2)] (as added by subsection (a) of this section), including members of the civil service or general service, or who are seconded to international organizations for a period of at least one year, receive training described in such subsection and participate in other such courses as the Secretary may recommend to build or augment identifiable skills that would be useful for such Department officials representing United States interests at these institutions and organizations."

§4029. Increased training in multilateral diplomacy

(1) Statement of policy

It shall be the policy of the United States that training courses should be established for Foreign Service Officers and civil service employees of the State Department, including appropriate chiefs of mission, on the conduct of multilateral diplomacy, including the conduct of negotiations at international organizations and multilateral institutions, negotiating skills that are required at multilateral settings, coalition-building techniques, and lessons learned from previous United States multilateral negotiations.

(2) Personnel

(A) In general

The Secretary shall ensure that the training described in paragraph (1) is provided at various stages of the career of members of the Service.

(B) Actions of the Secretary

The Secretary shall ensure that—

(i) officers of the Service receive training on the conduct of diplomacy at international organizations and other multilateral institutions and at broad-based multilateral negotiations of international instruments as part of their training upon entry into the Service; and

(ii) officers of the Service, including chiefs of mission, who are assigned to United States missions representing the United States to international organizations and other multilateral institutions or who are assigned in Washington, D.C., to positions that have as their primary responsibility formulation of policy toward such organizations and institutions or toward participation in broad-based multilateral negotiations of international instruments, receive specialized training in the areas described in paragraph (1) prior to beginning of service for such assignment or, if receiving such training at that time is not practical, within the first year of beginning such assignment.

(3) Training for civil service employees

The Secretary shall ensure that employees of the Department of State who are members of the civil service and who are assigned to positions described in paragraph (2) receive training described in paragraph (1) prior to the beginning of service for such assignment or, if receiving such training at such time is not practical, within the first year of beginning such assignment.

(Pub. L. 108–458, title VII, §7111(c), Dec. 17, 2004, 118 Stat. 3795.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, and also as part of the 9/11 Commission Implementation Act of 2004, and not as part of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 which comprises this chapter.

§4030. Suitability reviews for Foreign Service Institute instructors

The Secretary shall take reasonable steps to ensure that all instructors at the Foreign Service Institute, including direct hires and contractors, who provide language instruction are—

(1) subject to suitability reviews and background investigations; and

(2) subject to periodic background checks or reinvestigations to the extent consistent with Department and Executive policy for other Department personnel.

(Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXI, §6116, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 970.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Department of State Authorization Act of 2023, and also as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, and not as part of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 which comprises this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions

For definitions of "Secretary" and "Department" as used in this section, see section 6002 of Pub. L. 118–31, set out as a note under section 2651 of this title.

SUBCHAPTER VIII—FOREIGN SERVICE RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY

Part I—Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System

§4041. Administration

In accordance with such regulations as the President may prescribe, the Secretary of State shall administer the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System (hereinafter in this part referred to as the "System"), originally established pursuant to section 18 of the Act of May 24, 1924 (43 Stat. 144).

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §801, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2102; Pub. L. 99–335, title IV, §402(a)(2), June 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 609.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 18 of the Act of May 24, 1924 (43 Stat. 144), referred to in text, which was classified to section 21 of this title, was repealed by act Aug. 13, 1946, ch. 957, title XI, §1131(44), 60 Stat. 1038.

Amendments

1986—Pub. L. 99–335 substituted "part" for "subchapter".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–335 effective Jan. 1, 1987, see section 702(a) of Pub. L. 99–335, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8401 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Effective Date

Subchapter effective Feb. 15, 1981, except regarding the rights of former spouses to any annuity under section 4054(a) of this title or except to the extent provided in section 4159 of this title, regarding rights of former spouses to receive survivor annuities under this subchapter, see section 2403(a) and (e) of Pub. L. 96–465, set out as a note under section 3901 of this title.

Termination of Retirement Benefits for Foreign National Employees Engaging in Hostile Intelligence Activities

Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §158, Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1355, provided that:

"(a) Termination.—The Secretary of State shall exercise the authorities available to him to ensure that the United States does not provide, directly or indirectly, any retirement benefits of any kind to any present or former foreign national employee of a United States diplomatic or consular post against whom the Secretary has convincing evidence that such employee has engaged in intelligence activities directed against the United States. To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall provide due process in implementing this section.

"(b) Waiver.—The Secretary of State may waive the applicability of subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis with respect to an employee if he determines that it is vital to the national security of the United States to do so and he reports such waiver to the appropriate committees of the Congress."

Temporary Retirement Contributions and Procedures for Certain Participants

For temporary provisions providing modified contributions and procedures for members of the Service participating in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System who are also required to pay employment taxes relating to benefits under title II of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 401 et seq., until they are covered by a new Government retirement system or Jan. 1, 1986, whichever is earlier, see title II of Pub. L. 98–168, set out as a note under section 8331 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Executive Documents

Delegation of Functions

Functions of President under this section delegated to Secretary of State, see section 1 of Ex. Ord. No. 12293, Feb. 23, 1981, 46 F.R. 13969, set out as a note under section 3901 of this title.

§4042. Maintenance of Fund

The Secretary of the Treasury shall maintain the special fund known as the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund (hereinafter in this part referred to as the "Fund"), originally created by section 18 of the Act of May 24, 1924 (43 Stat. 144).

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §802, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2102; Pub. L. 99–335, title IV, §402(a)(2), June 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 609.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 18 of the Act of May 24, 1924 (43 Stat. 144), referred to in text, which was classified to section 21 of this title, was repealed by act Aug. 13, 1946, ch. 957, title XI, §1131(44), 60 Stat. 1038.

Amendments

1986—Pub. L. 99–335 substituted "part" for "subchapter".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–335 effective Jan. 1, 1987, see section 702(a) of Pub. L. 99–335, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8401 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§4043. Participants

(a) Career appointees or candidates; chiefs of mission

Except as provided in subsection (d), the following members of the Service (hereinafter in this part referred to as "participants") shall be entitled to the benefits of the System:

(1) Every member who is serving under a career appointment or as a career candidate under section 3946 of this title—

(A) in the Senior Foreign Service, or

(B) assigned to a salary class in the Foreign Service Schedule.

(2) Every chief of mission, who is not a participant under paragraph (1), who—

(A) has served as chief of mission for an aggregate period of 20 years or more, and

(B) has paid into the Fund a special contribution for each year of such service in accordance with section 4045 of this title.

(b) Executive branch appointees

Any otherwise eligible member of the Service who is appointed to a position in the executive branch by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, or by the President alone, shall not by virtue of the acceptance of such appointment cease to be eligible to participate in the System.

(c) Binational Center Grantees

In addition to the individuals who are participants in the System under subsection (a), any individual who was appointed as a Binational Center Grantee and who completed at least 5 years of satisfactory service as such a grantee or under any other appointment under the Foreign Service Act of 1946 may become a participant in the System, and shall receive credit for such service if an appropriate special contribution is made to the Fund in accordance with section 4045(d) or (f) of this title.

(d) Exclusion

An individual subject to the Foreign Service Pension System (described in part II) is not a participant in this System.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §803, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2102; Pub. L. 99–335, title IV, §§402(a)(2), 414, June 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 609, 614.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Foreign Service Act of 1946, referred to in subsec. (c), is act Aug. 13, 1946, ch. 957, titles I to X, 60 Stat. 999, which was classified principally to chapter 14 (§801 et seq.) of this title, and was repealed by Pub. L. 96–465, title II, 2205(1), Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2159.

Amendments

1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–335, §§402(a)(2), 414(1), substituted "Except as provided in subsection (d), the" for "The" and "part" for "subchapter" in provisions preceding par. (1).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–335, §414(2), added subsec. (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–335 effective Jan. 1, 1987, see section 702(a) of Pub. L. 99–335, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8401 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§4044. Definitions

As used in this part, unless otherwise specified, the term—

(1) "annuitant" means any individual, including a former participant or survivor, who meets all requirements for an annuity from the Fund under this chapter or any other Act and who has filed a claim for such annuity;

(2) "child" means an individual—

(A) who—

(i) is an offspring or adopted child of the participant,

(ii) is a stepchild or recognized natural child of the participant and who received more than one-half support from the participant, or

(iii) lived with the participant, for whom a petition of adoption was filed by the participant, and who is adopted by the surviving spouse of the participant after the death of the participant;

(B) who is unmarried; and

(C) who—

(i) is under the age of 18 years,

(ii) is a student under the age of 22 years (for purposes of this clause, an individual whose 22d birthday occurs before July 1 or after August 31 of the calendar year in which that birthday occurs, and while the individual is a student, is deemed to become 22 years of age on the first July 1 which occurs after that birthday), or

(iii) is incapable of self-support because of a physical or mental disability which was incurred before the individual reached the age of 18 years;

(3) "court" means any court of any State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Virgin Islands, and any Indian court as defined by section 1301(3) of title 25;

(4) "court order" means any court decree of divorce or annulment, or any court order or court approved property settlement agreement incident to any court decree of divorce or annulment;

(5) "Foreign Service normal cost" means the level percentage of payroll required to be deposited in the Fund to meet the cost of benefits payable under the System (computed in accordance with generally accepted actuarial practice on an entry-age basis) less the value of retirement benefits earned under another retirement system for Government employees and less the cost of credit allowed for military and naval service;

(6) "former spouse" means a former wife or husband of a participant or former participant who was married to such participant for not less than 10 years during periods of service by that participant which are creditable under section 4056 of this title;

(7) "Fund balance" means the sum of—

(A) the investments of the Fund calculated at par value, plus

(B) the cash balance of the Fund on the books of the Treasury;

(8) "lump-sum credit" means the compulsory and special contributions to the credit of a participant or former participant in the Fund plus interest on such contributions at 4 percent a year compounded annually to December 31, 1976, and after such date, for a participant who separates from the Service after completing at least 1 year of civilian service and before completing 5 years of such service, at the rate of 3 percent per year to the date of separation (except that interest shall not be paid for a fractional part of a month in the total service or on compulsory and special contributions from an annuitant for recall service or other service performed after the date of separation which forms the basis for annuity);

(9) "military and naval service" means honorable active service—

(A) in the Armed Forces of the United States,

(B) in the Regular or Reserve Corps ¹ of the Public Health Service after June 30, 1960, or

(C) as a commissioned officer of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or a predecessor organization, after June 30, 1961,

but does not include service in the National Guard except when ordered to active duty in the service of the United States;

(10) "pro rata share", in the case of any former spouse of any participant or former participant, means a percentage which is equal to the percentage that (A) the number of years during which the former spouse was married to the participant during the creditable service (creditable under part I or II) of that participant is of (B) the total number of years of such creditable service (creditable under part I or II);

(11) "spousal agreement" means any written agreement between—

(A) a participant or former participant; and

(B) his or her spouse or former spouse;

(12) "student" means a child regularly pursuing a full-time course of study or training in residence in a high school, trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or comparable recognized educational institution (for purposes of this paragraph, a child who is a student shall not be deemed to have ceased to be a student during any period between school years, semesters, or terms if the period of nonattendance does not exceed 5 calendar months and if the child shows to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State that he or she has a bona fide intention of continuing to pursue his or her course of study during the school year, semester, or term immediately following such period);

(13) "surviving spouse" means the surviving wife or husband of a participant or annuitant who was married to the participant or annuitant for at least 9 months immediately preceding his or her death or is a parent of a child born of the marriage, except that the requirement for at least 9 months of marriage shall be deemed satisfied in any case in which the participant or annuitant dies within the applicable 9-month period, if—

(A) the death of such participant or annuitant was accidental; or

(B) the surviving spouse of such individual had been previously married to the individual and subsequently divorced and the aggregate time married is at least 9 months;

(14) "unfunded liability" means the estimated excess of the present value of all benefits payable from the Fund under this part over the sum of—

(A) the present value of deductions to be withheld from the future basic salary of participants and of future agency contributions to be made on their behalf, plus

(B) the present value of Government payments to the Fund under section 4061 of this title, plus

(C) the Fund balance as of the date the unfunded liability is determined; and

(15) "special agent" means an employee of the Department of State with a primary skill code of 2501—

(A) the duties of whose position—

(i) are primarily—

(I) the investigation, apprehension, or detention of individuals suspected or convicted of offenses against the criminal laws of the United States; or

(II) the protection of persons pursuant to section 2709(a)(3) of this title against threats to personal safety; and

(ii) are sufficiently rigorous that employment opportunities should be limited to young and physically vigorous individuals, as determined by the Secretary of State pursuant to section 4823 of this title;

(B) performing duties described in subparagraph (A) before, on, or after November 13, 1998; or

(C) transferred directly to a position which is supervisory or administrative in nature after performing duties described in subparagraph (A) for at least 3 years.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §804, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2102; Pub. L. 99–335, title IV, §§402(a)(2), (3), 403, 404(a), June 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 609, 610; Pub. L. 100–238, title II, §211, Jan. 8, 1988, 101 Stat. 1773; Pub. L. 105–382, §2(a)(1), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3406.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in par. (1), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 96–465, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2071, known as the Foreign Service Act of 1980, which is classified principally to this chapter (§3901 et seq.). For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3901 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

1998—Par. (15). Pub. L. 105–382 added par. (15).

1988—Par. (13). Pub. L. 100–238, §211(1), which directed the amendment of par. (13) by striking out ", in the case of death in service or marriage after retirement," was executed by striking out ", in the case of a death in service or marriage after retirement," after "annuitant who", as the probable intent of Congress.

Pub. L. 100–238, §211(2), (3), substituted "9 months" for "one year" and inserted before semicolon at end ", except that the requirement for at least 9 months of marriage shall be deemed satisfied in any case in which the participant or annuitant dies within the applicable 9-month period, if—

"(A) the death of such participant or annuitant was accidental; or

"(B) the surviving spouse of such individual had been previously married to the individual and subsequently divorced and the aggregate time married is at least 9 months".

1986—Pub. L. 99–335, §402(a)(2), substituted "part" for "subchapter" in provision preceding par. (1).

Par. (3). Pub. L. 99–335, §403, substituted ", the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Virgin Islands, and any Indian court as defined in section 1301(3) of title 25" for "or of the District of Columbia".

Par. (10). Pub. L. 99–335, §404(a), inserted "(creditable under part I or II)" after "creditable service" in two places.

Par. (14). Pub. L. 99–335, §402(a)(3), inserted "under this part" after "payable from the Fund" in provision preceding subpar. (A).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Reference to Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service deemed to be a reference to the Ready Reserve Corps, see section 204(c)(3) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–382, §4, Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3409, as amended by Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(4) [div. B, title I, §145(a)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-250, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Except as provided in subsection (b), this Act [amending this section and sections 4045, 4046, 4052, 4071a, and 4071d of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 3901 of this title] and the amendments made by this Act—

"(1) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 13, 1998]; and

"(2) shall apply with respect to—

"(A) any individual first appointed on or after that date as a special agent who will have any portion of such individual's annuity computed in conformance with section 806(a)(6) of the Foreign Service Act [of 1980] [22 U.S.C. 4046(a)(6)]; and

"(B) any individual making an election under subsection (b), subject to the provisions of such subsection.

"(b) Election for Current Participants.—

"(1) Eligibility.—An election under this subsection may be made by any currently employed participant or participant who was serving as of January 1, 1997 under chapter 8 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 [22 U.S.C. 4041 et seq.] who is serving or has served as a special agent, or by a survivor of a special agent who was eligible to make an election under this section.

"(2) Effect of an election.—

"(A) In general.—If an individual makes an election under this subsection, the amendments made by this Act [amending this section and sections 4045, 4046, 4052, 4071a, and 4071d of this title] shall become applicable with respect to such individual, subject to subparagraph (B).

"(B) Treatment of prior service.—

"(i) Special contribution.—An individual may, after making the election under this subsection, make a special contribution up to the full amount of the difference between the contributions actually deducted from pay for prior service and the deductions that would have been required if the amendments made by this Act had then been in effect. Any special contributions under this clause shall be computed under regulations based on section 805(d) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 [22 U.S.C. 4045(d)] (as amended by section 2), including provisions relating to the computation of interest.

"(ii) Actuarial reduction.—

     "(I) Rule if the special contribution is paid.—If the full amount of the special contribution under clause (i) is paid, no reduction under this clause shall apply.

     "(II) Rule if less than the entire amount is paid.—If no special contribution under clause (i) is paid, or if less than the entire amount of such special contribution is paid, the recomputed annuity shall be reduced by an amount sufficient to make up the actuarial present value of the shortfall.

"(c) Regulations and Notice.—Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 13, 1998], the Secretary of State—

"(1) shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this Act; and

"(2) shall take measures reasonably designed to provide notice to participants as to any rights they might have under this Act.

"(d) Election Deadline.—An election under subsection (b) must be made not later than 90 days after the date on which the relevant notice under subsection (c)(2) is provided.

"(e) Definition.—For purposes of this section, the term 'special agent' has the meaning given such term under section 804(15) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4044(15)), as amended by section 2(a)."

[Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(4) [div. B, title I, §145(b)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-250, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending section 4 of Pub. L. 105–382, set out above] shall take effect on January 1, 2001."]

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–238 effective 90 days after Jan. 8, 1988, see section 261(a) of Pub. L. 100–238, set out as a note under section 4054 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–335 effective Jan. 1, 1987, see section 702(a) of Pub. L. 99–335, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8401 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

¹ See Change of Name note below.

§4045. Contributions to Fund

(a) Rates and sources; deposits in Fund

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, 7.25 percent of the basic salary received by each participant shall be deducted from the salary and contributed to the Fund for the payment of annuities, cash benefits, refunds, and allowances. The contribution by the employing agency shall be a percentage of basic salary equal to the percentage in effect under section 7001(d)(1) of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (Public Law 105–33; 22 U.S.C. 4045 note), and section 505(h) of the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 (as enacted by Public Law 106–346; 114 Stat. 1356A–54), plus .25 percent of basic salary, and shall be made from the appropriations or fund used for payment of the salary of the participant. The employing agency shall deposit in the Fund the amounts deducted and withheld from basic salary and the amounts contributed by the employing agency.

(2) Notwithstanding the percentage limitation contained in paragraph (1) of this subsection—

(A) the employing agency shall deduct and withhold from the basic pay of a Foreign Service criminal investigator/inspector of the Office of the Inspector General, Agency for International Development, who is qualified to have his annuity computed in the same manner as that of a law enforcement officer pursuant to section 8339(d) of title 5, an amount equal to that to be withheld from a law enforcement officer pursuant to section 8334(a)(1) of title 5, plus an amount equal to .25 percent of basic pay. The amounts so deducted shall be contributed to the Fund for the payment of annuities, cash benefits, refunds, and allowances. An equal amount shall be contributed by the employing agency from the appropriations or fund used for payment of the salary of the participant. The employing agency shall deposit in the Fund the amount deducted and withheld from basic salary and amounts contributed by the employing agency.

(B) The employing agency shall deduct and withhold from the basic pay of a Foreign Service criminal investigator/inspector of the Office of the Inspector General, Agency for International Development, who is qualified to have his annuity computed pursuant to section 8415(e) of title 5, an amount equal to that to be withheld from a law enforcement officer pursuant to section 8422(a)(2)(B) ¹ of title 5, plus an amount equal to .25 percent of basic pay. The amounts so deducted shall be contributed to the Fund for the payment of annuities, cash benefits, refunds, and allowances. An equal amount shall be contributed by the employing agency from the appropriations or fund used for payment of the salary of the participant. The employing agency shall deposit in the Fund the amounts deducted and withheld from basic salary and amounts contributed by the employing agency.

(3) For service as a special agent, paragraph (1) shall be applied by substituting for "7 percent" the percentage that applies to law enforcement officers under section 8334(a)(1) of title 5, plus .25 percent.

(b) Consent to deduction; discharge and acquittance of claims and demands

Each participant shall be deemed to consent and agree to such deductions from basic salary. Payment less such deductions shall be a full and complete discharge and acquittance of all claims and demands whatsoever for all regular services during the period covered by such payment, except the right to the benefits to which the participant shall be entitled under this chapter, notwithstanding any law, rule, or regulation affecting the salary of the individual.

(c) Transfer of contributions from other Government retirement fund

(1) If a member of the Service who is under another retirement system for Government employees becomes a participant in the System by direct transfer, the total contributions and deposits of that member that would otherwise be refundable on separation (except voluntary contributions), including interest thereon, shall be transferred to the Fund effective as of the date such member becomes a participant in the System. Each such member shall be deemed to consent to the transfer of such funds, and such transfer shall be a complete discharge and acquittance of all claims and demands against the other Government retirement fund on account of service rendered by such member prior to becoming a participant in the System.

(2) A member of the Service whose contributions are transferred to the Fund pursuant to paragraph (1) shall not be required to make additional contributions for periods of service for which required contributions were made to the other Government retirement fund; nor shall any refund be made to any such member on account of contributions made during any period to the other Government retirement fund at a higher rate than that fixed by subsection (d).

(d) Contribution for civilian service; creditability of interim service

(1) Any participant credited with civilian service after July 1, 1924—

(A) for which no retirement contributions, deductions, or deposits have been made, or

(B) for which a refund of such contributions, deductions, or deposits has been made which has not been redeposited,

may make a special contribution to the Fund. Special contributions for purposes of subparagraph (A) shall equal the following percentages of basic salary received for such service:

	Percent of basic salary
Time of service:
July 1, 1924, through October 15, 1960, inclusive	5
October 16, 1960, through December 31, 1969, inclusive	6½
January 1, 1970, through December 31, 1998, inclusive	7
January 1, 1999, through December 31, 1999, inclusive	7.25
January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2000, inclusive	7.4
After December 31, 2000	7

Special contributions for refunds under subparagraph (B) shall equal the amount of the refund received by the participant.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a special contribution for prior nondeposit service as a National Guard technician which would be creditable toward retirement under subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, and for which a special contribution has not been made, shall be equal to the special contribution for such service computed in accordance with the schedule in paragraph (1) multiplied by the percentage of such service that is creditable under section 4056 of this title.

(3) Special contributions under this subsection shall include interest computed from the midpoint of each service period included in the computation, or from the date refund was paid, to the date of payment of the special contribution or commencing date of annuity, whichever is earlier. ² Interest shall be compounded at the annual rate of 4 percent to December 31, 1976, and 3 percent thereafter. No interest shall be charged on special contributions for any period of separation from Government service which began before October 1, 1956. Special contributions may be paid in installments (including by allotment of pay) when authorized by the Secretary of State.

(4) Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this subsection and any provision of section 206(b)(3) of the Federal Employees' Retirement Contribution Temporary Adjustment Act of 1983, the percentage of basic pay required under this subsection in the case of a participant described in section 4071b(c) of this title shall, with respect to any covered service (as defined by section 203(a)(3) of such Act) performed by such individual after December 31, 1983, and before January 1, 1987, be equal to 1.3 percent.

(5) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a special contribution for past service as a Foreign Service criminal investigator/inspector of the Office of the Inspector General, Agency for International Development which would have been creditable toward retirement under either section 8336(c) or 8412(d)(1) of title 5, and for which a special contribution has not been made shall be equal to the difference between the amount actually contributed pursuant to either this section or section 4071e of this title and the amount that should have been contributed pursuant to either section 8334 or 8422 of title 5.

(6) Subject to paragraph (4) and subsection (h), for purposes of applying this subsection with respect to prior service as a special agent, the percentages of basic pay set forth in section 8334(c) of title 5, with respect to a law enforcement officer, shall apply instead of the percentages set forth in paragraph (1).

(e) Contribution for military or naval service

(1) Subject to paragraph (5), each participant who has performed military or naval service before the date of separation on which the entitlement to any annuity under this part is based may pay to the Secretary a special contribution equal to 7 percent of the amount of the basic pay paid under section 204 of title 37, to the participant for each period of military or naval service after December 1956. The amount of such payments shall be based on such evidence of basic pay for military service as the participant may provide or if the Secretary determines sufficient evidence has not been so provided to adequately determine basic pay for military or naval service, such payment shall be based upon estimates of such basic pay provided to the Department under paragraph (4).

(2) Any deposit made under paragraph (1) of this subsection more than two years after the later of—

(A) October 17, 1983, or

(B) the date on which the participant making the deposit first became a participant in a Federal staff retirement system for civilian employees,—

shall include interest on such amount computed and compounded annually beginning on the date of the expiration of the two-year period. The interest rate that is applicable in computing interest in any year under this paragraph shall be equal to the interest rate that is applicable for such year under subsection (d) of this section.

(3) Any payment received by the Secretary under this section shall be remitted to the Fund.

(4) The Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Commerce, or the Secretary of Health and Human Services, as appropriate, shall furnish such information to the Secretary as the Secretary may determine to be necessary for the administration of this subsection.

(5) Effective with respect to any period of military or naval service after December 31, 1998, the percentage of basic pay under section 204 of title 37 payable under paragraph (1) shall be equal to the same percentage as would be applicable under section 8334(c) of title 5 for that same period for service as an employee.

(f) Exemption for certain military or naval service

Contributions shall only be required to obtain credit for periods of military or naval service to the extent provided under subsection (e) and section 4056(a) of this title, except that credit shall be allowed in the absence of contributions to individuals of Japanese ancestry under section 4056 of this title for periods of internment during World War II.

(g) Time of payment; offset against initial annuity accruals

A participant or survivor may make a special contribution at any time before receipt of annuity and may authorize payment by offset against initial annuity accruals.

(h) Computation of contributions for participants with certain creditable civilian service

Effective with respect to pay periods beginning after December 31, 1986, in administering this section with respect to a participant described in section 4071b(c) of this title whose service is employment for the purposes of title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.] and chapter 21 of title 26, contributions to the Fund and interest thereon shall be computed as if section 8334(k) of title 5 were applicable.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §805, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2104; Ex. Ord. No. 12446, §4(a), Oct. 17, 1983, 48 F.R. 48444; Pub. L. 99–335, title IV, §§402(a)(2), 405, June 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 609, 610; Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095; Pub. L. 100–238, title II, §212, Jan. 8, 1988, 101 Stat. 1773; Pub. L. 102–499, §4(a), (b), Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3265; Pub. L. 105–33, title VII, §7001(d)(2)(C), (D), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 660, 661; Pub. L. 105–382, §2(b), (c), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3407; Pub. L. 106–346, §101(a) [title V, §505(d)(2)], Oct. 23, 2000, 114 Stat. 1356, 1356A-53; Pub. L. 107–228, div. A, title III, §322(a)(2), Sept. 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 1384; Pub. L. 112–96, title V, §5001(c)(2)(D), Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 200; Pub. L. 117–225, §3(b)(2)(B)(i), Dec. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 2296.)

Applicability of Amendment

For provisions relating to delayed applicability of amendment by Pub. L. 117–225, see Effective Date of 2022 Amendment note set out under section 8336 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Amendment of Section

Section 1(a) and (c) of Ex. Ord. No. 12446, Oct. 17, 1983, 48 F.R. 48443, set out as a note under section 4067 of this title, provided that the second sentence of subsec. (d)(3) of this section, applicable (i) to contributions for civilian service performed on or after the first day of Nov. 1983, (ii) to contributions for prior refunds to participants for which application is received by the employing agency on and after such first day of Nov. 1983, and (iii) to excess contributions under section 4055(h) of this title and voluntary contributions under section 4065(a) of this title from the first day of Nov. 1983, is deemed to be amended to provide that interest shall be compounded at the annual rate of 3 percent per annum through December 31, 1984, and thereafter at a rate equal to the overall average yield to the Fund during the preceding fiscal year from all obligations purchased by the Secretary of the Treasury during such fiscal year under section 4059 of this title, as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 505(h) of the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is section 101(a) [title V, §505(h)] of Pub. L. 106–346, which is set out as a note below.

Section 8422(a)(2) of title 5, referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(B), was amended by Pub. L. 105–33, title VII, §7001(b)(1)(A), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 657, by striking out par. (2) and adding a new par. (2). As so amended, section 8422(a)(2)(B) of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, no longer specifies the amount to be withheld from the basic pay of a law enforcement officer. However, provisions relating to the amount to be withheld from the basic pay of a law enforcement officer are contained elsewhere in section 8422.

Sections 206(b)(3) and 203(a)(3) of the Federal Employees' Retirement Contribution Temporary Adjustment Act of 1983, referred to in subsec. (d)(4), are set out as a note under section 8331 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (h), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Title II of the Social Security Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§401 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (d)(5). Pub. L. 117–225, which directed amendment of title VIII of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 by inserting "(1)" after "or 8412(d)" in subsec. (d)(5) of this section, was executed as if the amendment had been directed to chapter 8 of title I of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

2012—Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 112–96 substituted "section 8415(e)" for "section 8415(d)".

2002—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 107–228, §322(a)(2)(C), which directed amendment of par. (1) by substituting "employing agency" for "Department" wherever appearing, was executed by making the substitution in two places in the last sentence but not in the second sentence where "Department" appears before "of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Pub. L. 107–228, §322(a)(2)(A), substituted "7.25 percent" for "7 percent" and "The contribution by the employing agency shall be a percentage of basic salary equal to the percentage in effect under section 7001(d)(1) of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (Public Law 105–33; 22 U.S.C. 4045 note), and section 505(h) of the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 (as enacted by Public Law 106–346; 114 Stat. 1356A–54), plus .25 percent of basic salary, and shall be made" for "An equal amount shall be contributed by the Department".

Subsec. (a)(2)(A), (B). Pub. L. 107–228, §322(a)(2)(C), substituted "employing agency" for "Department" wherever appearing.

Pub. L. 107–228, §322(a)(2)(B), which directed amendment of subpars. (A) and (B) by inserting ", plus an amount equal to .25 percent of basic pay" at end of first sentence, was executed by making the insertion before the period at end of first sentence to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 107–228, §322(a)(2)(D), which directed amendment of par. (3) by inserting ", plus .25 percent" at the end of the first sentence, was executed by making the insertion before the period at end of first sentence, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

2000—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 106–346, in table in concluding provisions, substituted item relating to service period after December 31, 2000, for items relating to service periods January 1, 2001, through December 31, 2002; and after December 31, 2002.

1998—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 105–382, §2(b)(2), substituted "Except as otherwise provided in this section," for "Except as provided in subsection (h) of this section,".

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 105–382, §2(b)(1), added par. (3).

Subsec. (d)(6). Pub. L. 105–382, §2(c), added par. (6).

1997—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 105–33, §7001(d)(2)(C), in table in concluding provisions, inserted items relating to service periods January 1, 1970, through December 31, 1998; January 1, 1999, through December 31, 1999; January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2000; January 1, 2001, through December 31, 2002; and after December 31, 2002, and struck out former item relating to service period on and after January 1, 1970.

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 105–33, §7001(d)(2)(D)(i), substituted "Subject to paragraph (5), each" for "Each".

Subsec. (e)(5). Pub. L. 105–33, §7001(d)(2)(D)(ii), added par. (5).

1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–499, §4(a), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Subsec. (d)(5). Pub. L. 102–499, §4(b), added par. (5).

1988—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 100–238, in concluding provisions, substituted "Fund. Special contributions for purposes of subparagraph (A) shall equal" for "Fund equal to" and inserted "Special contributions for refunds under subparagraph (B) shall equal the amount of the refund received by the participant."

1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–335, §405(a)(1), inserted "Except as provided in subsection (h) of this section," before "7 percent".

Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 99–335, §405(b), added par. (4).

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 99–335, §402(a)(2), substituted "part" for "subchapter".

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 99–514 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text.

Pub. L. 99–335, §405(a)(2), added subsec. (h).

1983—Subsecs. (e) to (g). Ex. Ord. No. 12446 added subsecs. (e) and (f), struck out former subsec. (e), and redesignated former subsec. (f) as (g). Prior to amendment, subsec. (e) read as follows: "Contributions shall not be required for any period of military and naval service or for any period for which credit is allowed to individuals of Japanese ancestry under section 4056 of this title for periods of internment during World War II."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–225 effective Dec. 9, 2022, and applicable to an individual who suffers an illness or injury described in certain Code provisions on or after the date that is 2 years after Dec. 9, 2022, see section 3(f) of Pub. L. 117–225, set out as a note under section 8336 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–228, div. A, title III, §322(c)(2), Sept. 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 1385, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a)(2) [amending this section] and (b)(2) [amending section 4071e of this title] shall take effect with the first pay period beginning on or after the date that is 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 2002]."

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–346 effective upon the close of calendar year 2000 and applicable thereafter, see section 101(a) [title V, §505(i)] of Pub. L. 106–346, set out as a note under section 8334 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–382 effective Nov. 13, 1998, with provisions relating to applicability with respect to certain individuals, see section 4 of Pub. L. 105–382, as amended, set out as a note under section 4044 of this title.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–33 effective Oct. 1, 1997, see section 7001(f) of Pub. L. 105–33, set out as a note under section 8334 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–238 effective 90 days after Jan. 8, 1988, see section 261(a) of Pub. L. 100–238, set out as a note under section 4054 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–335 effective Jan. 1, 1987, see section 702(a) of Pub. L. 99–335, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8401 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Ex. Ord. No. 12446 effective Oct. 17, 1983, see section 4(e) of Ex. Ord. No. 12446, set out under section 4067 of this title.

Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System Contributions, Deductions, and Withholdings

Pub. L. 106–346, §101(a) [title V, §505(h)], Oct. 23, 2000, 114 Stat. 1356, 1356A-54, provided that: "Notwithstanding any provision of section 805(a) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4045(a)), during the period beginning on October 1, 2002, through December 31, 2002, each agency employing a participant in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System shall contribute to the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund—

"(1) 7.5 percent of the basic pay of each participant covered under section 805(a)(1) of such Act participating in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System; and

"(2) 8 percent of the basic pay of each participant covered under paragraph (2) or (3) of section 805(a) of such Act participating in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System,

in lieu of the agency contribution otherwise required under section 805(a) of such Act."

Pub. L. 105–33, title VII, §7001(d)(1)–(2)(B), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 659, 660, as amended by Pub. L. 106–346, §101(a) [title V, §505(d)(1)], Oct. 23, 2000, 114 Stat. 1356, 1356A-53, provided that:

"(1) Agency contributions.—Notwithstanding section 805(a)(1) and (2) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4045(a)(1) and (2)), during the period beginning on October 1, 1997, through September 30, 2002, each agency employing a participant in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System shall contribute to the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund—

"(A) 8.51 percent of the basic pay of each participant covered under section 805(a)(1) of such Act participating in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System; and

"(B) 9.01 percent of the basic pay of each participant covered under section 805(a)(2) of such Act participating in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System;

in lieu of the agency contribution otherwise required under section 805(a)(1) and (2) of such Act.

"(2) Individual deductions, withholdings, and deposits.—

"(A) In general.—Notwithstanding section 805(a)(1) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4045(a)(1)), beginning on January 1, 1999, through December 31, 2000, the amount withheld and deducted from the basic pay of a participant in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System shall be as follows:

	"7.25	January 1, 1999, to December 31, 1999.
	"7.4	January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2000.

"(B) Foreign service criminal investigators/inspectors of the office of the inspector general, agency for international development.—Notwithstanding section 805(a)(2) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4045(a)(2)), beginning on January 1, 1999, through December 31, 2000, the amount withheld and deducted from the basic pay of an eligible Foreign Service criminal investigator/inspector of the Office of the Inspector General, Agency for International Development participating in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System shall be as follows:

	"7.75	January 1, 1999, to December 31, 1999.
	"7.9	January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2000."

¹ See References in Text note below.

² See Amendment of Section note below.

§4046. Computation of annuities

(a) ¹ Measurements; reduction for special contributions; Foreign Service investigator/inspectors

(1) The annuity of a participant shall be equal to 2 percent of his or her average basic salary for the highest 3 consecutive years of service multiplied by the number of years, not exceeding 35, of service credit obtained in accordance with sections 4056 and 4057 of this title, except that the highest 3 years of service shall be used in computing the annuity of any participant who serves an assignment in a position, as described in section 3942(b) of this title, to which the participant was appointed by the President and whose continuity of service in that position is interrupted prior to retirement by appointment or assignment to any other position determined by the Secretary of State to be of comparable importance. In determining the aggregate period of service upon which the annuity is to be based, the fractional part of a month, if any, shall not be counted. The annuity shall be reduced by 10 percent of any special contribution described in section 4045(d) of this title which is due for service for which no contributions were made and which remains unpaid unless the participant elects to eliminate the service involved for purposes of annuity computation.

(2) Notwithstanding the percentage limitation contained in paragraph (1) of this subsection—

(A) utilizing the definition of average pay contained in section 8331(4) of title 5, the annuity of a Foreign Service criminal investigator/inspector of the Office of the Inspector General, Agency for International Development, who was appointed to a law enforcement position, as defined in section 8331(20) of title 5, prior to January 1, 1984, and would have been eligible to retire pursuant to section 8336(c) of that title, after attaining 50 years of age and completing 20 years as a law enforcement officer had the employee remained in the civil service shall be computed in the same manner as that of a law enforcement officer pursuant to section 8339(d) of that title, except as provided in paragraph (3); and

(B) the annuity of a Foreign Service criminal investigator/inspector of such office, who was appointed to a law enforcement position as defined in section 8401(17) of that title on or after January 1, 1984, and who would have been eligible to retire pursuant to section 8412(d) of that title, after attaining 50 years of age and completing 20 years of service as such a law enforcement officer, had the employee remained in the civil service, shall be computed in the same manner as that of a law enforcement officer pursuant to section 8415(e) of that title.

(3) The annuity of a Foreign Service investigator/inspector of the Office of the Inspector General, Agency for International Development, appointed to a law enforcement position prior to January 1, 1984, who exercised election rights under section 4071i of this title, shall be computed as follows: for the period prior to election the annuity shall be computed in accordance with section 8339(d) of title 5; for the period following election the annuity shall be computed in accordance with section 8415(e) of that title.

(4) All service in a law enforcement position, as defined in section 8331(20) or 8401(17) of that title, as applicable, in any agency or combination of agencies shall be included in the computation of time for purposes of this paragraph.

(5) The annuity of a Foreign Service criminal investigator/inspector of the Office of the Inspector General of the Agency for International Development who has not completed 20 years of service as a law enforcement officer, as defined in section 8331(20) or 8401(17) of that title, shall be computed in accordance with paragraph (1).

(6)(A) The annuity of a special agent under this part shall be computed under paragraph (1) except that, in the case of a special agent described in subparagraph (B), paragraph (1) shall be applied by substituting for "2 percent"—

(i) the percentage under subparagraph (A) of section 8339(d)(1) of title 5 for so much of the participant's total service as is specified thereunder; and

(ii) the percentage under subparagraph (B) of section 8339(d)(1) of title 5 for so much of the participant's total service as is specified thereunder.

(B) A special agent described in this subparagraph is any such agent or former agent who—

(i)(I) retires voluntarily or involuntarily under section 4007, 4008, 4010a, 4051, 4052, or 4053 of this title, under conditions authorizing an immediate annuity, other than for cause on charges of misconduct or delinquency, or retires for disability under section 4048 of this title; and

(II) at the time of retirement—

(aa) if voluntary, is at least 50 years of age and has completed at least 20 years of service as a special agent; or

(bb) if involuntary or disability, has completed at least 20 years of service as a special agent; or

(ii) dies in service after completing at least 20 years of service as a special agent, when an annuity is payable under section 4049 of this title.

(C) For purposes of subparagraph (B), included with the years of service performed by an individual as a special agent shall be any service performed by such individual as a law enforcement officer (within the meaning of section 8331(20) or section 8401(17) of title 5), or a member of the Capitol Police.

(D)(i) In this subparagraph—

(I) the term "affected special agent" means an individual covered under this subchapter who—

(aa) is performing service as a special agent;

(bb) while on duty as a special agent, becomes ill or is injured as a direct result of the performance of such duties before the date on which the individual becomes entitled to an annuity under section 4051 of this title;

(cc) because of the illness or injury described in item (bb), is permanently unable to render useful and efficient service in the employee's covered position, as determined by the Secretary; and

(dd) is appointed to a position in the Foreign Service that is not a covered position; and

(II) the term "covered position" means a position as—

(aa) a law enforcement officer described in section 8331(20) or 8401(17) of title 5;

(bb) a customs and border protection officer described in section 8331(31) or 8401(36) of title 5;

(cc) a firefighter described in section 8331(21) or 8401(14) of title 5;

(dd) an air traffic controller described in section 8331(30) or 8401(35) of title 5;

(ee) a nuclear materials courier described in section 8331(27) or 8401(33) of title 5;

(ff) a member of the United States Capitol Police;

(gg) a member of the Supreme Court Police;

(hh) an employee of the Agency designated under section 2152(a) of title 50; or

(ii) a special agent.

(ii) Unless an affected special agent files an election described in clause (iv), creditable service by the affected special agent in a position described in clause (i)(I)(dd) shall be treated as creditable service as a special agent for purposes of this subchapter, including determining the amount to be deducted and withheld from the pay of the individual under section 4045 of this title.

(iii) Clause (ii) shall only apply if the special agent transitions to a position described in clause (i)(I)(dd) without a break in service exceeding 3 days.

(iv) The service of an affected employee shall no longer be eligible for treatment under clause (ii) if such service occurs after the employee is transferred to a supervisory or administrative position related to the activities of the former covered position of the employee.

(v) In accordance with procedures established by the Secretary, an affected special agent may file an election to have any creditable service performed by the affected special agent treated in accordance with this part, without regard to clause (ii).

(7) In the case of a special agent who becomes or became subject to part II—

(A) for purposes of paragraph (6)(B), any service performed by the individual as a special agent (whether under this part or under part II), as a law enforcement officer (within the meaning of section 8331(20) or section 8401(17) of title 5), or as a member of the Capitol Police shall be creditable; and

(B) if the individual satisfies paragraph (6)(B), the portion of such individual's annuity which is attributable to service under the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System or the Civil Service Retirement System shall be computed in conformance with paragraph (6).

(8) For purposes of paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (6) of this subsection, the term "basic pay" includes pay as provided in accordance with section 3972 of this title or section 5545(c)(2) of title 5.

(9) For purposes of any annuity computation under this subsection, the basic salary or basic pay of any member of the Service whose official duty station is outside the continental United States shall be considered to be the salary or pay that would have been paid to the member had the member's official duty station been Washington, D.C., including locality-based comparability payments under section 5304 of title 5 that would have been payable to the member if the member's official duty station had been Washington, D.C.

(b) Married participants

(1)(A) Except to the extent provided otherwise under a written election under subparagraph (B) or (C), if at the time of retirement a participant or former participant is married (or has a former spouse who has not remarried before attaining age 60), the participant shall receive a reduced annuity and provide a survivor annuity for his or her spouse under this subsection or former spouse under section 4054(b) of this title, or a combination of such annuities, as the case may be.

(B) At the time of retirement, a married participant or former participant and his or her spouse may jointly elect in writing to waive a survivor annuity for that spouse under this section (or under section 4054(b) of this title if the spouse later qualifies as a former spouse under section 4044(6) of this title), or to reduce such survivor annuity under this section (or section 4054(b) of this title) by designating a portion of the annuity of the participant as the base for the survivor benefit. In the event the marriage is dissolved following an election for such a reduced annuity and the spouse qualifies as a former spouse, the base used in calculating any annuity of the former spouse under section 4054(b) of this title may not exceed the portion of the participant's annuity designated under this subparagraph.

(C) If a participant or former participant has a former spouse, the participant and such former spouse may jointly elect by spousal agreement under section 4060(b)(1) of this title to waive a survivor annuity under section 4054(b) of this title for that former spouse if the election is made (i) before the end of the 24-month period after the divorce or annulment involving that former spouse becomes final or (ii) at the time of retirement, whichever occurs first.

(D) The Secretary of State may prescribe regulations under which a participant or former participant may make an election under subparagraph (B) or (C) without the participant's spouse or former spouse if the participant establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State that the participant does not know, and has taken all reasonable steps to determine, the whereabouts of the spouse or former spouse.

(2) The annuity of a participant or former participant providing a survivor benefit under this section (or section 4054(b) of this title), excluding any portion of the annuity not designated or committed as a base for any survivor annuity, shall be reduced by 2½ percent of the first $3,600 plus 10 percent of any amount over $3,600. The reduction under this paragraph shall be calculated before any reduction under section 4054(a)(5) of this title.

(3)(A) If a former participant entitled to receive a reduced annuity under this subsection dies and is survived by a spouse, a survivor annuity shall be paid to the surviving spouse equal to 55 percent of the full amount of the participant's annuity computed under subsection (a), or 55 percent of any lesser amount elected as the base for the survivor benefit under paragraph (1)(B).

(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the amount of the annuity calculated under subparagraph (A) for a surviving spouse in any case in which there is also a surviving former spouse of the participant who qualifies for an annuity under section 4054(b) of this title may not exceed 55 percent of the portion (if any) of the base for survivor benefits which remains available under section 4054(b)(4)(B) of this title.

(C) An annuity payable from the Fund under this part to a surviving spouse under this paragraph shall commence on the day after the participant dies and shall terminate on the last day of the month before the surviving spouse's death or remarriage before attaining age 60. If such a survivor annuity is terminated because of remarriage, it shall be restored at the same rate commencing on the date such remarriage is terminated if any lump sum paid upon termination of the annuity is returned to the Fund.

(c) Surviving children

(1) If an annuitant who was a participant dies and is survived by a spouse or a former spouse who is the natural or adoptive parent of a surviving child of the annuitant and by a child or children, in addition to the annuity payable to the surviving spouse, there shall be paid to or on behalf of each child an annuity equal to the smaller of—

(A) $900, or

(B) $2,700 divided by the number of children.

(2) If an annuitant who was a participant dies and is not survived by a spouse or a former spouse who is the natural or adoptive parent of a surviving child of the annuitant but by a child or children, each surviving child shall be paid an annuity equal to the smaller of—

(A) $1,080, or

(B) $3,240 divided by the number of children.

(3) The amounts specified in this subsection are subject to—

(A) cost-of-living adjustments as specified under section 4066(c)(3) of this title, and

(B) the minimum specified in subsection (l)(2) of this section.

(d) Recomputation for remaining children

On the death of the surviving spouse or former spouse or termination of the annuity of a child, the annuity of any other child or children shall be recomputed and paid as though the spouse, former spouse, or child had not survived the participant. If the annuity to a surviving child who has not been receiving an annuity is initiated or resumed, the annuities of any other children shall be recomputed and paid from that date as though the annuities to all currently eligible children in the family were then being initiated.

(e) Payment period for child

The annuity payable to a child under subsection (c) or (d) shall begin on the day after the participant dies, or if the child is not then qualified, on the first day of the month in which the child becomes eligible. The annuity of a child shall terminate on the last day of the month which precedes the month in which eligibility ceases.

(f) Unmarried participants

At the time of retirement an unmarried participant who does not have a former spouse for whose benefit a reduction is made under subsection (b) may elect to receive a reduced annuity and to provide for an annuity equal to 55 percent of the reduced annuity payable after his or her death to a beneficiary whose name is designated in writing to the Secretary of State. The annuity payable to a participant making such election shall be reduced by 10 percent of an annuity computed under subsection (a) and by 5 percent of an annuity so computed for each full 5 years the designated beneficiary is younger than the retiring participant, but such total reduction shall not exceed 40 percent. No such election of a reduced annuity payable to a beneficiary shall be valid until the participant has satisfactorily passed a physical examination as prescribed by the Secretary of State. The annuity payable to a beneficiary under this subsection shall begin on the day after the annuitant dies and shall terminate on the last day of the month preceding the death of the beneficiary. An annuity which is reduced under this subsection (or any similar prior provision of law) shall, effective the first day of the month following the death of the beneficiary named under this subsection, be recomputed and paid as if the annuity had not been so reduced.

(g) Marriage after retirement

A participant or former participant who was unmarried at retirement and who later marries may, within one year after such marriage, irrevocably elect in writing to receive a reduced annuity and to provide a survivor annuity for the spouse (if such spouse qualifies as a surviving spouse under section 4044(13) of this title). Receipt by the Secretary of State of notice of an election under this subsection voids prospectively any election previously made under subsection (f). The reduction in annuity required by an election under this subsection shall be computed and the amount of the survivor annuity shall be determined in accordance with subsections (b)(2) and (3). The annuity reduction or recomputation shall be effective the first day of the month beginning one year after the date of marriage.

(h) Election of benefits

A surviving spouse or surviving former spouse of any participant or former participant shall not become entitled to a survivor annuity or to the restoration of a survivor annuity payable from the Fund under this part unless the survivor elects to receive it instead of any other survivor annuity to which he or she may be entitled under this or any other retirement system for Government employees on the basis of a marriage to someone other than that participant.

(i) Reversion to retired status

(1) Any married annuitant who reverts to retired status with entitlement to a supplemental annuity under section 4063 of this title shall, unless the annuitant and his or her spouse jointly elect in writing to the contrary at that time, have the supplemental annuity reduced by 10 percent to provide a supplemental survivor annuity for his or her spouse. Such supplemental survivor annuity shall be equal to 55 percent of the supplemental annuity of the annuitant and shall be payable to a surviving spouse to whom the annuitant was married at the time of reversion to retired status or whom the annuitant subsequently married.

(2) The Secretary of State shall issue regulations to provide for the application of paragraph (1) of this subsection and of section 4063 of this title in any case in which an annuitant has a former spouse who was married to the participant at any time during a period of recall service and who qualifies for an annuity under this part.

(j) Recomputation upon dissolution of marriage; election after remarriage

An annuity which is reduced under this section or any similar prior provision of law to provide a survivor benefit for a spouse shall, if the marriage of the participant to such spouse is dissolved, be recomputed and paid for each full month during which an annuitant is not married (or is remarried if there is no election in effect under the following sentence) as if the annuity had not been so reduced, subject to any reduction required to provide a survivor benefit under section 4054(b) or (c) of this title. Upon remarriage the retired participant may irrevocably elect, by means of a signed writing received by the Secretary within one year after such remarriage, to receive during such marriage a reduction in annuity for the purpose of allowing an annuity for the new spouse of the annuitant in the event such spouse survives the annuitant. Such reduction shall be equal to the reduction in effect immediately before the dissolution of the previous marriage (unless such reduction is adjusted under section 4054(b)(5) of this title), and shall be effective the first day of the first month beginning one year after the date of remarriage. A survivor annuity elected under this subsection shall be treated in all respects as a survivor annuity under subsection (b).

(k) Informing of rights by Secretary

The Secretary of State shall, on an annual basis—

(1) inform each participant of his or her right of election under subsections (g) and (j); and

(2) to the maximum extent practicable, inform spouses or former spouses of participants or former participants of their rights under this section and section 4054 of this title.

(l) Repealed. Pub. L. 100–238, title II, §217(c)(1), Jan. 8, 1988, 101 Stat. 1775

(m) Offset of Social Security benefits

The retirement, disability, or survivor annuity payable to any person based on the service of an individual subject to section 4045(h) of this title beginning with the first day of the month for which such person first becomes—

(1) eligible for an annuity under this part based on the service of such individual, and

(2) entitled, or would, upon proper application, be entitled to old age, disability, or survivor benefits under title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.], based on the service of such individual under this part,

shall be computed as if section 8349 of title 5 were applicable.

(n) 18-month period to elect survivor annuity

(1)(A) A participant—

(i) who, at the time of retirement, is married; and

(ii) who elects at such time (in accordance with subsection (b)) to waive a survivor annuity,

may, during the 18-month period beginning on the date of the retirement of such participant, elect to have a reduction under subsection (b) made in the annuity of the participant (or in such portion thereof as the participant may designate) in order to provide a survivor annuity for the spouse of such participant.

(B) A participant—

(i) who, at the time of retirement, is married, and

(ii) who at such time designates (in accordance with subsection (b)) that a limited portion of the annuity of such participant is to be used as the base for a survivor annuity,

may, during the 18-month period beginning on the date of the retirement of such participant, elect to have a greater portion of the annuity of such participant so used.

(2)(A) An election under subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not be considered effective unless the amount specified in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph is deposited into the Fund before the expiration of the applicable 18-month period under paragraph (1).

(B) The amount to be deposited with respect to an election under this subsection is an amount equal to the sum of—

(i) the additional cost to the System which is associated with providing a survivor annuity under subsection (b) of this section and results from such election taking into account (I) the difference (for the period between the date on which the annuity of the former participant commences and the date of the election) between the amount paid to such former participant under this part and the amount which would have been paid if such election had been made at the time the participant or former participant applied for the annuity, and (II) the costs associated with providing the later election; and

(ii) interest on the additional cost determined under clause (i)(I) of this subparagraph computed using the interest rate specified or determined under section 4045(d)(3) of this title for the calendar year in which the amount to be deposited is determined.

(3) An election by a participant under this subsection voids prospectively any election previously made in the case of such participant under subsection (b).

(4) An annuity which is reduced in connection with an election under this subsection shall be reduced by the same percentage reductions as were in effect at the time of the retirement of the participant whose annuity is so reduced.

(5) Rights and obligations resulting from the election of a reduced annuity under this subsection shall be the same as the rights and obligations which would have resulted had the participant involved elected such annuity at the time of retiring.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §806, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2106; Pub. L. 99–335, title IV, §§402(a)(2), (3), 406, 407, June 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 609–611; Pub. L. 99–556, title IV, §402, Oct. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 3136; Pub. L. 100–238, title II, §§213, 214(a), 217(c)(1), Jan. 8, 1988, 101 Stat. 1774, 1775; Pub. L. 101–513, title V, §587(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 2055; Pub. L. 102–499, §4(d), Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3266; Pub. L. 105–382, §2(d)(1)–(3)(A), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3407, 3408; Pub. L. 107–228, div. A, title III, §322(a)(1), Sept. 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 1383; Pub. L. 112–96, title V, §5001(c)(2)(E), Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 200; Pub. L. 117–225, §3(d), Dec. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 2297.)

Applicability of Amendment

For provisions relating to delayed applicability of amendment by Pub. L. 117–225, see Effective Date of 2022 Amendment note set out under section 8336 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Amendment of Section

Section 1(b) and (c) of Ex. Ord. No. 12446, Oct. 17, 1983, 48 F.R. 48443, set out as a note under section 4067 of this title, provided that subsection (a) of this section, applicable (i) to contributions for civilian service performed on or after the first day of Nov. 1983, (ii) to contributions for prior refunds to participants for which application is received by the employing agency on and after such first day of Nov. 1983, and (iii) to excess contributions under section 4055(h) of this title and voluntary contributions under section 4065(a) of this title from the first day of Nov. 1983, is deemed to be amended to exclude from the computation of creditable civilian service under section 4056(a) of this title any period of civilian service for which retirement deductions or contributions have not been made under section 4045(d) of this title unless—

(1) the participant makes a contribution for such period as provided in such section 4045(d) of this title; or

(2) no contribution is required for such service as provided under section 4045(f) of this title as deemed to be amended by this Order, or under any other statute.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (m)(2), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Title II of the Social Security Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§401 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (a)(6)(D). Pub. L. 117–225 added subpar. (D).

2012—Subsec. (a)(2)(B), (3). Pub. L. 112–96 substituted "section 8415(e)" for "section 8415(d)".

2002—Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 107–228 added par. (9).

1998—Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 105–382, §2(d)(1), added par. (6). Former par. (6) redesignated (7).

Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 105–382, §2(d)(2)(B), added par. (7). Former par. (7) redesignated (8).

Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 105–382, §2(d)(2)(A), (3)(A), redesignated par. (7) as (8) and substituted "(4), and (6)" for "and (4)".

1992—Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 102–499 substituted "section 5545(c)(2)" for "section 5545(a)(2)".

1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–513 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added pars. (2) to (6).

1988—Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 100–238, §213(a), substituted "24-month" for "12-month".

Subsec. (c)(1), (2). Pub. L. 100–238, §214(a)(1), inserted "or a former spouse who is the natural or adoptive parent of a surviving child of the annuitant" after "survived by a spouse".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–238, §214(a)(2), amended first sentence generally. Prior to amendment, first sentence read as follows: "If a surviving spouse dies or the annuity of a child is terminated, the annuities of any remaining children shall be recomputed and paid as though such spouse or child had not survived the participant."

Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 100–238, §213(b), substituted "this part" for "section 4054(b) of this title".

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 100–238, §217(c)(1), struck out subsec. (l) which set minimum rates for annuities paid under this part.

1986—Subsecs. (b)(3)(C), (h). Pub. L. 99–335, §402(a)(3), inserted "under this part" after "payable from the Fund".

Subsec. (l)(1), (2). Pub. L. 99–335, §402(a)(2), substituted "part" for "subchapter".

Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 99–556, §402, amended subsec. (m) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (m) read as follows: "The annuity or survivor annuity payable to any individual subject to section 4045(h) of this title beginning with the first month for which such individual both—

"(1) attains the minimum age for old-age benefits under title II of the Social Security Act, and

"(2) first becomes entitled, or would upon proper application become entitled, for disability or survivor benefits under title II of the Social Security Act based on the service of any individual under this part,

shall be computed as if section 8349 of title 5 were applicable."

Pub. L. 99–335, §406, added subsec. (m).

Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 99–335, §407, added subsec. (n).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–225 effective Dec. 9, 2022, and applicable to an individual who suffers an illness or injury described in certain Code provisions on or after the date that is 2 years after Dec. 9, 2022, see section 3(f) of Pub. L. 117–225, set out as a note under section 8336 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–228, div. A, title III, §322(c)(1), Sept. 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 1385, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a)(1) [amending this section] and (b)(1) [amending section 4071d of this title] shall apply to service performed on or after the first day of the first pay period beginning on or after the date that is 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 2002]."

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–382 effective Nov. 13, 1998, with provisions relating to applicability with respect to certain individuals, see section 4 of Pub. L. 105–382, as amended, set out as a note under section 4044 of this title.

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–238 effective 90 days after Jan. 8, 1988, see section 261(a) of Pub. L. 100–238, set out as a note under section 4054 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendments

Pub. L. 99–556, title IV, §408, Oct. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 3139, provided that: "This title and the amendments made by this title [enacting section 4069 of this title and amending this section and sections 4064, 4071c, 4071d, and 4071j of this title] shall take effect on January 1, 1987. The amendment made by section 403 [amending section 4064 of this title] shall apply to any individual in a reemployed status on or after January 1, 1987."

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–335 effective Jan. 1, 1987, see section 702(a) of Pub. L. 99–335, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8401 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Pub. L. 99–335, title IV, §417, June 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 622, provided that:

"(a) Regulations.—Notwithstanding section 702 of this Act [5 U.S.C. 8401 note], the authority of the Secretary of State to issue regulations under subchapter II of title 8 [probably means subchapter II of chapter 8 of title I] of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 [part II of this subchapter] shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act [June 6, 1986].

"(b) 18-Month Period to Elect Survivor Annuity.—(1) Notwithstanding section 702 of this Act, the amendment made by section 407 [enacting subsec. (n) of this section] shall take effect 3 months after the date of enactment of this Act.

"(2)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the amendment made by section 407 shall apply with respect to participants and former participants who retire before, on, or after such amendment first takes effect.

"(B) For the purpose of applying the provisions of paragraph (1) of section 806(n) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (as added by section 407) to former participants who retire before the date on which the amendment first takes effect—

"(i) the period referred to in subparagraph (A) or (B) of such paragraph (as the case may be) shall be considered to begin on the date on which such amendment first becomes effective; and

"(ii) the amount referred to in paragraph (2) of such section 806(n) shall be computed without regard to the provisions of subparagraph (B)(ii) of such paragraph (relating to interest).

"(3) For purposes of this subsection, the term 'participant' has the meaning given that term in section 803 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4043)."

Regulations

For provisions relating to promulgation of regulations to carry out the amendments made by Pub. L. 117–225, see section 3(e) of Pub. L. 117–225, set out as a note under section 8336 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Election To Provide Survivor Annuity for Certain Spouses Acquired before Effective Date of Foreign Service Act of 1980

Pub. L. 100–238, title II, §203, Jan. 8, 1988, 101 Stat. 1769, provided that:

"(a) Election.—A former participant who married his or her current spouse before the effective date of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 [see Effective Date note set out under section 3901 of this title] and who married such spouse after retirement under the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System and who was unable to provide a survivor annuity for such spouse because—

"(1) the participant was married at the time of retirement and elected not to provide a survivor annuity for that spouse at the time of retirement, or

"(2) subject to subsection (e), the participant failed to notify the Secretary of State of the participant's post-retirement marriage within one year after the marriage,

may make the election described in subsection (b).

"(b) Election Described.—

"(1) The election referred to in subsection (a) is an election in writing—

"(A) to provide for a survivor annuity for such spouse under section 806(g) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4046(g));

"(B) to have his or her annuity reduced under section 806(b)(2) of such Act; and

"(C) to deposit in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund an amount determined by the Secretary of State, as nearly as may be administratively feasible, to reflect the amount by which such participant's annuity would have been reduced had the election been continuously in effect since the annuity commenced, plus interest computed under paragraph (2).

"(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1), the annual rate of interest shall be 6 percent for each year during which the annuity would have been reduced if the election had been in effect on and after the date the annuity commenced.

"(c) Offset.—If the participant does not make the deposit referred to in subsection (b)(1)(C), the Secretary of State shall collect such amount by offset against such participant's annuity, up to a maximum of 25 percent of the net annuity otherwise payable to such participant. Such participant is deemed to consent to such offset.

"(d) Notice.—The Secretary of State shall provide for notice to the general public of the right to make an election under this section.

"(e) Proof of Attempted Election.—In any case in which subsection (a)(2) applies, the retired employee or Member shall provide the Secretary of State with such documentation as the Secretary of State shall decide is appropriate, to show that such participant attempted to elect a reduced annuity with survivor benefit for his or her current spouse and that such election was rejected by the Secretary of State because it was untimely filed.

"(f) Deposit.—A deposit required by this subsection may be made by the surviving spouse of the participant.

"(g) Limitation.—The election authorized in subsection (a) may only be made within one year after the date of enactment of this title [Jan. 8, 1988] in accordance with procedures prescribed by the Secretary of State.

"(h) Definitions.—For the purposes of this section, the terms 'participant' and 'surviving spouse' have the same meaning given such terms in subchapter I of chapter 8 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 [this part]."

¹ See Amendment of Section note below.

§4047. Payment of annuity

(a) Commencement of annuity

(1) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2), the annuity of a participant who has met the eligibility requirements for an annuity shall commence on the first day of the month after—

(A) separation from the Service occurs; or

(B) pay ceases and the service and age requirements for entitlement to annuity are met.

(2) The annuity of—

(A) a participant who is retired and is eligible for benefits under section 4009(a) of this title or a participant who is retired under section 4053 of this title or is otherwise involuntarily separated from the Service, except by removal for cause on charges of misconduct or delinquency,

(B) a participant retiring under section 4048 of this title due to a disability, and

(C) a participant who serves 3 days or less in the month of retirement—

shall commence on the day after separation from the Service or the day after pay ceases and the requirements for entitlement to annuity are met.

(b) Survivor's annuity; application; proof of eligibility; payment to estate

The annuity to a survivor shall become effective as otherwise specified but shall not be paid until the survivor submits an application for such annuity, supported by such proof of eligibility as the Secretary of State may require. If such application or proof of eligibility is not submitted during the lifetime of an otherwise eligible individual, no annuity shall be due or payable to his or her estate.

(c) Waiver

An individual entitled to annuity from the Fund may decline to accept all or any part of the annuity by submitting a signed waiver to the Secretary of State. The waiver may be revoked in writing at any time. Payment of the annuity waived may not be made for the period during which the waiver was in effect.

(d) Recovery of overpayment

Recovery of overpayments under this part may not be made from an individual when, in the judgment of the Secretary of State, the individual is without fault and recovery would be against equity and good conscience or administratively infeasible.

(e) Alternate forms of annuities

(1) The Secretary of State shall prescribe regulations under which any participant who has a life-threatening affliction or other critical medical condition may, at the time of retiring under this part (other than under section 4048 of this title), elect annuity benefits under this section instead of any other benefits under this part (including survivor benefits) based on the service of the participant.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary of State shall by regulation provide for such alternative forms of annuities as the Secretary considers appropriate, except that among the alternatives offered shall be—

(A) an alternative which provides for—

(i) payment of the lump-sum credit (excluding interest) to the participant; and

(ii) payment of an annuity to the participant for life; and

(B) in the case of a participant who is married at the time of retirement, an alternative which provides for—

(i) payment of the lump-sum credit (excluding interest) to the participant; and

(ii) payment of an annuity to the participant for life, with a survivor annuity payable for the life of a surviving spouse.

(3) Each alternative provided for under paragraph (2) shall, to the extent practicable, be designed such that the total value of the benefits provided under such alternative (including any lump-sum credit) is actuarially equivalent to the value of the annuity which would otherwise be provided the participant under this part, as computed under section 4046(a) of this title.

(4) A participant who, at the time of retiring under this part—

(A) is married, shall be ineligible to make an election under this section unless a waiver is made under section 4046(b)(1)(B) of this title; or

(B) has a former spouse, shall be ineligible to make an election under this section if the former spouse is entitled to benefits under this part (based on the service of the participant) unless a waiver has been made under section 4046(b)(1)(C) of this title.

(5) A participant who is married at the time of retiring under this part and who makes an election under this section may, during the 18-month period beginning on the date of retirement, make the election provided for under section 4046(n) of this title, subject to the deposit requirement thereunder.

(6) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any lump-sum credit provided pursuant to an election under this subsection shall not preclude an individual from receiving any other benefits under this subsection.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §807, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2109; Ex. Ord. No. 12446, §3(a), Oct. 17, 1983, 48 F.R. 48443; Pub. L. 99–335, title IV, §§402(a)(2), 408, June 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 609, 612; Pub. L. 103–66, title XI, §11002(b), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 409.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1993—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 103–66 substituted "any participant who has a life-threatening affliction or other critical medical condition" for "a participant".

1986—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–335, §402(a)(2), substituted "part" for "subchapter".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 99–335, §408, added subsec. (e).

1983—Subsec. (a). Ex. Ord. No. 12446 amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "Except as otherwise provided, the annuity of a former participant who has met the eligibility requirements for an annuity shall commence on the day after separation from the Service or on the day after pay ceases. The annuity of a former participant who is entitled to a deferred annuity under this chapter shall become effective on the day he or she attains age 60."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1993 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–66 effective Oct. 1, 1994, and applicable with respect to any annuity commencing on or after that date, see section 11002(d) of Pub. L. 103–66, set out as a note under section 8343a of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–335 effective Jan. 1, 1987, see section 702(a) of Pub. L. 99–335, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8401 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Ex. Ord. No. 12446 effective 30 days after Oct. 17, 1983, see section 3(b) of Ex. Ord. No. 12446, set out under section 4067 of this title.

§4048. Retirement for disability or incapacity

(a) Causes; service credit

Any participant who has at least 5 years of service credit toward retirement under the System (excluding military and naval service) and who becomes totally disabled or incapacitated for useful and efficient service by reason of disease, illness, or injury (not due to vicious habits, intemperance, or willful conduct of the participant) shall, upon his or her own application or upon order of the Secretary, be retired on an annuity computed as prescribed in section 4046 of this title. If the disabled or incapacitated participant has less than 20 years of service credit toward retirement under the System at the time of retirement, his or her annuity shall be computed on the assumption that the participant has had 20 years of service, except that the additional service credit that may accrue to a participant under this sentence shall in no case exceed the difference between his or her age at the time of retirement and age 60.

However, if a participant retiring under this section is receiving retired pay or retainer pay for military service (except that specified in section 8332(c)(1) or (2) of title 5) or Department of Veterans Affairs pension or compensation in lieu of such retired or retainer pay, the annuity of that participant shall be computed under this part excluding extra credit authorized by this subsection and excluding credit for military service from that computation. If the amount of the annuity so computed, plus the retired or retainer pay which is received, or which would be received but for the application of the limitation in section 5532 ¹ of title 5 or the Department of Veterans Affairs pension or compensation in lieu of such retired pay or retainer pay, is less than the annuity that would be payable under this part in the absence of the previous sentence, an amount equal to the difference shall be added to the annuity computed under this part.

(b) Physical examination; reinstatement or reappointment upon recovery; fees and expenses; duration and suspension of annuity

Before being retired under this section, the participant shall be given a physical examination by one or more duly qualified physicians or surgeons designated by the Secretary of State to conduct examinations. Disability or incapacity shall be determined by the Secretary of State on the basis of the advice of such physicians or surgeons. Unless the disability or incapacity is permanent, like examinations shall be made annually until the annuitant has attained age 60. If the Secretary of State determines on the basis of the advice of one or more duly qualified physicians or surgeons conducting such examinations that an annuitant has recovered to the extent that he or she can return to duty, the annuitant may apply for reinstatement or reappointment in the Service within 1 year from the date recovery is determined. Upon application, the Secretary shall reinstate such recovered annuitant in the class in which the annuitant was serving at time of retirement, or the Secretary may, taking into consideration the age, qualifications, and experience of such annuitant, and the present class of his or her contemporaries in the Service, appoint or recommend that the President appoint the annuitant to a higher class. Payment of the annuity shall continue until a date 6 months after the date of the examination showing recovery or until the date of reinstatement or reappointment in the Service, whichever is earlier. Fees for examinations under this section, together with reasonable traveling and other expenses incurred in order to submit to examination, shall be paid out of the Fund. If the annuitant fails to submit to examination as required under this subsection, payment of the annuity shall be suspended until continuance of the disability or incapacity is satisfactorily established.

(c) Benefits upon discontinuance of annuity

If a recovered annuitant whose annuity is discontinued is for any reason not reinstated or reappointed in the Service, he or she shall be considered to have been separated within the meaning of section 4050 of this title as of the date of retirement for disability or incapacity and shall, after the discontinuance of the annuity, be entitled to the benefits of that section or of section 4055 of this title, except that he or she may elect voluntary retirement if eligible under section 4051 of this title.

(d) Election of benefits; concurrent benefits allowed

No participant shall be entitled to receive an annuity under this part and compensation for injury or disability to himself or herself under subchapter I of chapter 81 of title 5, covering the same period of time, except that a participant may simultaneously receive both an annuity under this section and scheduled disability payments under section 8107 of title 5. This subsection shall not bar the right of any claimant to the greater benefit conferred by either this part or subchapter I of such chapter 8 ² for any part of the same period of time. Neither this subsection nor any provision of subchapter I of such chapter 8 ² shall be construed to deny the right of any participant to receive an annuity under this part and to receive concurrently any payment under subchapter I of such chapter 8 ² by reason of the death of any other individual.

(e) Lump sum disability payments

Notwithstanding any other law, the right of any individual entitled to an annuity under this part shall not be affected because such person has received an award of compensation in a lump sum under section 8135 of title 5, except that where such annuity is payable on account of the same disability for which compensation under such section has been paid, so much of such compensation as has been paid for any period extended beyond the date such annuity becomes effective, as determined by the Secretary of Labor, shall be refunded to the Department of Labor, to be paid into the Federal Employees' Compensation Fund. Before such individual receives such annuity, he or she shall—

(1) refund to the Department of Labor the amount representing such commuted payments for such extended period, or

(2) authorize the deduction of such amount from the annuity payable under this part, which amount shall be transmitted to the Department of Labor for reimbursement to such Fund.

Deductions from such annuity may be made from accrued and accruing payments, or may be prorated against and paid from accruing payments in such manner as the Secretary of Labor shall determine, whenever the Secretary of Labor finds that the financial circumstances of the annuitant warrant deferred refunding.

(f) Time of filing application; waiver

A claim may be allowed under this section only if the application is filed with the Secretary of State before the participant is separated from the Service or within one year thereafter. This time limitation may be waived by the Secretary of State for a participant who at the date of separation from the Service or within one year thereafter is mentally incompetent, if the application is filed with the Secretary of State within one year from the date of restoration of the participant to competency or the appointment of a fiduciary, whichever is earlier.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §808, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2110; Ex. Ord. No. 12289, §2, Feb. 14, 1981, 46 F.R. 12693; Pub. L. 99–335, title IV, §402(a)(2), (b), June 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 609; Pub. L. 100–238, title II, §215(a), Jan. 8, 1988, 101 Stat. 1774; Pub. L. 102–54, §13(h)(2), June 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 275.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 5532 of title 5, referred to in subsec. (a), was repealed by Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VI, §651(a)(1), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 664.

Amendments

1991—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–54 substituted "Department of Veterans Affairs" for "Veterans' Administration" in two places in second par.

1988—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 100–238 substituted "60" for "65".

1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–335, §402(a)(2), substituted "part" for "subchapter" in three places.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–335, §402(b)(1), substituted "subchapter I of such chapter 8" for "such subchapter" in three places and "part" for "chapter" in three places.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 99–335, §402(b)(2), substituted "part" for "chapter" in two places.

1981—Subsec. (a). Ex. Ord. No. 12289 added second par. relating to computation of annuity for participant retiring under this section and receiving retired or retainer pay.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–238 effective 90 days after Jan. 8, 1988, see section 261(a) of Pub. L. 100–238, set out as a note under section 4054 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–335 effective Jan. 1, 1987, see section 702(a) of Pub. L. 99–335, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8401 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Ex. Ord. No. 12289 effective Feb. 15, 1981, see section 3 of Ex. Ord. No. 12289, set out under section 4067 of this title.

¹ See References in Text note below.

² So in original. Probably should be chapter "81".

§4049. Death in service

(a) Lump-sum credit

If a participant dies and no claim for annuity is payable under this part, the lump-sum credit shall be paid in accordance with section 4055 of this title.

(b) Surviving spouse

If a participant who has at least 18 months of civilian service credit toward retirement under the System dies before retirement or other separation from the Service and is survived by a spouse or former spouse qualifying for an annuity under section 4054(b) of this title, such surviving spouse shall be entitled to an annuity equal to 55 percent of the annuity computed in accordance with subsections (e) and (g) of this section and section 4046(a) of this title and any surviving former spouse shall be entitled to an annuity under section 4054(b) of this title as if the participant died after being entitled to an annuity under this part. If the participant had less than 3 years creditable civilian service at the time of death, the survivor annuity shall be computed on the basis of the average salary for the entire period of such service.

(c) Surviving spouse or former spouse, and children

If a participant who has at least 18 months of civilian service credit toward retirement under the System dies before retirement or other separation from the Service and is survived by a spouse or a former spouse who is the natural or adoptive parent of a surviving child of the annuitant, and a child or children, each surviving child shall be entitled to an annuity computed in accordance with subsections (c)(1) and (d) of section 4046 of this title.

(d) Surviving children

If a participant who has at least 18 months of civilian service credit toward retirement under the System dies before retirement or other separation from the Service and is not survived by a spouse, or a former spouse who is the natural or adoptive parent of a surviving child of the annuitant, but by a child or children, each surviving child shall be entitled to an annuity computed in accordance with subsections (c)(2) and (d) of section 4046 of this title.

(e) Service credit; presumption of qualification

If, at the time of his or her death, the participant had less than 20 years of service credit toward retirement under the System, the annuity payable in accordance with subsection (b) shall be computed in accordance with section 4046 of this title on the assumption he or she has had 20 years of service, except that the additional service credit that may accrue to a deceased participant under this subsection shall in no case exceed the difference between his or her age on the date of death and age 60. In all cases arising under this subsection or subsection (b), (c), (d), or (g), it shall be assumed that the deceased participant was qualified for retirement on the date of death.

(f) Recall service

If an annuitant entitled to a reduced annuity dies in service after being recalled under section 3948 of this title and is survived by a spouse or former spouse entitled to a survivor annuity based on the service of such annuitant, such survivor annuity shall be computed as if the recall service had otherwise terminated on the day of death and the annuity of the deceased had been resumed in accordance with section 4063 of this title. If such death occurs after the annuitant had completed sufficient recall service to attain eligibility for a supplemental annuity, a surviving spouse or surviving former spouse who was married to the participant at any time during a period of recall service shall be entitled to elect, in addition to any other benefits and in lieu of a refund of retirement contributions made during the recall service, a supplemental survivor annuity computed and paid under section 4046(i) of this title as if the recall service had otherwise terminated. If the annuitant had completed sufficient recall service to attain eligibility to have his or her annuity determined anew, a surviving spouse or such a surviving former spouse may elect, in lieu of any other survivor benefit under this subchapter, to have the rights of the annuitant redetermined and to receive a survivor annuity computed under subsection (b) on the basis of the total service of the annuitant.

(g) Limitation on surviving spouse's annuity

Notwithstanding subsection (b), if the participant or former participant had a former spouse qualifying for an annuity under section 4054(b) of this title, the annuity of the spouse under this section shall be subject to the limitation of section 4046(b)(3)(B) of this title.

(h) Commencement, termination, and resumption of annuities

Annuities that become payable under this section shall commence, terminate, and be resumed in accordance with subsection (b)(4), (e), or (h) of section 4046 of this title, as appropriate.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §809, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2111; Pub. L. 99–335, title IV, §402(a)(2), (c), June 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 609; Pub. L. 100–238, title II, §§214(b), 215(b), Jan. 8, 1988, 101 Stat. 1774.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1988—Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 100–238, §214(b), inserted "or a former spouse who is the natural or adoptive parent of a surviving child of the annuitant," after "spouse".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–238, §215(b), substituted "60" for "65".

1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–335, §402(c), substituted "part" for "chapter".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–335, §402(a)(2), substituted "part" for "subchapter".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–238 effective 90 days after Jan. 8, 1988, see section 261(a) of Pub. L. 100–238, set out as a note under section 4054 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–335 effective Jan. 1, 1987, see section 702(a) of Pub. L. 99–335, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8401 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§4050. Discontinued service retirement

Any participant who voluntarily separates from the Service after obtaining at least 5 years of service credit toward retirement under the System (excluding military and naval service) may upon separation from the Service or at any time prior to becoming eligible for an annuity elect to have his or her contributions to the Fund returned in accordance with section 4055 of this title, or to leave his or her contributions in the Fund and receive an annuity, computed under section 4046 of this title, commencing at age 60.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §810, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2112.)

§4051. Voluntary retirement

Any participant who is at least 50 years of age and has 20 years of creditable service, including at least 5 years of service credit toward retirement under the System (excluding military and naval service), may on his or her own application and with the consent of the Secretary be retired from the Service and receive retirement benefits in accordance with section 4046 of this title. The Secretary shall withhold consent for retirement under this section by any participant who has not been a member of the Service for 5 years. Any participant who voluntarily separates from the Service before completing 5 years in the System and who, on the date of separation, would be eligible for an annuity, based on a voluntary separation, under section 8336 or 8338 of title 5, if the participant had been covered under the Civil Service Retirement System rather than subject to this subchapter while a member of the Service, may receive an annuity under section 8336 or 8338, notwithstanding section 8333(b) of title 5, if all contributions transferred to the Fund under section 4045(c)(1) of this title, as well as all contributions withheld from the participant's pay or contributed by the employer, and deposited into the Fund during the period he or she was subject to this subchapter, including interest on these amounts, are transferred to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund effective on the date the participant separates from the Service.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §811, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2112; Pub. L. 100–238, title II, §216, Jan. 8, 1988, 101 Stat. 1774.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1988—Pub. L. 100–238 inserted last two sentences relating to withholding consent to retirement and to certain participants who voluntarily separate from the Service before completing 5 years in the System.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–238 effective 90 days after Jan. 8, 1988, see section 261(a) of Pub. L. 100–238, set out as a note under section 4054 of this title.

§4052. Mandatory retirement

(a)(1) Except as provided in subsection (b), any participant shall be retired from the Service at the end of the month in which the participant has reached age 65 and has at least 5 years of service credit toward retirement under the System (excluding military and naval service), and shall receive retirement benefits in accordance with section 4046 of this title.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1)—

(A) an individual described in section 4(a)(2) of the Department of State Special Agents Retirement Act of 1998 who is otherwise eligible for immediate retirement under this subchapter; or

(B) a Foreign Service criminal investigator/inspector of the Office of Inspector General of the Agency for International Development who would have been eligible for retirement pursuant to either section 8336(c) or 8412(d)(1) of title 5, as applicable, had the employee remained in civil service,

shall be separated from the Service on the last day of the month in which such individual under subparagraph (A) or such Foreign Service criminal investigator/inspector under subparagraph (B) attains 57 years of age or completes 20 years of service if then over that age. If the head of the agency judges that the public interest so requires, that agency head may exempt such an employee from automatic separation under this subsection until that employee attains 60 years of age. The employing office shall notify the employee in writing of the date of separation at least 60 days before that date. Action to separate the employee is not effective without the consent of the employee, until the last day of the month in which the 60-day notice expires.

(b)(1) Any participant who is otherwise required to retire under subsection (a) while occupying a position to which he or she was appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, may continue to serve until that appointment is terminated.

(2) Whenever the Secretary determines it to be in the public interest, any participant who is otherwise required to retire under subsection (a) may be retained on active service for a period not to exceed 5 years.

(3) Any participant who completes a period of service authorized by this subsection shall be retired at the end of the month in which such authorized service is completed.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §812, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2113; Pub. L. 101–513, title V, §587(b), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 2056; Pub. L. 102–499, §4(c), Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3265; Pub. L. 105–382, §3, Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3408; Pub. L. 117–225, §3(b)(2)(B)(ii), Dec. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 2296.)

Applicability of Amendment

For provisions relating to delayed applicability of amendment by Pub. L. 117–225, see Effective Date of 2022 Amendment note set out under section 8336 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 4(a)(2) of the Department of State Special Agents Retirement Act of 1998, referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(A), is section 4(a)(2) of Pub. L. 105–382, which is set out as a note under section 4044 of this title.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 117–225, which directed amendment of title VIII of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 by inserting "(1)" after "or 8412(d)" in subsec. (a)(2)(B) of this section, was executed as if the amendment had been directed to chapter 8 of title I of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

1998—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 105–382 amended first sentence generally. Prior to amendment, first sentence read as follows: "Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a Foreign Service criminal investigator/inspector of the Office of Inspector General of the Agency for International Development who would have been eligible for retirement pursuant to either section 8336(c) or 8412(d) of title 5, as applicable, had the employee remained in civil service, shall be separated from the Service on the last day of the month in which that Foreign Service criminal investigator/inspector attains 57 years of age or completes 20 years of service if then over that age."

1992—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 102–499 substituted "57" for "55".

1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–513 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–225 effective Dec. 9, 2022, and applicable to an individual who suffers an illness or injury described in certain Code provisions on or after the date that is 2 years after Dec. 9, 2022, see section 3(f) of Pub. L. 117–225, set out as a note under section 8336 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–382 effective Nov. 13, 1998, with provisions relating to applicability with respect to certain individuals, see section 4 of Pub. L.