Foreign Service Modernization Act
Introduced Jun 2, 2026 by Rep. Michael Lawler
The House passed it. The Senate has to pass it before it can reach the President.
This bill requires or authorizes certain actions related to U.S. Foreign Service (FS) management and operations, including an increased focus on expeditionary diplomacy (a concept that emphasizes diplomats conducting direct diplomacy in high-risk environments outside of the embassy), expanded hiring pathways, and additional training requirements.
For example, the bill requires the Department of State to establish
a team to develop a plan to improve the capability and willingness of FS members and leaders to engage in expeditionary diplomacy;
a program to recruit qualified veterans and separating military personnel into the FS, including by integrating FS recruitment into military transition programs; and
Read the full summary on Congress.govSummary by the Congressional Research Service.
No recorded roll-call vote on this bill — it may have passed by voice vote or unanimous consent, which don't record individual votes.
- Sep 17, 2026Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- Sep 16, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Sep 16, 2026On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5913-5922)
- Sep 16, 2026Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- Sep 16, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 9086.
- Sep 16, 2026Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5913-5924)
- Sep 16, 2026Mr. Lawler moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- Jun 2, 2026Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Jun 2, 2026Introduced in House